{"id":2852,"date":"2026-10-29T03:06:47","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T03:06:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/?p=2852"},"modified":"2026-11-02T07:49:37","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T07:49:37","slug":"500-series-shinkansen-last-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/500-series-shinkansen-last-run\/","title":{"rendered":"500 Series Shinkansen Last Run: Final Dates, Nozomi Revival &#038; Tours"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"answer-box wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Short answer:<\/strong> The 500 series Shinkansen ends regular service on 13 January 2027 and retires completely in July 2027, final day TBA. Until then you can ride it on listed Kodama runs between Okayama and Hakata for a normal fare, and a revival all-reserved 500 series Nozomi runs between Hakata and Himeji on weekends from 16 January to 28 February 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 500 series Shinkansen last run happens in two steps: JR West ends <strong>regular service on 13 January 2027<\/strong>, then runs the bullet-nosed train on special and temporary services until it <strong>retires in July 2027<\/strong> (exact final day TBA). Until then you can still ride it for the price of a normal Kodama ticket, and from <strong>Saturday 16 January 2027<\/strong> it returns as a <strong>Nozomi<\/strong> for the first time since 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The June 2026 news stories told you it was going. This 500 series Shinkansen last run guide tells you how to actually get on it: the current Kodama times and calendar, the revival Nozomi timetable, the Doctor Yellow and 500 series farewell tours JR West announced on 26 October 2026, the pass maths for a two-day ride, and where to take photos without annoying station staff. One warning up front: JR West says the 500 series may run on other days and the plan can change, so check the live calendar before you set an alarm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"last-checked wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Last checked: 1 November 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block jpj-facts\"><div class=\"wrap\"><div class=\"facts\"><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">13 Jan 2027<\/p><p class=\"label\">Last regular 500 Series run<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">12 days<\/p><p class=\"label\">Revival Nozomi, 16 Jan\u201328 Feb<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">4 Nov 13:00<\/p><p class=\"label\">Doctor Yellow farewell tours on sale<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">Jul 2027<\/p><p class=\"label\">Full retirement (day TBA)<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Regular service ends 13 January 2027 (Confirmed).<\/strong> That&#8217;s also the last scheduled Shin-Osaka to Hakata 500 series Kodama. Full retirement is <strong>July 2027 (Confirmed month, day TBA)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Easiest ride now (Confirmed):<\/strong> Kodama 933 leaves Okayama 06:31 and reaches Hakata 09:12; Kodama 957 leaves Okayama 16:50 and reaches Hakata 19:51; Kodama 948 runs Hakata 09:49 to Okayama 12:55. That trio runs on <strong>22 days in November 2026<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Revival Nozomi (Confirmed):<\/strong> Nozomi 626 (Hakata 12:45 \u2192 Himeji 14:54) on six Saturdays and Nozomi 627 (Himeji 12:09 \u2192 Hakata 14:19) on six Sundays, <strong>16 January to 28 February 2027<\/strong>. All seats reserved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Doctor Yellow T5 tours (Confirmed):<\/strong> four inspection-run cabin tours on 4, 5, 22 and 23 December 2026, on sale via tabiwa from <strong>4 November 2026, 13:00<\/strong>, first come, first served. Prices TBA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cheapest way to ride a lot:<\/strong> a JR West Sanyo-San&#8217;in Area Pass is <strong>\u00a523,000 for 7 days<\/strong> and covers every 500 series run between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. A typical two-day loop costs about \u00a535,500 in single tickets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">500 series Shinkansen retirement 2027 at a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>What<\/th><th>Date \/ detail<\/th><th>Status<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Retirement announced<\/td><td>22 June 2026 (500 series and Doctor Yellow T5)<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hello Kitty Shinkansen (500 series V2)<\/td><td>Final run 17 May 2026<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Last regular 500 series Shin-Osaka \u2192 Hakata Kodama<\/td><td>13 January 2027<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Regular 500 series service ends<\/td><td>13 January 2027<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Revival 500 series Nozomi<\/td><td>16 Jan \u2013 28 Feb 2027, weekends<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Doctor Yellow T5 inspection runs end<\/td><td>January 2027 (final run date kept secret)<\/td><td>Confirmed month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>T5 farewell experience ride<\/td><td>10 January 2027 (lottery)<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>500 series mystery tour<\/td><td>21 and 23 February 2027<\/td><td>Confirmed dates, details early