This page shows you the long term closed sections by the natural disaster.
The substitute transportation service is sometimes available on the closed section. JR Pass and other JR deals cover these substitute service. But if you intend to take these services, please make sure whether it is available or not, when you exchange a pass.
I keep update the above operation status on twitter and facebook too. Please follow it as your convenience.
Hokkaido
Nemuro line between Higashishikagoe and Shintoku (Hokkaido)
This line has been closed since Typhoon hit this area in August, 2016. The damage is very serious and this line may be closed permanently. Substitute bus service is available. You can take a local train between Furano and Higashishiagoe and substitute bus between Higashishikagoe and Shintoku. This substitute bus does not run very frequently. Please see the timetable in the link below to make sure the timetable.
Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine
Hidaka line between Mukawa and Shizunai (Hokkaido)
The segment between Mukawa and Shizunai is closed due to the landslide by high wind and wave. Substitute bus service on this segment is available.
JR Hokkaido and the town/city mayors have reached the tentative agreement. This line is expected to be closed and will be replaced by a local bus service near future.
Kanto and Tohoku areas
Tadami line between Aizu-Kawaguchi and Tadami (Fukushima, Niigata)
This line is closed by the damage due to the heavy rain in 2011 July. This segment will be open by spring 2022.
Chubu area
IIda line between Misakubo and Hiraoka
Due to the heavy rain in early July 2020, a large amount of rock have flowed into this line due to landslides. It will take a while to recover.
Kyushu Area
Kagoshima line between Nagasu and Ueki
Due to the heavy rain in early July 2020, a large amount of rock have flowed into this line due to landslides. It will resume on August 3rd, 2020.
Hitahikosan line between Yoake and Soeda
Hitahikosan line was damaged by the typhoon very seriously in 2018. This line seems to be replaced by a local bus service because of a low demand.
Houhi line between Higo-Otsu and Aso
Aso cannot be accessed by the train only from Kumamoto. It was damaged by the earthquake in 2016.
This line will resume on August 8th, 2020.
Hisatsu line between Yatsushiro and Yoshimatsu
Due to the heavy rain in early July 2020, a large amount of rock have flowed into this line due to landslides. And two bridges were washed away. It will take a while to recover.
The limited express Kawasemi Yamasemi, the limited express Isaburo/Shinpei and SL Hitoyoshi will be suspended until this segment will resume.
Kyudai line between Hita and Mukainoharu
Due to the heavy rain in early July 2020, a large amount of rock have flowed into this line due to landslides. And one bridge was washed away.
The segment between Hita and Bungomori will be open on August 8th.
The limited express Yufu runs between Hakata and Hita only.
The limited express Yufuin no Mori will resume between Hakata and Bungomori on August 8th. The substitute bus service will be available between Bungomori and Yufuin.