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.
hi Takeshi San,
Would you know if you would know whether the yufuin no mori train from Hakata station go directly to Yufuin station or have they never stopped at yufuin at all and from bungomori go straight to beppu? At the moment, I see yufuin no mori stops at Bungomori station and from there, one has to take the jr kyudai line bus to yufuin, is that right?
Secondly, I am looking at a 26 day trip to Japan, with my last leg terminating in tokyo. May I know if the 14 day jr pass would be the most efficient for me, since a jr pass may not be used for all trains in tokyo.
18 nov touch down Fukuoka
20 nov Yufuin day trip
21 nov hakata to Hiroshima
22 nov Miyajima day trip
25 nov Hiroshima to Kyoto
26,27 nov Nara and Inari day trip
28 nov Kyoto to Osaka
29, 30 nov kobe day trip
3 dec Osaka to Hakone
5 Dec Hakone to tokyo (odaiba 3 nights/maihama/ shinjuku 5nights)
Look forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much
Hi Jan san,
Kyudai Line will be restored by the spring, 2021. So you will be able to get to Yufuin directly from Hakata.
JR Pass is not suitable because you cannot get your money worth. You may use Sanyo San’in Northern Kyushu Pass for 20th Nov to 26th Nov. Please see the link below:
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/ssnk/
You can go to Nara on 26th because the fare is higher than the trip to Inari.
I think regular fare is okay for other than Hakone. You can buy Hakone Free Pass when you get to Odawara:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi good day I want to ask if it’s possible to be working the status of Nagoya to Nagano limited express because the status is on changed due to construction how long it takes to do is there a problem because of the weather lately that’s why the status has been changed to construction instead of working? Thanks
Hi Rose,
According to JR Cemtral, the trains operation on this segment will resume sometimes in early evening on 8th July.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
I was just wondering if you could recommend the best rail pass for 4 adults travelling to Japan from March 21st to April 1st 2020.
21st – 25th March – Tokyo
25th – Tokyo to Kyoto
26th-27th – Kyoto
28th – Kyoto to Nara
29th – Kyoto
30th – Kyoto to Osaka
31st – Osaka
1st April – Osaka to Osaka Kansai International Airport
Look forward to hear from you.
Best wishes,
Sandra
Hi Sandra san,
JR Pass is only deal which covers whole part of your trip but unfortunately you cannot get the worth of it. You have to use a local deal, such as subway pass in each cities and regular fare ticket for city to city. I have a sample itinerary which almost same as your trip plan. Please see the link below. You can find how you manage this trip:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/basic-itinerary-of-tokyo-kyoto-and-osaka-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
It is me again. I need your opinions as well as suggestions.
I will be travelling to Japan in December.
My route is:
2 to 5 Dec – Hiroshima and Miyajima
5 to 8 Dec – Kyoto
8 to 16 Dec – Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Himeji
I want to use JR pass but I wonder whether there is another pass that is possible for me to use other than the JR pass.
Please assist me.
Thank you
Zara
Hi Zara,
JR pass is too expensive and you cannot get the worth of it by this trip plan.
Kansai Hiroshima area pass is recommended as I mentioned you previously. For other part of your trip, you can use other deal, such as Kansai thru pass, Kansai area pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
You also can use subway pass and/or bus pass in Osaka and Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Seeking your advice on which Hokuriku pass should I get for my itinerary below.
Would Hokuriku Arch Pass be suitable or should I combine Tokyo Wide Pass with Hokuriku Area Pass and buy single trip tickets for routes not covered in these passes?
Thank you for your kind advice.
Nov 15 : Day 1 – Arrive in Haneda Airport. Travel to Takasaki
Day 2 – Day trip to Karuizawa
Day 3 – Takasaki to Toyama
Day 4 – Day trip to Takaoka
Day 5 – Toyama to Kanazawa to Awara Onsen
Day 6 – Awara Onsen to Osaka. Staying in Namba area.
Day 7 – F&E in Osaka
Day 8 – F&E in Osaka
Day 9 – Nankai line to Kansai Airport.
Regards
Zan
Hi Zan san,
Hokuriku Arch Pass is the best choice. If you use Tokyo Wide Pass and Hokuriku Area Pass, Saku-Daira to Joetsumyoko is not in the coverage area of these passes. But you have to go to Toyama because Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass is not sold at Joetsumyoko. Total cost is much higher than Hokuriku Arch Pass. So use Hokuriku Arch Pass for day 1 to 7. You may add a local deal in Osaka:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi-san,
Thank you for the quick reply.
