Train Delays Guide
Complete guide to train delays in Japan — common causes, how to check status, delay certificates, and backup plans.
Quick links
Japanese trains are famous for punctuality — but when they stop, they STOP. Typhoons, earthquakes, signal failures, and the occasional “passenger injury” can halt entire networks. The good news: the system is designed to recover fast, and there are backup plans for everything. Here’s how to handle it.
Best for: Anyone in Japan during typhoon season (June–October), or anyone who wants to be prepared for the unexpected.
Why trains suddenly stop
Common Causes of Disruption
| Cause | Frequency | Duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 人身事故 (jinshin jiko) — “Personal injury” | Almost daily (somewhere) | 30–90 min | One line stops; others usually keep running |
| Signal failure / equipment | A few times per month | 15–60 min | Delays on one line, minor ripple effects |
| Typhoon | June–October | Hours to full day | Planned suspension announced in advance; Shinkansen may stop |
| Earthquake | Unpredictable | 30 min–hours | Automatic stop for safety check; usually resumes if no damage |
| Heavy rain / snow | Seasonal | Hours | Speed restrictions or suspension; Shinkansen very cautious |
| 計画運休 (keikaku unkyū) — Planned suspension | Before major storms | Announced in advance | JR preemptively shuts down; usually 12–24h notice |
Wait, reroute, or bail
What to Do: Step by Step
Step 1: Check What’s Happening
| Source | Best for | English? |
|---|---|---|
| Station announcements | Immediate info at your location | ✅ Major stations |
| Platform displays | Real-time delay info | ✅ Most |
| JR East Train Info | All JR East lines | ✅ |
| Tokyo Metro | Metro line status | ✅ |
| Toei Transportation | Toei subway + bus | ✅ |
| Google Maps | Alternative routing (auto-adjusts) | ✅ |
| Jorudan | Delay/suspension alerts + rerouting | ✅ |
| Twitter/X: @JREast_official | Fastest updates (often Japanese only) | ❌ (use translate) |
Step 2: Understand 振替輸送 (Furikae Yusō) — Alternative Transport
When a line is suspended, JR and Metro activate 振替輸送 — a system where other train companies accept your ticket for free on alternate routes.
How it works:
- Go to the station staff booth (not the gate machine)
- Show your ticket/pass
- Staff will give you a transfer slip or let you through
- Ride the alternate line to your destination
- Show the transfer slip when exiting at the other company’s station
IC card users: Tap in as usual. If you’re rerouted, you may be charged the alternate fare. Go to the fare adjustment booth at your destination — they’ll correct it.
Key point: 振替輸送 only works if you already had a valid ticket or pass before the disruption was announced. You cannot buy a new ticket and claim furikae.
Step 3: Decide — Wait or Reroute?
| Situation | Best action |
|---|---|
| “5–10 min delay” | Wait — it usually recovers on time |
| “30+ min delay” | Consider rerouting via Google Maps |
| “Operation suspended” | Use furikae or switch to bus/taxi |
| “Planned suspension” (typhoon) | Don’t go to the station. Wait it out. Hotels, cafés, and dept. stores are your friends. |
Step 4: Get a Delay Certificate (遅延証明書)
If the train is delayed 5 minutes or more, the railway company issues a delay certificate (遅延証明書 / chien shōmeisho).
- Paper version: Pick up at the exit gate or station booth
- Online version: Available on each company’s website for 30+ days after the delay
- Who needs it? Mainly commuters proving they were late to work. Tourists rarely need it, but it’s useful if you miss a tour or reservation.
Stay in, wait it out
Typhoon Playbook 🌀
Typhoons are the most common cause of full network shutdown in Japan.
Before the Typhoon
- Check 計画運休 (planned suspension) announcements — JR announces these 24–48h in advance
- Stock up: Buy food/water at a konbini. Hotels are safe and comfortable.
- Reschedule: If you have a Shinkansen ticket, you can change it for free at the counter before departure
- Don’t go to the airport unless you’ve confirmed your flight — airports may close
During the Typhoon
- Stay indoors. Trains will be stopped. Roads may flood.
- Hotels are fine — buildings in Japan are built for this
- Check restoration timelines on JR and Metro websites
After the Typhoon
- Trains usually resume within a few hours of the storm passing
- Expect crowds: Everyone rushes to the station at once. Wait 1–2 hours after resumption for a calmer ride.
- Shinkansen: May have reduced service for the first few hours
Stay seated, stay calm
Earthquake Protocol 🔔
- Trains stop automatically when seismic sensors detect significant shaking
- Stay calm and stay seated — the train will not move until tracks are inspected
- Follow crew instructions — they will make announcements in Japanese (and sometimes English)
- Inspection takes 30–90 min — if there’s no damage, trains resume
- Major earthquake: Trains may be suspended for hours. Staff will guide evacuation if needed.
- Check your phone: Japan’s emergency alert system will push a notification with earthquake details
Follow official evacuation guidance and contact your accommodation
Practical Tips
Pro Tips
- Follow official evacuation guidance and contact your accommodation : In any major disruption, go back to your hotel and wait. Don’t try to force your way through a disrupted network.
- Konbini are survival stations : Convenience stores may close, reduce hours, or run out of supplies during severe weather. Stock up on food and water.
- Keep your phone charged : A portable battery is essential during disruptions. Use official operator, weather-agency, and local-government updates.
- Shinkansen delays = free rebooking : If a limited-express train arrives two hours or more late, the limited-express charge is normally refundable. The basic fare is not automatically refunded when the journey was completed.
- Learn the kanji : 遅延 (delay), 運休 (suspended), 運転見合わせ (service suspended), 運転再開 (service resumed)
- Typhoon season : If visiting June–October, build buffer days into your itinerary.
Refund handling depends on the disruption and ticket use. JR Central: cancellations and delays
Common questions
FAQ
Will my JR Pass cover alternate routes during disruptions?
Yes — during 振替輸送, your JR Pass is valid on other companies’ lines (Metro, Toei, private railways) as long as the disruption is active. Show your pass at the staffed gate.
Can I get a refund for a cancelled Shinkansen?
If a Shinkansen is cancelled, or if you decide not to travel because service is disrupted, refund handling depends on the ticket and whether any segment was used. For an arrival delay of two hours or more, the limited-express charge is normally refundable; this is not automatically a refund of the full basic fare.
What does 人身事故 mean?
“Personal injury accident” — this is the official term for when someone is struck by a train. It’s unfortunately common. The affected line typically resumes within 30–90 minutes. Other lines on the same network continue running.
How reliable are trains in Japan, really?
Extremely reliable. The average delay for Shinkansen over an entire year is measured in seconds. Urban trains occasionally have 5–10 min delays during rush hour. Full suspensions due to weather happen only a few times per year.
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