Jan<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>500 series fully retired<\/td><td>July 2027<\/td><td>Confirmed month, day TBA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Final commercial run date<\/td><td>Not announced<\/td><td>TBA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A bit of context for first-timers. The 500 series entered service in March 1997 as a Nozomi between Shin-Osaka and Hakata, and was the first train in Japan to run at 300 km\/h. It lost its Nozomi duties to the N700 series by 2010 and has spent the past 16 years as an 8-car Kodama on the Sanyo Shinkansen. The long, sharp nose was designed to cut tunnel noise, and it&#8217;s still the most photographed Shinkansen in western Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to ride the 500 series Shinkansen now (Kodama timetable)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-v8-hakata-station.jpg\" alt=\"500 series Shinkansen set V8 waiting at a Hakata Station platform\" class=\"wp-image-2844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-v8-hakata-station.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-v8-hakata-station-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-v8-hakata-station-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-v8-hakata-station-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-v8-hakata-station-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-v8-hakata-station-16x12.jpg 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Rick888chen \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer is simple: buy a normal Kodama ticket for a train JR West has listed as a 500 series run. You don&#8217;t need a special ticket, and a standard JR Pass or JR West regional pass covers it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">JR West publishes three daily patterns on its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jr-odekake.net\/navi\/the_last_run\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Last Run special site<\/a>. Only one of them is published as text: the Kodama 933 \/ 957 \/ 948 set below. The other two (Kodama 939\/972 and 947\/940\/970) are shown only as calendar images on that page, so check them there before you plan around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kodama 933, 957 and 948 timetable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Station<\/th><th>Kodama 933 (down)<\/th><th>Kodama 957 (down)<\/th><th>Kodama 948 (up)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Hakata<\/td><td>arr. 09:12<\/td><td>arr. 19:51<\/td><td>dep. 09:49<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kokura<\/td><td>08:56<\/td><td>19:34<\/td><td>10:12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hiroshima<\/td><td>07:38<\/td><td>18:08<\/td><td>11:38<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Okayama<\/td><td>dep. 06:31<\/td><td>dep. 16:50<\/td><td>arr. 12:55<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shin-Osaka and Shin-Kobe aren&#8217;t on these runs. These are the main stops only; Kodama stops at every station on the line, so you can board at smaller stations too. Times are from the JR West plan dated 26 October 2026. Want to see it at Okayama? All three use the station: Kodama 933 leaves at 06:31, 957 at 16:50, and 948 arrives at 12:55.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Operating days, October and November 2026 (Confirmed)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Month<\/th><th>Days the 933 \/ 957 \/ 948 set runs<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>November 2026<\/td><td>1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">December and January calendars weren&#8217;t published at the time of writing. JR West notes that schedules may change with operating conditions and that the 500 series can appear on dates and times not listed. On the day, check <a href=\"https:\/\/trafficinfo.westjr.co.jp\/sanyo.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR West&#8217;s Sanyo Shinkansen live status page<\/a> before heading out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Japan Pro Tip: Sit in car 1 or car 8, the two end cars, if you want to photograph the nose on the platform the second you get off. Expect the weeks before the 500 series Shinkansen last run on 13 January to be busy, so reserve rather than chancing the unreserved cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">500 series Nozomi 2027: the revival timetable and how to book<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1131\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-nozomi-sanyo-shinkansen.jpg\" alt=\"500 series Shinkansen running as a Nozomi on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Okayama and Aioi in 2008\" class=\"wp-image-2845\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-nozomi-sanyo-shinkansen.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-nozomi-sanyo-shinkansen-300x177.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-nozomi-sanyo-shinkansen-1024x603.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-nozomi-sanyo-shinkansen-768x452.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-nozomi-sanyo-shinkansen-1536x905.