As Typhoon No. 7 moves closer to eastern Japan, especially the Kanto region, travelers planning to visit Japan in mid-August might need to reconsider their itineraries. The storm is expected to bring powerful winds and heavy rain, seriously impacting transportation and daily life. This timing is particularly challenging as it coincides with the “Obon” holiday, a period when many Japanese families travel back to their hometowns. With the added threat of the typhoon, transportation is likely to be even more complicated than usual.

Impact of Typhoon No. 7: Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and Disrupted Travel

Image Source: Typhoon No. 7’s Predicted Path and Current Location (2024) – Weather News (As of August 15, 2024, 5:00 PM)

Typhoon No. 7 is currently moving toward eastern Japan with considerable strength. Forecasts indicate that it will be closest to the Kanto region on Friday, August 16. This typhoon is expected to bring not only strong winds but could also see coastal areas experiencing wind speeds of up to 45 meters per second. Such force is enough to topple large trucks on the road and potentially pose a danger to buildings and pedestrians.

In addition to the high winds, the active rain clouds near the typhoon’s center will bring intense rainfall, particularly in coastal areas, which are likely to see extremely heavy precipitation. The Kanto region, including Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures, is expected to bear the brunt of the storm.

For travelers, it’s not just about disrupted travel plans but also the possibility of cancellations or delays. For your safety, it’s best to avoid going out and to keep a close watch on the typhoon’s progress and official safety advisories.

Traveler Tips: How to Handle Typhoon Weather

Given the severity of the weather, those planning to travel during this period should take special precautions. First, stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and transportation information, particularly regarding the Shinkansen and other major rail systems. This typhoon is expected to impact Shinkansen operations, including routes between major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Additionally, if you’re planning to drive, be especially cautious. Highways may temporarily close due to strong winds and heavy rain, and driving conditions could become extremely hazardous.
Given the situation, it’s advisable for travelers to remain flexible with their plans, avoiding areas that will be hit hardest by the storm. If possible, consider postponing or changing your travel schedule until the weather improves. Even if you’re already traveling within Japan, try to minimize unnecessary outdoor activities, particularly when the weather turns severe. Stay indoors where it’s safe.

Shinkansen and Local Rail Services Severely Impacted

As the typhoon approaches, Japan’s rail system, including Shinkansen and local lines, is often severely affected. In regions most impacted by the storm, train cancellations or delays are common. Therefore, whether you’re planning to travel across regions by Shinkansen or rely on local trains around Tokyo, be sure to check the latest train schedules in advance.

【Shinkansen】JR Central: Tokyo to Nagoya Shinkansen Suspended, Limited Service Between Nagoya and Osaka

Due to Typhoon No. 7, JR Central announced yesterday that the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Nagoya will be completely suspended on Friday, August 16. Meanwhile, the section between Nagoya and Osaka will see Nozomi and Hikari services suspended, with only about two round-trip Kodama trains per hour (all non-reserved seating) operating as temporary measures.
More about the Kodama trains

Additionally, all through-service trains between the Tokaido Shinkansen and Sanyo Shinkansen will be canceled, and the following temporary trains will be added on Thursday, August 15:

• Nozomi 446: Departs from Shin-Osaka at 18:09, bound for Tokyo
• Nozomi 407: Departs from Tokyo at 15:18, bound for Shin-Osaka
• Nozomi 421: Departs from Tokyo at 16:18, bound for Shin-Osaka
• Nozomi 441: Departs from Tokyo at 17:51, bound for Shin-Osaka
• Nozomi 455: Departs from Tokyo at 18:54, bound for Shin-Osaka
• Nozomi 465: Departs from Tokyo at 19:42, bound for Shin-Osaka

*All seats are reserved.
JR Central Official Website: Train Operation Information

【Shinkansen】JR East: Partial Shinkansen Services Suspended

Due to Typhoon No. 7, some Shinkansen services in the Kanto region (Tohoku, Joetsu, and Yamagata Shinkansen) will be suspended on Friday, August 16. Although the Akita and Hokuriku Shinkansen will continue to operate, there may be significant delays or temporary suspensions. Limited express trains, such as the Odoriko, Narita Express, and Joban Line limited express, will also be suspended.

JR East advises passengers to check the latest information via the JR East official website, the JR East app, or their official X platform.

Tokyo Area Subways, Local Lines, and Private Railways Operation Status

Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Planned Suspension

Due to Typhoon No. 7, the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line is expected to suspend service on the above-ground section between Toyocho Station and Nishi-Funabashi Station from midday to evening on Friday, August 16.

Additionally, services between Nakano Station and Toyocho Station will be reduced, with train intervals extended to around 5 to 10 minutes.

Tokyo Metro advises passengers to check the service updates and allow extra travel time.

Partial Suspension of JR East’s Local Lines in Chiba Prefecture

All-day suspension on August 16:

• Uchibo Line: Tateyama to Awa-Kamogawa
• Kururi Line: Kisarazu to Kazusa-Kameyama

Gradual suspension from 8:00 AM on August 16:

• Sobu Main Line: Chiba to Choshi
• Narita Line: Chiba to Narita Airport, Choshi, Narita to Abiko
• Sotobo Line: Chiba to Awa-Kamogawa
• Uchibo Line: Chiba to Tateyama
• Togane Line: Oami to Narutou
• Kashima Line: Sawara to Kashima-Jingu

Additionally, limited express trains on the Sobu Main Line, Sotobo Line, and Uchibo Line will be suspended all day on August 16, as will the Narita Express, except during the early morning hours.

JR East’s local trains within Tokyo (Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Chuo Line, etc.) will operate as conditions permit, but significant delays or temporary suspensions are likely.

No Planned Suspension for Tokyu and Odakyu

Tokyu and Odakyu Railways previously considered planned suspensions on some of their lines but have decided to continue operations while carefully monitoring the weather. Depending on the situation, some lines may experience temporary suspensions or delays.

Passengers are encouraged to check the latest information via their respective official websites:

• Tokyu Corporation
• Odakyu Electric Railway