Image Credits: The New York Times
With the approach of Typhoon No. 10, Japan is bracing for substantial disruptions to its transportation network. On August 27, JR companies issued warnings about potential cancellations and suspensions affecting Shinkansen services from August 28 through August 31. Travelers are advised to stay alert to possible changes in their travel plans.
The Tokaido Shinkansen, operated by JR Central, is expected to face service suspensions on August 30 and 31. While no cancellations are scheduled for August 28 and 29, or September 1, passengers are urged to remain vigilant as the situation may evolve based on the typhoon’s path.
JR West has indicated potential service suspensions on the Sanyo Shinkansen from August 29 to 31. Initially, disruptions were anticipated from August 29 to 30, but the forecast has been extended by one day due to changes in the typhoon’s trajectory.
On the Kyushu Shinkansen, JR Kyushu will suspend some services between Kumamoto and Kagoshima starting August 28. Specifically, upbound trains will operate until 8:14 PM on August 28, and downbound trains will cease after 7:43 PM. On August 29, services will be suspended from the first train, with additional disruptions possible on other sections.
The aviation sector is also preparing for significant impacts. Japan Airlines plans to cancel 82 flights on August 28, primarily affecting routes to and from Kagoshima Airport and its surrounding islands. Additionally, six international flights connecting Kansai and Chubu Centrair airports with Shanghai and Bangkok will be canceled, affecting approximately 427 passengers.
All Nippon Airways has announced the cancellation of 80 flights between August 28 and August 30, including routes serving Miyazaki and Kagoshima, impacting around 5,100 travelers. Other carriers such as Skymark Airlines, Starflyer, and Spring Japan have also indicated potential disruptions to their services.
Expressways across Japan are likely to face widespread closures and traffic restrictions. NEXCO Central Japan has warned of possible road closures starting early August 28, particularly on the Tomei and Shin-Tomei expressways in Shizuoka Prefecture. NEXCO West Japan and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism anticipate potential closures in Fukui Prefecture and the Kinki region from August 27 to 31, the Chugoku region on August 29 and 30, and the Kyushu region during the same period.
As Typhoon No. 10 approaches, authorities urge the public to check real-time updates on transportation websites and consider altering their travel plans to mitigate the impact of the storm.