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-shinkansen-nozomi-sanyo-shinkansen-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Mitsuki-2368 \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Saturday 16 January 2027, JR West runs a temporary all-reserved 500 series <strong>Nozomi<\/strong> between Hakata and Himeji, stopping at Kokura, Hiroshima and Okayama. It&#8217;s the first 500 series Nozomi since the type left Nozomi duty in 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Train<\/th><th>Direction<\/th><th>Dates (2027)<\/th><th>Times<\/th><th>Status<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Nozomi 626<\/td><td>Hakata \u2192 Himeji<\/td><td>Sat 16, 23, 30 Jan; 6, 13, 27 Feb<\/td><td>Hakata 12:45, Kokura 13:01, Hiroshima 13:52, Okayama 14:32, Himeji 14:54<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nozomi 627<\/td><td>Himeji \u2192 Hakata<\/td><td>Sun 17, 24, 31 Jan; 7, 14, 28 Feb<\/td><td>Himeji 12:09, Okayama 12:31, Hiroshima 13:12, Kokura 14:01, Hakata 14:19<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dates after 28 Feb<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>Not announced<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>TBA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to book the 500 series Nozomi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Online:<\/strong> JR West&#8217;s e5489, or its English-language service for overseas visitors, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/global\/en\/ticket\/overview\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR-WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION<\/a>. Reserved seats open one month before travel at 10:00 JST, so seats for 16 January should go on sale on <strong>16 December 2026 at 10:00<\/strong> (Expected, based on JR West&#8217;s standard rule).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In person:<\/strong> any JR ticket office (Midori no Madoguchi) or reserved-seat ticket machine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Not available:<\/strong> Smart EX \/ EX services. If you normally book through the Tokaido-Sanyo app, use JR West instead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pre-sale package:<\/strong> a tabiwa Travel package will let buyers reserve seats before the general sale. JR West says details will follow in <strong>late November 2026<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Japan Pro Tip: Nationwide JR Pass holders need a separate <a href=\"https:\/\/japanrailpass.net\/en\/use\/special-ticket\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nozomi\/Mizuho ticket<\/a> for this train, bought up to one month ahead. It&#8217;s \u00a54,960 for the full Shin-Osaka\u2013Hakata section, so the Himeji\u2013Hakata stretch shouldn&#8217;t cost more. Seats on the opening weekend will vanish fast, so set an alarm for 09:59 JST.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Doctor Yellow last run tour and other farewell tours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">JR West&#8217;s 26 October 2026 release added a final round of farewell tours, all sold through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nta.co.jp\/jrodekakenet\/train\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">tabiwa Travel<\/a>, the tour arm of JR West&#8217;s tabiwa by WESTER. You need a free WESTER membership account, and the site is Japanese-first. None of the new tours have published prices yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/doctor-yellow-inspection-shinkansen-crossing-a-viaduct.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor Yellow inspection shinkansen crossing a viaduct\" class=\"wp-image-4913\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/doctor-yellow-inspection-shinkansen-crossing-a-viaduct.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/doctor-yellow-inspection-shinkansen-crossing-a-viaduct-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/doctor-yellow-inspection-shinkansen-crossing-a-viaduct-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/doctor-yellow-inspection-shinkansen-crossing-a-viaduct-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/doctor-yellow-inspection-shinkansen-crossing-a-viaduct-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/doctor-yellow-inspection-shinkansen-crossing-a-viaduct-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Doctor Yellow, the yellow track-inspection shinkansen. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.photo-ac.com\/main\/detail\/35479404\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">HIROFUD<\/a> \/ photo-AC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Tour<\/th><th>Date<\/th><th>What happens<\/th><th>Sales open<\/th><th>Status<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Thank You Doctor Yellow inspection-run cabin tour, parts 3 and 4<\/td><td>Fri 4 Dec, Tue 22 Dec (Shin-Osaka \u2192 Hakata); Sat 5 Dec, Wed 23 Dec (Hakata \u2192 Shin-Osaka)<\/td><td>Small groups ride T5 and watch live track inspection<\/td><td>4 Nov 2026, 13:00, first come<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>500 series two-train farewell line-up<\/td><td>Mon 7 Dec<\/td><td>Two 500 series sets side by side at Hakata Sogo Sharyosho depot<\/td><td>11 Nov 2026, 14:00, first come<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>V9 last up non-stop run + round trip<\/td><td>Wed 9 Dec<\/td><td>Last non-stop up run of V9 (the GTO-inverter set) plus Hakata\u2013Shin-Osaka round trip<\/td><td>Mid-November 2026, first come (exact day TBA)<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>500 series non-stop charter<\/td><td>Fri 8 Jan 2027<\/td><td>Last non-stop 500 series from Shin-Osaka to Hakata<\/td><td>25 Nov 2026, 13:00<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>T5 farewell experience ride<\/td><td>Sun 10 Jan 2027<\/td><td>Final chance to ride T5 in service<\/td><td>Lottery (tabiwa and JR Central &#8220;Tetsu Oshi!