Typhoon 15 Disrupts Tokyo Metro and Transportation Networks Across Kanto

Typhoon 15 Disrupts Tokyo Metro and Transportation Networks Across Kanto

Typhoon 15 is disrupting Kanto transportation, with Tokyo Metro's Hanzomon Line suspended until midday and landfall expected August 11. Shinkansen delays and flight cancellations are anticipated.

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Key Points

  • Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line suspended between Shibuya-Kudanshita until midday August 10.
  • Typhoon 15 expected to make landfall in Kanto evening of August 11.
  • Tohoku Shinkansen may experience delays and cancellations; monitor JR East updates.
  • Check NHK's dedicated transportation page for real-time updates on all services.
Foreign residents across the Kanto region are facing significant transportation disruptions as Typhoon 15 approaches, with major service interruptions already affecting Tokyo's subway system and warnings of further impacts expected through the evening of August 11, 2026. According to NHK, Tokyo Metro's Hanzomon Line suspended operations between Shibuya and Kudanshita stations as of 6:00 AM on August 10 due to facility inspections at Hanzomon Station. The line, which serves as a crucial commuting artery connecting central Tokyo with the eastern suburbs, is not expected to resume full service until around midday. This disruption affects connections with the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line and Tobu Isesaki Line, potentially impacting thousands of commuters who rely on these interconnected services. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings that Typhoon 15 is expected to make landfall in the Kanto region on the evening of August 11. Eastern Japan and the Tohoku region should prepare for increasingly severe weather conditions, with strong winds and heavy rainfall creating hazardous conditions. The agency is urging residents to remain vigilant about landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, river overflows, and potential flooding, as well as dangerous wind conditions. For expats living in the Kanto area, understanding the scope of potential disruptions is essential for planning. Yahoo Japan Business reports that the Tohoku Shinkansen may experience delays and service cancellations due to the typhoon. This high-speed rail line connects Tokyo with northern destinations including Sendai and Aomori, and disruptions could affect both business and leisure travel plans. Those with scheduled trips should monitor official JR East announcements closely and consider postponing non-essential travel. NHK is maintaining a dedicated page providing real-time updates on transportation impacts across multiple modes of transit, including railways, expressways, and air travel. This comprehensive resource covers the latest information on service suspensions, delays, and resumptions across the affected areas. Foreign residents who may not be familiar with typhoon protocols in Japan should bookmark this resource and check it regularly for updates. Expressway closures and restrictions are also anticipated as wind speeds increase, though specific details were not available at the time of reporting. Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel and be prepared for sudden road closures, particularly on elevated sections and bridges that are more vulnerable to strong winds. Air travel is also expected to face significant disruptions. While specific flight cancellations have not yet been announced, passengers with flights scheduled for August 10-11 should contact their airlines directly for the most current information. Japan's major carriers typically begin announcing cancellations 24-48 hours before severe weather events, and rebooking options may become limited as the typhoon approaches. For foreign residents who may be experiencing their first major typhoon in Japan, local authorities recommend staying indoors during the peak of the storm, securing outdoor items that could become projectiles in strong winds, and ensuring emergency supplies including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and batteries are readily available. Those living in areas prone to flooding should move valuable items to higher floors and be prepared to evacuate if local authorities issue evacuation orders. The transportation disruptions highlight the broader impact of Typhoon 15 on daily life in the Kanto region. Expats should inform their employers about potential commuting difficulties, reschedule non-urgent appointments, and avoid travel during the most severe weather periods. As Japan's typhoon season typically runs from May through October, familiarizing yourself with emergency protocols and reliable information sources will prove valuable throughout your time in the country. Stay informed through official channels, prioritize safety over convenience, and allow extra time for any essential travel in the coming days.