Heavy downpours lead to cancellation of bullet trains in western Japan, further disruptions anticipated
In Japan, the Obon holidays are a time of increased travel as many people return home to visit family or go on vacation. This year, the holidays are from August 13 to 16, and travelers should expect high crowding on the Shinkansen lines due to the surge in demand.
However, regarding bullet train (Shinkansen) cancellations and disruptions due to heavy rain, there is no current forecast or announcement of cancellations or service interruptions on the Sanyo or Tokaido Shinkansen lines related to rain as of mid-August 2025.
JR West has announced that they expect cancellations and delays from the start of Monday's Sanyo Shinkansen Line services due to continued rainy conditions. Sanyo Shinkansen Line services between Hiroshima and Hakata stations were canceled after 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.
JR Central has also announced that they expect delays and cancellations on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line linking Shin-Osaka and Tokyo Station. Part of the Tokaido Shinkansen Line was suspended for about 25 minutes earlier on Sunday.
The heavy rain is caused by a front of warm, humid air stretching from the Yellow Sea to east of Japan. Linear rainbands, known for causing torrential downpours, have developed in Fukuoka and Oita prefectures in Kyushu, and in Yamaguchi Prefecture in western Japan.
The weather agency has issued a warning for landslides and flooding in Yamaguchi Prefecture and all prefectures in Kyushu. They are also advising residents in these areas to be vigilant of linear rainbands forming into Monday morning.
Bullet train services in western and southwestern Japan have been canceled all day Sunday due to the heavy rain. The disruption in bullet train services continues in these regions.
Travelers are advised to monitor real-time weather and JR service announcements, especially during typhoon season, and have contingency plans in case of sudden weather-related disruptions. Although heavy summer rains in Japan can cause disruptions, early booking and monitoring are recommended for smooth travel during the Obon season.
Regarding the continued heavy rain in Japan, AI weather forecasting predicts potential issues for travelers on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line, as JR West has announced cancellations and delays from Monday onwards. However, the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, another popular route between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo, may also experience delays and cancellations according to JR Central. Despite these challenges, there are currently no weather-related disruptions forecasted for the Sanyo or Tokaido Shinkansen lines related to the Obon holidays in Japan, which take place from August 13 to 16, 2025.