&#8221;); details mid-Nov<\/td><td>Confirmed date<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>500 series Kodama ride plan<\/td><td>Wed 13 Jan 2027<\/td><td>Ride the last regular Shin-Osaka \u2192 Hakata 500 series<\/td><td>9 Dec 2026, 13:00<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Doctor Yellow special event at Hakata depot<\/td><td>11\u201317 Jan 2027<\/td><td>Under consideration<\/td><td>Details early December<\/td><td>Expected<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>500 series mystery tour<\/td><td>Sun 21, Tue 23 Feb 2027<\/td><td>Destination secret<\/td><td>Details early January<\/td><td>Confirmed dates<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dates and sales times may change, JR West says. For scale, an earlier Doctor Yellow inspection-ride tour in July 2026 was <a href=\"https:\/\/soranews24.com\/2026\/06\/24\/japans-yellow-shinkansen-to-be-retired-last-chances-to-ride-it-come-with-eye-popping-prices\/amp\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">reported by SoraNews24<\/a> at \u00a5550,000 for two people. Expect premium pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Japan Pro Tip: First-come farewell tours tend to go fast. Make your account, log in and add a card the day before. If you can&#8217;t read Japanese forms, your browser&#8217;s translate tool handles the tabiwa pages well enough to check out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5 ways to catch the 500 series Shinkansen last run<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Ride a 500 series Kodama (Train ride)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/hakata-station-jr-hakata-city-fukuoka.jpg\" alt=\"500 series Kodama to Hakata: JR Hakata Station building\" class=\"wp-image-1588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/hakata-station-jr-hakata-city-fukuoka.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/hakata-station-jr-hakata-city-fukuoka-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/hakata-station-jr-hakata-city-fukuoka-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/hakata-station-jr-hakata-city-fukuoka-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/hakata-station-jr-hakata-city-fukuoka-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/hakata-station-jr-hakata-city-fukuoka-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">JR Hakata Station, where the evening Kodama 957 rolls in at 19:51. Photo: Pachopi \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lowdown: The cheapest and easiest option. It&#8217;s a regular train, so you just need a Kodama ticket for a listed run. Go before 13 January if you want the classic Shin-Osaka departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where: Sanyo Shinkansen, Okayama\u2013Hiroshima\u2013Kokura\u2013Hakata (plus Shin-Osaka until 13 Jan 2027)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Vibe: Half commuters, half fans with cameras at the platform ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Price: Standard Kodama fare; about \u00a59,100 reserved Hiroshima\u2013Hakata (verify on JR West)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Official Link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jr-odekake.net\/navi\/the_last_run\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR West The Last Run calendar<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Japan Pro Tip: The 06:31 from Okayama is the quietest run. The evening 957 is the photogenic one, arriving at Hakata at 19:51 with the nose lit up under the platform lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Ride the revival 500 series Nozomi (Special train)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/himeji-castle-the-easy-add-on-to-nada-no-kenka-mat.jpg\" alt=\"500 series Nozomi revival to Himeji: Himeji Castle\" class=\"wp-image-2980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/himeji-castle-the-easy-add-on-to-nada-no-kenka-mat.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/himeji-castle-the-easy-add-on-to-nada-no-kenka-mat-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/himeji-castle-the-easy-add-on-to-nada-no-kenka-mat-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/himeji-castle-the-easy-add-on-to-nada-no-kenka-mat-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/himeji-castle-the-easy-add-on-to-nada-no-kenka-mat-1536x1146.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/himeji-castle-the-easy-add-on-to-nada-no-kenka-mat-16x12.jpg 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Himeji Castle is about 20 minutes on foot from the station, so a morning visit fits before Sunday&#8217;s 12:09 Nozomi 627. Photo: Gorgo \/ Wikimedia Commons, public domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lowdown: Twelve weekend runs between Hakata and Himeji, Jan\u2013Feb 2027. All reserved, so no seat, no ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where: Hakata, Kokura, Hiroshima, Okayama, Himeji<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Vibe: Sold-out fan train with a sense of occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Price: Standard Nozomi fare (exact fare not published for this train)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Official Link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/global\/en\/ticket\/overview\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR-WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Japan Pro Tip: Himeji is 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka. Pair Sunday&#8217;s 12:09 departure with a morning at Himeji Castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Book a Doctor Yellow tour (Tour)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1436\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doctor-yellow-t5-923-shinkansen-shin-yamaguchi.