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300 Series Shinkansen

新幹線300系電車

The 300 Series Shinkansen was a Japanese high-speed train type with a top operational speed of 270 km/h, introduced in 1992 to launch the new premium Nozomi service on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Developed by JR Central as a third-generation vehicle to replace the original 0 series, it was the first Tokaido and San'yo Shinkansen stock built with an aluminium-alloy single-skin body for weight reduction, cutting the body-shell mass from the 9.3 tonnes of the 100 series to 6.8 tonnes, according to figures published by Hitachi.

A JR Central 300 series set between Hamamatsu and Toyohashi on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
A JR Central 300 series set between Hamamatsu and Toyohashi on the Tokaido Shinkansen. — Sui-setz · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

History

It was also notable as the first Shinkansen to use three-phase AC induction traction motors in place of direct-current units, controlled by a GTO-thyristor PWM-converter and VVVF-inverter system, and the first to be fitted with VVVF-controlled regenerative braking; lightweight bolsterless bogies further reduced weight. From March 1993 the type took over hourly through Nozomi services between Tokyo and Hakata, and JR West built nine of its own 300-3000 ("F") sets so that both operators ran the type across the Tokaido and San'yo lines.

As newer 500, 700 and N700 series equipment arrived, the 300 series was progressively demoted to slower Hikari and Kodama duties and removed from regular Nozomi work from December 2001. After a long career the type was completely withdrawn following its final runs in March 2012, ending around twenty years of service. The 300 series was awarded the Laurel Prize in 1993.

Timeline
  • 1992Revenue service begins on 14 March, launching the premium Nozomi service on the Tokaido Shinkansen at a maximum of 270 km/h (first production set J2 delivered February 1992).
  • 1993Hourly through Nozomi services begin between Tokyo and Hakata from the 18 March timetable revision; JR West introduces its 300-3000 ("F") sets; the type is awarded the Laurel Prize.
  • 2001The 300 series is removed from regularly scheduled Nozomi services from December.
  • 2012The last remaining sets are withdrawn following their final runs on 16 March, ending operation alongside the 100 series at the 17 March timetable revision.

Sources

Facts last verified 3 June 2026.

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