Kyushu Shinkansen to Fully Reopen on September 18

Aug 28, 2026 | News On Japan

Kumamoto - JR Kyushu plans to restore full service on the Kyushu Shinkansen from the first train on September 18, nearly two months after the Kumamoto earthquake caused extensive damage to tracks and stations and forced the suspension of services on part of the line.

The announcement came on August 28, one month after the earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture.

JR Kyushu President Yoji Furumiya said the company had established a timetable for restoring the remaining closed section. "Regarding the Kyushu Shinkansen, we are announcing plans to resume operations from the first train on Friday, September 18," Furumiya said.

The earthquake caused major damage to railway tracks, stations and other infrastructure along the Kyushu Shinkansen.

Repairs have progressed gradually, but services remain suspended between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata. JR Kyushu said accelerated restoration work has now made it possible to target September 18 for the reopening of the entire route.

The conventional Kagoshima Main Line also remains closed between Uto and Yatsushiro, with JR Kyushu aiming to restore service on that section in mid-October.

Replacement buses are currently operating over the suspended section. JR Kyushu plans to increase the number of buses from September because the Kumamoto-Yatsushiro corridor normally carries large numbers of passengers, particularly during the morning rush, and demand is expected to rise further as high school classes resume.

Source: TBS

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