JR East announced on December 9th that it will begin operating Japan's first dedicated freight Shinkansen train on March 23, 2026. The plan is to transport a maximum of 17.4 tons of cargo per day from the Morioka Shinkansen Train Depot to the Tokyo Shinkansen Train Depot, with plans to expand operations to the Sendai and Niigata areas in the future.
<Image of a Shinkansen train dedicated to freight in operation>
JR East has been offering a large-scale cargo transport service since April 2025, using some passenger compartments on special trains, which allows for the transport of up to approximately 200 boxes every Friday. However, in response to the need for transporting larger quantities of cargo more frequently, they will be converting all cars of one E3 series Shinkansen train into dedicated cargo cars.
<Interior view of the vehicle during modification>
By performing cargo handling within the train depot, contact with passengers can be avoided, and large quantities of cargo can be transported at once while still in their cage trolleys.
In addition, the company will improve work efficiency and implement work style reforms through the introduction of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), and will transport refrigerated goods using temperature control equipment (commercial cooler boxes, etc.) powered by the vehicle's internal power supply.
■Transportation overview
Operating days: Regular weekday service (starting March 23, 2026)
Transportation section: From Morioka Shinkansen Rolling Stock Center to Tokyo Shinkansen Rolling Stock Center
Transportation method: Dedicated freight Shinkansen (1 train set, 7 cars)
Train configuration: Passenger cars 1-10, baggage cars 11-17
Loading capacity: Maximum 17.4t (about 1000 boxes)
*The train is scheduled to depart Morioka Shinkansen Train Depot before noon and arrive at Tokyo Shinkansen Train Depot around 16 PM.
*Registration is scheduled to begin on February 9, 2026.
*Operating days may change due to the operation of special trains, regular vehicle maintenance, etc.
*When in operation, it will be coupled with the E5 series "Yamabiko" train.
*The amount of cargo will vary depending on the packaging and size.
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