A mountain-route design
The Hokuriku route combines steep gradients with power-frequency changes. Kawasaki treats traction, braking and dual-frequency equipment as linked route requirements.
Shinkansen
W7 · Hokuriku
Look closer
Can I tell from the silhouette alone?
車体外観
E7 and W7 share their exterior design. Look for the operator or a readable vehicle number before choosing between them.
JR西日本 · E7系・W7系Sister design to E7. Check the operator or set marking.
Technical profile
W7 · W formation; JR West representative data, 2025
JR West publishes its W7 specification separately from JR East’s E7. The representative train mass is tied to the 2025 source; individual sets and later alterations require their own records.
| Formation · cars / M / T | 12 cars |
|---|---|
| Train mass | 542.1 t · representative train |
| Speed | 260 km/h |
M = powered car; T = unpowered car. Figures describe one set.
Evidence · 2026-11-07
- データで見るJR西日本2025 · 車両 · JR西日本 · 2025 · W7系（W編成） vehicle entry
Inside the engineering
W7 · joint E7/W7 engineering account, 2016
| Traction-unit organisation | Five units: 3 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 3 cars |
|---|---|
| Gradient capability | Traction and braking designed for 30‰ gradients |
| Power-frequency compatibility | 50 and 60 Hz equipment |
Technical sources and page references
- 北陸新幹線用 E7系／W7系新幹線電車
川崎重工技報 第177号 · 2016-05 · pp.30–31; §1 and §2(2)–(5)
Seating
For a seat with both a window and direct aisle access, choose the single-seat side of GranClass. The official chart numbers six rows and shows which seat stands alone.
| GranClass | Car 12 | 1 + 2 |
|---|
Seat plans and sources · JR東日本 · GranClass
Sources and updates
Checked 2026-11-07