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor Yellow T5, JR West's 923 series inspection Shinkansen, passing Shin-Yamaguchi Station\" class=\"wp-image-2846\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doctor-yellow-t5-923-shinkansen-shin-yamaguchi.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doctor-yellow-t5-923-shinkansen-shin-yamaguchi-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doctor-yellow-t5-923-shinkansen-shin-yamaguchi-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doctor-yellow-t5-923-shinkansen-shin-yamaguchi-768x574.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doctor-yellow-t5-923-shinkansen-shin-yamaguchi-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doctor-yellow-t5-923-shinkansen-shin-yamaguchi-16x12.jpg 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: khws4v1 \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lowdown: Doctor Yellow is the bright yellow track-inspection Shinkansen you normally can&#8217;t ride. JR West&#8217;s T5 set ends inspection runs in January 2027 and the final run date won&#8217;t be published. Tours are the only way on board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where: Shin-Osaka and Hakata departures<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Vibe: Bucket-list for train fans, small groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Price: TBA (earlier tours were very expensive)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Official Link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nta.co.jp\/jrodekakenet\/train\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">tabiwa Travel railway tours<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Japan Pro Tip: You can&#8217;t plan to &#8220;spot&#8221; Doctor Yellow on a timetable. JR West doesn&#8217;t publish its runs, so a tour or the depot event is your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Join a 500 series farewell tour (Tour)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lowdown: The 7 December depot line-up and the 9 December and 8 January non-stop runs are the big 500 series Shinkansen last run tours. Non-stop means the train doesn&#8217;t wait for faster trains to pass, so you get a long, fast run instead of a stop-start Kodama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where: Hakata Sogo Sharyosho depot, Shin-Osaka, Hakata<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Vibe: Serious enthusiasts, lots of long lenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Price: TBA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Official Link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/press\/article\/2026\/10\/26\/page_31157.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR West press release, 26 Oct 2026<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Japan Pro Tip: Depot tours meet and finish at the depot, not at a main station. Check the meeting point on the tour page before booking a hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. See a 500 series at Kyoto Railway Museum (Museum)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyoto-railway-museum-500-series-shinkansen-521-1.jpg\" alt=\"500 series Shinkansen car 521-1 on display inside Kyoto Railway Museum\" class=\"wp-image-2847\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyoto-railway-museum-500-series-shinkansen-521-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyoto-railway-museum-500-series-shinkansen-521-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyoto-railway-museum-500-series-shinkansen-521-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyoto-railway-museum-500-series-shinkansen-521-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyoto-railway-museum-500-series-shinkansen-521-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kyoto-railway-museum-500-series-shinkansen-521-1-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: KishujiRapid \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lowdown: Car 521-1, the Hakata-end lead car of a 500 series, is preserved at the museum. Great backup if 500 series Shinkansen last run seats sell out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where: Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station (2-minute walk) or 20 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station&#8217;s central exit<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Vibe: Families, school groups and train nerds of every age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Price: \u00a51,500 adults, \u00a51,300 high school and university students, \u00a5500 junior high and elementary, \u00a5200 children 3+<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Official Link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp\/en\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyoto