Japan’s Superconducting Maglev train breaks world speed record at 603 km/h

Autumn 2025. We – Sam and Danny, Michel and Wille, and Timothy – are travelling to Japan for a quite classic tour of the Land of the Rising Sun. We are flying separately as we used miles. On the planning: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Shirakawa, Osaka and Expo 2025, Hiroshima, Himeji, Miyajima, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, Hakone and back to Tokyo. Three weeks plus some extra days.

Japan has once again cemented its position at the forefront of high-speed rail with its latest superconducting maglev (SCMAGLEV) train, which has achieved an extraordinary 603 km/h, setting a new world record for rail travel.

This speed surpasses that of most aeroplanes during take-off and confirms the train as the fastest rail vehicle ever built, signalling a remarkable leap forward in rail engineering and technology.

The record-breaking performance is made possible by the maglev’s superconducting magnetic levitation system, which allows the train to float silently above its guideway.

By eliminating wheel-to-track friction, energy losses are drastically reduced, enabling unprecedented speeds while providing passengers with an exceptionally smooth, near-weightless ride that feels closer to gliding through the air than conventional rail travel. The system’s frictionless motion also reduces noise and minimises environmental impact on surrounding communities.

While speed is the headline, passenger comfort has not been sacrificed. The latest L0 Series train, which achieved the record, features fixed, non-reclining seats angled at 15 degrees, offering generous legroom and ample luggage storage. The cabin layout is optimised for short, high-speed journeys, demonstrating that comfort, efficiency, and extreme performance can coexist.

The M10 prototype, unveiled earlier this year, already reflected these design principles, combining an open, streamlined interior with ergonomically arranged seating, and the commercial version will follow once final certification is completed.

Chūō Shinkansen

The Chūō Shinkansen, the official name of the line, is the product of decades of development. Plans for a maglev route in Japan date back to the 1970s, with early research led by the former Japanese National Railways and Japan Airlines.

Extensive testing on the Yamanashi test track has refined the technology, culminating in the L0 Series trains capable of shattering previous speed records. Government approval for construction of the Tokyo–Nagoya segment was granted in 2011, and physical work began in 2014.

Originally intended to open in 2027, delays have pushed the projected launch to 2034, with the eventual extension to Osaka expected by 2037. Around 90% of the Tokyo–Nagoya route will be constructed underground or in tunnels to minimise environmental impact, and the project is estimated to cost over ¥9 trillion (roughly US$ 64 billion or €55 billion).

603 km/h

The maglev’s extraordinary speed, reaching 603 km/h, represents the culmination of decades of engineering excellence. Superconducting magnets lift and propel the train without wheels, eliminating friction and allowing for energy-efficient, ultra-fast travel.

The combination of lightweight design, aerodynamics, and precise weight distribution contributes to this achievement, which surpasses even the speeds of most commercial jets during take-off. For passengers, this means a quiet, remarkably stable, and efficient journey that dramatically reduces travel times between major cities.

Despite construction and logistical challenges, JR Central remains committed to launching commercial operations between Tokyo and Nagoya, offering a 40-minute journey over 286 kilometres.

Once fully operational, the line will eventually extend to Osaka, forming one of the world’s most advanced intercity transport networks. Every aspect of the project, from cabin design to propulsion systems, reflects a careful balance between record-breaking speed, passenger comfort, and environmental sustainability.

Japan’s maglev achievement is not only a technological triumph but also a continuation of the country’s legacy of high-speed rail innovation.

Since the introduction of the shinkansen bullet trains in 1964, Japan has consistently set global standards for fast, safe, and efficient rail travel. While China now operates the largest high-speed rail network in the world, running trains at 300–350 km/h, Japan’s 603 km/h maglev demonstrates that the country continues to lead the world in pioneering new frontiers of rail engineering, transforming what once seemed like science fiction into everyday reality.