TOKYO - Typhoon No. 7's impact on Japan's transport network continued to ease on June 28, with major airports and Shinkansen services operating largely as normal, although disruptions remained on several JR conventional lines in eastern Japan and road problems continued in areas affected by heavy rain and landslides.
The late-morning transport picture was markedly improved from the previous day, when the storm and associated heavy rain disrupted flights, airport access, rail services and expressways across parts of eastern and central Japan. However, operators continued to urge travelers to check the latest information before departure, warning that localized weather damage and poor visibility could still cause cancellations, delays or sudden service changes.
Japan Airlines removed Haneda, Narita, Itami, Kansai and other major Kanto, Tokai and Kinki airports from its list of airports at risk of typhoon-related disruption for June 28, signaling a major improvement in domestic flight operations. The airline said only flights to and from Rishiri, Kushiro and Akita may be affected by poor visibility on June 28.
JAL continued to advise passengers to confirm the latest departure and arrival information before heading to the airport. The airline's weather-related ticket handling remains available for eligible flights, allowing passengers whose travel is affected by bad weather to change reservations or receive refunds without the usual handling fees.
Haneda Airport's Typhoon No. 7 notice remained active, warning that some flights to and from the airport could still be delayed or canceled and that operating hours at some airport shops and facilities could change depending on conditions. Airport officials urged passengers to check directly with airlines for the latest flight status.
Shinkansen services also showed signs of stabilization. JR Central said there were no changes from its previously announced Typhoon No. 7 operating plan for the Tokaido Shinkansen. No large-scale planned suspension was in place, although the company continued to warn that heavy rain or strong winds could result in delays, destination changes, temporary suspensions or cancellations if conditions deteriorate.
JR West's Sanyo Shinkansen information showed services operating on schedule. No Typhoon No. 7-related suspension was announced for the line as of the latest update.
The main remaining rail disruption was concentrated on JR East's conventional network, especially coastal and rural lines in Chiba Prefecture that were affected by heavy rain, strong winds and typhoon damage.
On the Kururi Line, services remained suspended between Kururi and Kazusa-Kameyama because of typhoon damage. JR East said trains on that section would not operate on June 28 and that no substitute transport was available.
The Sotobo Line continued to face disruption, with some trains canceled between Chiba and Kazusa-Ichinomiya and services suspended on sections farther south toward Awa-Kamogawa. The line runs along Chiba Prefecture's Pacific coast, an area exposed to heavy rain and strong winds during the storm.
The Uchibo Line also continued to see partial cancellations, including services between Chiba and Kimitsu, while disruption remained on the southern section toward Awa-Kamogawa. JR East advised passengers using coastal routes in Chiba to check service information before traveling.
Narita Line services, which had been affected during the height of the storm, had largely recovered compared with earlier disruption. Access to Narita Airport improved after earlier suspensions and cancellations were eased, although passengers were still advised to allow extra time and check train and flight status before departure.
Major Tokyo-area commuter routes were operating more normally than during the previous day's disruption. JR East showed normal operation on key lines including the Keihin-Tohoku, Yokosuka and Nambu lines, while earlier concerns about broad disruption across the capital's rail network had eased.
The Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo overnight limited express trains departing from their starting stations on June 27 were canceled in both directions for their full routes because of the typhoon's impact, adding to disruption for long-distance passengers traveling between Tokyo and western Japan.
Road operators continued to urge drivers to check traffic information before setting out. Heavy rain associated with Typhoon No. 7 increased the risk of expressway closures, traffic restrictions and sudden changes in road conditions, especially in areas where slopes had loosened or landslides had occurred.
Sections of the Ken-O Expressway in Chiba Prefecture remained affected after landslides were reported on June 27. Authorities warned that additional restrictions could be imposed depending on weather and road conditions.
The storm's transport impact peaked on June 27, when heavy rain and strong winds disrupted parts of the Tokaido Line, JR East's Chiba-area network, airport access routes and expressways. Some planned all-day rail suspensions were later eased as conditions improved, while major Tokyo lines returned to normal operation by evening.
Although the overall situation had improved by June 28, transport operators said travelers should continue monitoring official updates. Rail and airline schedules can recover quickly after a typhoon passes, but damage on local lines, poor visibility at regional airports and landslide risks on roads can continue to affect travel even after the main storm system weakens or moves away.
Haneda Airport: Notice on Typhoon No. 7 Flight Cancellations
Nagoya TV / ANN: ANA and JAL Flight Cancellation Figures
JR Central: Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Operation Information
JR Central: Tokaido Shinkansen Operation Updates
JR West: Sanyo Shinkansen / JR West Main Notice Page
JR West: Shinkansen Operation Updates
JR Central: Conventional Line Operation Information / Current Media Update
JR West / MBS: Sanyo Shinkansen Heavy Rain Warning
NEXCO Central Japan: Road and Expressway Notices
Expressway Impact Information Site
Source: TBS