Railway Museum<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Japan Pro Tip: Open 10:00\u201317:00 (last entry 16:30) and closed on Wednesdays (except public holidays and spring\/summer breaks) and 30 December\u20131 January, so check the calendar before a midweek trip. The third-floor Sky Terrace looks over the Tokaido Shinkansen. Combine it with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/things-to-do-in-kyoto\/\">things to do in Kyoto<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to photograph the 500 series safely<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-last-run-hiroshima-station-kodama.jpg\" alt=\"Where to photograph the 500 series: a Sanyo Shinkansen Kodama at Hiroshima Station\" class=\"wp-image-4626\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-last-run-hiroshima-station-kodama.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-last-run-hiroshima-station-kodama-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-last-run-hiroshima-station-kodama-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-last-run-hiroshima-station-kodama-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-last-run-hiroshima-station-kodama-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/500-series-last-run-hiroshima-station-kodama-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A 700 series Rail Star Kodama at Hiroshima Station: Kodama wait here for faster trains, so a 500 series often sits beside an N700. Photo: Glen Zi \u52a0\u4f96\u5b50 \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rule is simple: platforms only, behind the yellow line, no flash. JR West doesn&#8217;t publish an official photo spot list for the 500 series Shinkansen last run, so these are our tips from riding the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hakata:<\/strong> The terminus. Trains sit at the platform for a few minutes, so you get the nose without rushing. Best for the evening Kodama 957 arrival (19:51).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hiroshima and Okayama:<\/strong> Kodama often wait here for faster trains to pass. That gives you a 500 series and an N700 side by side.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shin-Kobe:<\/strong> The station sits between two tunnels, so trains burst out of the mountain. Only useful when a 500 series is scheduled through Shin-Kobe (until 13 Jan 2027).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don&#8217;t:<\/strong> use a tripod on crowded platforms, stand on benches, block passengers, or go anywhere near the track outside stations. Staff will stop you, and the last weeks will be crowded.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2-day Osaka \u2192 Hiroshima \u2192 Hakata 500 series plan (with pass maths)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This works on any two consecutive operating days, for example <strong>12\u201313 November<\/strong> or <strong>28\u201329 November 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sanyo-shinkansen-platform-sign-at-hiroshima-statio.jpg\" alt=\"Sanyo Shinkansen platform sign at Hiroshima Station\" class=\"wp-image-2952\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sanyo-shinkansen-platform-sign-at-hiroshima-statio.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sanyo-shinkansen-platform-sign-at-hiroshima-statio-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sanyo-shinkansen-platform-sign-at-hiroshima-statio-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sanyo-shinkansen-platform-sign-at-hiroshima-statio-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sanyo-shinkansen-platform-sign-at-hiroshima-statio-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sanyo-shinkansen-platform-sign-at-hiroshima-statio-16x12.jpg 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sanyo Shinkansen platform sign at Hiroshima Station. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Hiroshima_Station_Sign_(Sanyo_Shinkansen).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">\u305d\u3089\u307f\u307f<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day 1:<\/strong> Spend the morning in Osaka, then take any afternoon train from Shin-Osaka to Okayama and change onto <strong>Kodama 957 at 16:50<\/strong>. Get off at Hiroshima at <strong>18:08<\/strong>, check in and eat okonomiyaki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day 2:<\/strong> Board <strong>Kodama 933 at Hiroshima at 07:38<\/strong>, arrive Hakata <strong>09:12<\/strong>. Spend the day eating your way round Hakata with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/fukuoka-food-guide\/\">Fukuoka food guide<\/a>, then ride a Nozomi back to Shin-Osaka (about 2.5 hours).