Is there a cafe car on the Shinkansen?

Say Goodbye to Shinkansen Dining Cars: A Relic of a More Luxurious Rail Era

For those dreaming of a leisurely meal overlooking the Japanese countryside while speeding along on a Shinkansen, the reality might be a little disappointing. While the image of a dedicated dining car evokes a sense of classic rail travel, such a feature is largely absent on today’s bullet trains. Instead, you’re more likely to encounter the familiar chime of a cart rolling down the aisle, offering a more limited selection of snacks and drinks. However, the Shinkansen did have a brief flirtation with dedicated dining, offering a glimpse of a more glamorous era of high-speed rail.

The story revolves around the early Series 100 Shinkansen trains, introduced in 1985. These trains, now retired, featured a unique configuration: a split-level car designated for dining. Passengers could ascend to the upper level and enjoy a full-service restaurant experience, a far cry from the pre-packaged bento boxes and onigiri offered today. Imagine enjoying a freshly prepared meal, perhaps even with a glass of sake, as the landscape whizzed by below. This luxurious amenity set the Series 100 apart, offering a unique experience unavailable on other Shinkansen lines.

Sadly, this golden age of Shinkansen dining was short-lived. As time marched on, the dedicated dining cars were phased out. The reasons for their disappearance likely involve a combination of factors, including operational efficiency and changing passenger preferences. Maintaining a full kitchen and dining staff onboard added complexity and cost, while the faster journey times on newer Shinkansen lines may have reduced the demand for full meals. The rise in popularity of ekiben (station bento boxes), allowing passengers to customize their meals before boarding, also likely contributed to the decline of the dining car.

So, while the distinctive double-decker dining car of the Series 100 is now a nostalgic memory, it serves as a reminder of a time when Shinkansen travel offered a touch more elegance and indulgence. Today’s passengers, while enjoying the speed and efficiency of modern bullet trains, might just spare a thought for the bygone era of the Shinkansen dining car, a fleeting symbol of a more luxurious rail journey.