Have a nice day.
Regards
Zan
No worries, Zan san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I will be visiting Japan from 21 December – 2 January (14 days) and will be visiting the following places:
Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Takayama (including Shirakawago), Nagano, Fuji and back to Tokyo to catch my flight. I have gone through all the JR passes available but not able to decide on the best JR plan.
Would appreciate if you could advise on the best possible JR pass.
Thank you so much!
Hi Khorli san,
JR pass is only choice for your trip. There is no other passes to cover your trip.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
If you can make Tokyo-Kyoto-Nagoya-Takayama-Nagoya-Tokyo in 7 days period, you can use 7-day JR pass. You can visit Fuji as day trip from Tokyo. Even if you stay overnight there, you can make Tokyo-Fuji-Tokyo trip separately from Tokyo-Kyoto-Nagoya-Takayama-Nagoya-Tokyo. You don’t need JR pass to make the trip to Fuji anyway. You don’t need to include Fuji in 7 days period. Please see the link below to find the info about the trip to Fuji.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-fuji-area-various-sample-itineraries-of-fuji-five-lakes-and-5th-station.html
For staying in Tokyo, there are many deals which include airport transfer + subway ticket:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/haneda/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
Otherwise you may use 14-day JR pass. Roughly your total cost is almost equal or slghtly lower than 14-day pass cost.
At last, you will travel in busy period. Please see the link below and try to avoid the travel in the busiest days:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/2019-busiest-period-to-travel-by-train-tips-to-book-your-seat-in-even-during-the-busy-period.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I would like to know whether can i use the Kansai Hokurikui pass for Ltd Exp Super Hakuto from Sannomiya – Kyoto?
the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Shin Osaka route is not valid for this pass,how about the Ltd Express train within the pass area,is there any limitation?can i use this pass to access Tottori? as i read conflicting info online that confused me.
Appreciate your kind advice.
Thank you.
Hi Felicia san,
You can take Super Hakuto. Only Shinkansen between Maibara, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka is not covered in the coverage area. Other limited express trains on the conventional line are covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear, Takeshi san
Please advise how to buy a JR East Pass, Tohoku area. My planned itinerary is to start from Tokyo and visit Aomori, Sendai, Yamagata, Morioka and Akita.My travel date is planned for March 2020. Please let me know if (1) this Pass is available for sale in Japan (since my local JBT only sells National Pass, and (2) my itinerary is correct for the Regional Pass. Thank you again for your assistance
Hi Rose san,
You may use JR East Pass Tohoku. You can buy it in Japan or online. Please find more info in the link below:
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass_t/index.html?src=gnavi
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
May I know which train pass should I buy for travel within Tokyo and nearby cities like Kamakura, Chiba, Yokohama, Hakone. I am coming from Narita Airport.
Thanks,
JL
Hi Janice san,
Greater Tokyo Pass is most recommended.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/greater-tokyo-pass-offers-unlimited-ride-of-tokyo-subway-and-major-non-jr-lines-in-tokyo-and-surrounding-area.html
But Hakone is outside the coverage area. You have two choices. You can get Odawara by Greater Tokyo Pass. You can add Hakone Free Pass there. Greater Tokyo Pass is valid for only 3 days. So you can use this pass for other than Hakone and you can add Hakone Free Pass at Shinjuku.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi
I’m planning a trip that starts with the Kakunodate fire/snow festival next February. From there I’ll catch trains to Hirosaki that include the Resort Shirakami. Can I just show my Japan Rail Pass to board that train, or is it s reserved-seat-only service? If it is, do you think it is likely to book out in the middle of winter (it will be Valentine’s Day, actually)?
Hi David,
You must book a seat to take both Akita Shinkansen from Kakunodate to Akita and Resort Shirakami from Akita to Hirosaki. You can show your JR Pass at the reservation window at any major JR station. You can receive a reserved seat ticket at free of charge. JR pass covers reserved seat fee but you must receive a ticket in advance.
Usually Resort Shirakami is not busy in winter time. But this train runs along the coastline. When the weather is severe, this train will be suspended. You have to take inland route.
You also can book a seat online. The ticket is sold on the day of one month prior to travel day. You have to put your credit card info but it won’t be charged. If you don’t pick up a ticket, it will be charged. You can show your JR pass and you will receive it at free of charge.
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.4778995.1325107855.1421419524
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com