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Single tickets (reserved, normal season)<\/th><th>Approx. fare<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Shin-Osaka \u2192 Hiroshima (Kodama, change at Okayama on one ticket)<\/td><td>about \u00a510,420<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hiroshima \u2192 Hakata (Kodama)<\/td><td>about \u00a59,100<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hakata \u2192 Shin-Osaka (Nozomi)<\/td><td>about \u00a516,020<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>about \u00a535,540<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>JR West Sanyo-San&#8217;in Area Pass (7 days)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>\u00a523,000<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fares are normal-season figures from major fare listings; JR West&#8217;s own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/global\/en\/ticket\/route_search\/?LANG=en\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">route search<\/a> gives the live price. If you leave the station at Okayama to sightsee, you need two separate tickets, which costs a bit more and makes the pass look even better. The pass saves about \u00a512,500 and leaves five days spare for Himeji, Miyajima or Kyoto. The <strong>Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (\u00a517,000, 5 days)<\/strong> stops at Hiroshima, so it won&#8217;t get you to Hakata. A 7-day nationwide JR Pass (\u00a550,000) only makes sense if you&#8217;re also coming from Tokyo; see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/is-jr-pass-worth-it\/\">is the JR Pass worth it<\/a> for the full maths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One more thing: Nozomi and Mizuho reserved-seat prices go up for tickets bought from 1 July 2027. We covered that in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/shinkansen-fare-increase-2027\/\">Shinkansen fare increase 2027<\/a> guide. It won&#8217;t affect a 500 series trip this winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why this is worth a detour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japan is busy with visitors. JNTO counted an estimated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jnto.go.jp\/news\/press\/20261021_monthly.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">3,103,700 international arrivals in September 2026<\/a>, and the Sanyo Shinkansen is one of the main tourist corridors. Most of those visitors ride the newer N700 series without noticing the 500 series Shinkansen last run is coming. A 500 series ride costs the same as any Kodama, and the final 500 series Shinkansen last run is only months away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">500 series Shinkansen last run FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-500-series-s-1\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">When is the 500 series Shinkansen last run?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Regular service ends on 13 January 2027. After that it runs only as special and temporary trains, including the revival Nozomi in January and February 2027, and retires completely in July 2027. JR West hasn&#8217;t announced the final day.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-500-series-s-2\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Can I still ride the 500 series Shinkansen in 2026?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Yes. Buy a normal Kodama ticket for a listed 500 series run. In November 2026 the Kodama 933 \/ 957 \/ 948 set runs on 22 days between Okayama and Hakata. Check JR West&#8217;s The Last Run calendar before you go.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-500-series-s-3\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Is the 500 series Nozomi coming back in 2027?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Yes. Nozomi 626 (Hakata 12:45 \u2192 Himeji 14:54) runs on six Saturdays and Nozomi 627 (Himeji 12:09 \u2192 Hakata 14:19) on six Sundays, 16 January to 28 February 2027. All seats are reserved. Book through JR-WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION or a JR ticket office.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-500-series-s-4\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Does the JR Pass cover the 500 series Shinkansen?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Yes for the Kodama runs, at no extra cost. For the revival Nozomi, nationwide JR Pass holders need a separate Nozomi\/Mizuho ticket. JR West&#8217;s Sanyo-San&#8217;in Area Pass covers the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata in ordinary cars.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-500-series-s-5\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">How can I ride Doctor Yellow before it retires?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Only on a tour. JR West&#8217;s inspection-run cabin tours run on 4, 5, 22 and 23 December 2026 and go on sale on tabiwa from 4 November 2026 at 13:00, first come, first served. The final T5 ride on 10 January 2027 is by lottery.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-500-series-s-6\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Where can I see a 500 series Shinkansen after it retires?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Kyoto Railway Museum displays 500 series car 521-1. Admission is \u00a51,500 for adults and the museum is closed on Wednesdays. JR West hasn&#8217;t said what will happen to the remaining V sets.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-500-series-s-7\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Is the Hello Kitty Shinkansen still running?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>No. The Hello Kitty livery was on 500 series set V2, which retired in May 2026.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/press\/article\/2026\/10\/26\/page_31157.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR West press release on farewell tours and revival Nozomi (26 Oct 2026)<\/a> e <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/press\/article\/2026\/10\/26\/items\/261026_00_press_lastrun.