[UPDATE, Aug 16, 3.20pm] JR announced that it has resumed services for Sanyo Shinkansen running between Hakata (in Fukuoka) and Shin-Osaka, and Tokaido Shinkansen running between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. However, there could still be some disruptions depending on the rain conditions. More updates on the JR website.
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[UPDATE, Aug 16, 2.30pm] Sanyo Shinkansen has resumed services between Hakata (in Fukuoka) and Shin-Osaka. Tokaido Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka is still suspended. More updates on the JR website.
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[UPDATE, Aug 16, 11.20am] More shinkansen operations have been suspended due to the heavy rainfall in Shizuoka prefecture. As reported by NHK, Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen services from Hakata to Tokyo stations are suspended for the time being, as well as shinkansen running between Tokyo and Nagoya stations. More updates on the JR website.
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[UPDATE, Aug 14] As reported by The Yomiuri Shimbun, all shinkansen operations between Nagoya and Shin-Osaka stations on Tuesday August 15 are cancelled due to the impending typhoon. Additionally, the number of shinkansen trains operating between Tokyo and Nagoya stations will be reduced, with all seats now non-reserved.
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It's not uncommon to see a typhoon roll into Japan around this time of year. Generally, typhoons hit Japan between end-July and late October, bringing heavy winds and prolonged rain storms. If a storm is severe, services like public transport might be suspended, even Japan’s super efficient shinkansen bullet trains are not spared.
Currently, the impending typhoon No. 7 (also known as Typhoon Lan) is developing into a strong force and could impact the island of Honshu over the Obon holidays starting on August 13. As reported by MBS News, JR Tokai has announced that there is a possibility that shinkansen services could be suspended between August 13 to 16, depending on weather conditions.
This affects the popular train route serviced by the Tokaido Shinkansen that runs between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka stations. The report also states that JR Tokai will accept refunds and changes without fees if travellers wish to adjust their travel plans. For updates on the situation, you can check JR Tokai’s website here.
To keep tabs on the impending typhoon, visit the Japan Meteorological Agency website.
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