Editing Shinkansen (section)

=== Maglev (''Chūō Shinkansen'') ===
[[Maglev]] trains have been undertaking test runs on the Yamanashi test track since 1997, running at speeds of over {{convert|500|km/h|abbr=on}}. As a result of this extensive testing, maglev technology is almost ready for public usage.<ref name="maglev">{{cite web |url=http://english.jr-central.co.jp/company/ir/annualreport/_pdf/annualreport2010-05.pdf |title=Promoting the Tokaido Shinkansen Bypass by the Superconducting Maglev system |publisher=english.jr-central.co.jp |access-date=30 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715113749/http://english.jr-central.co.jp/company/ir/annualreport/_pdf/annualreport2010-05.pdf |archive-date=15 July 2011}}</ref> An extension of the test track from {{convert|18.4|to|42.8|km|mi|abbr=on}} was completed in June 2013, enabling extended high-speed running trials to commence in August 2013. This section will be incorporated into the [[Chūō Shinkansen]] which will eventually link Tokyo to Osaka. Construction of the [[Shinagawa, Tokyo|Shinagawa]] to [[Nagoya]] section began in 2014, with 86% of the {{convert|286|km|mi|abbr=on}} route to be in tunnels. Plans were approved in 2017 for the Chūō Shinkansen to begin at [[Tokyo Station]], rather than [[Shinagawa Station]] as initially planned due to difficulties in securing land.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 November 2019 |title=Chūō Shinkansen: Tokyo to Osaka by Maglev |url=https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/chuo-shinkansen-maglev |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog |language=en}}</ref>

JR Central originally aimed to begin commercial service between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027. However, in 2024, Central Japan Railway Co President Shunsuke Niwa said that due to construction delays a 2027 opening was now impossible and it is not expected to open until at least 2034.<ref name="auto1" /><ref name="auto" />

Following the shortest route (through the [[Japanese Alps]]), JR Central estimates that it will take 40 minutes to run from Shinagawa to Nagoya. The planned travel time from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka is 1 hour 7 minutes. The Tokaido Shinkansen {{as of|2010|lc=y}} had a minimum connection time of 2 hours 19 minutes.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 October 2010 |title=Maglev car design unveiled |work=The Japan Times |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/10/28/business/maglev-car-design-unveiled/ |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108044409/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/10/28/business/maglev-car-design-unveiled/ |archive-date=8 January 2019}}</ref>

While the government has granted approval<ref>{{cite news |date=16 December 2010 |title=Most direct line for maglev gets panel OK |work=The Japan Times |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/12/16/business/most-direct-line-for-maglev-gets-panel-ok/ |access-date=16 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108043936/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/12/16/business/most-direct-line-for-maglev-gets-panel-ok/ |archive-date=8 January 2019}}</ref> for the shortest route between Tokyo and Nagoya, some prefectural governments, particularly Nagano, lobbied to have the line routed farther north to serve the city of [[Chino, Nagano|Chino]] and either [[Ina, Nagano|Ina]] or {{STN|Kiso-Fukushima|x}}. However, that would increase both the travel time (from Tokyo to Nagoya) and the cost of construction.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 October 2008 |title=LDP OKs maglev line selections |work=The Japan Times |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2008/10/22/business/ldp-oks-maglev-line-selections/ |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107175042/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2008/10/22/business/ldp-oks-maglev-line-selections/ |archive-date=7 January 2018}}</ref> JR Central has confirmed it will construct the line through [[Kanagawa Prefecture]], and terminate at [[Shinagawa Station]].

The route for the Nagoya to Osaka section is also contested. It is planned to go via [[Nara, Nara|Nara]], about {{convert|40|km|mi||abbr=on}} south of [[Kyoto]]. Kyoto is lobbying to have the route moved north and be largely aligned with the existing [[Tokaido Shinkansen]], which services Kyoto and not Nara.<ref>{{cite news |date=3 May 2012 |title=Economy, prestige at stake in Kyoto-Nara maglev battle |work=The Japan Times |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2012/05/03/national/economy-prestige-at-stake-in-kyoto-nara-maglev-battle/ |access-date=3 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108060652/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2012/05/03/national/economy-prestige-at-stake-in-kyoto-nara-maglev-battle/ |archive-date=8 January 2019}}</ref>