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">PDF<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/press\/article\/2026\/06\/22\/items\/260622_00_press_500kei_dryellow.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR West retirement announcement (22 June 2026, PDF)<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jr-odekake.net\/navi\/the_last_run\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR Odekake Net: The Last Run<\/a> e <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jr-odekake.net\/navi\/the_last_run\/project-500k\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">500 series history<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/global\/en\/ticket\/overview\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR West tickets and online reservation<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/travel-information\/en\/tickets-passes\/jrwest-rail-pass\/sanyo_sanin\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sanyo-San&#8217;in Area Pass<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/global\/en\/ticket\/pass\/kansai_hiroshima\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/japanrailpass.net\/en\/use\/special-ticket\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Rail Pass Nozomi\/Mizuho ticket<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/railway-cultural-property\/pages\/00015.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR West railway cultural property: 500 series 521-1<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp\/en\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyoto Railway Museum<\/a> e <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp\/en\/access\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">access<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jnto.go.jp\/news\/press\/20261021_monthly.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JNTO visitor arrivals, Sept 2026<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/soranews24.com\/2026\/06\/24\/japans-yellow-shinkansen-to-be-retired-last-chances-to-ride-it-come-with-eye-popping-prices\/amp\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">SoraNews24 (24 June 2026)<\/a>; fare listings from <a href=\"https:\/\/jr-shinkansen.net\/articles\/osaka-hakata\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">jr-shinkansen.net<\/a> and tabiris (<a href=\"https:\/\/shinkansen.tabiris.com\/fare20.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">from Shin-Osaka<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/shinkansen.tabiris.com\/fare23.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">from Hakata<\/a>). Last checked: 1 November 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block jpj-cta\">    <div class=\"wrap\">\n      <div class=\"cta\">\n        <div>\n          <h2>Plan it with Japan Pro<\/h2>\n          <p>Japan Pro&#039;s booking platform opens in November 2026: tours, experiences and restaurant reservations across Japan.<\/p>        <\/div>\n        <a class=\"btn btn-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/\">Explore Japan Pro<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block\">    <section class=\"section\">\n      <div class=\"wrap\">\n        <div class=\"section-head\">\n          <div><h2>Read next<\/h2><\/div>\n                    <a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/\">All stories \u2192<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"rail\">\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/how-to-buy-concert-tickets-in-japan\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1-768x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"How to buy concert tickets in Japan: a dome stadium used for big tours\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>How to Buy Concert Tickets in Japan: 2026\u201327 Tourist Guide<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">14 min read<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1-768x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"How to book shinkansen tickets: an E2 shinkansen waiting at the platform\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>How to Book Shinkansen Tickets 2026: Seats, Bags &#038; 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Here are the Kodama times and operating days, the revival Nozomi 626\/627 dates, the Doctor Yellow and 500 series farewell tours, pass maths and safe photo spots.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5126,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jpj_city":"","jpj_station":"","jpj_label":"","jpj_top_pick":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[104,109],"tags":[360,232,822,163,150,292],"class_list":["post-2852","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-japan","category-transport","tag-events-tickets","tag-fukuoka","tag-hiroshima","tag-shinkansen","tag-trains","tag-winter"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2852","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2852"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2852\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4914,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2852\/revisions\/4914"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5126"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2852"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2852"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2852"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}