Prophet of the Way
2004-10-29 23:45:02 UTC
The strong earthquake of October 23rd has damaged many railways and highways,
not just the Joetsu Shinkansen which saw the first derailment in Shinkansen
history. Here is a brief summary of affected routes and detour suggestions.
Note that only one Shinkansen section is affected. (There is no problem between
Tokyo and Osaka, etc.)
TOKYO TO TOYAMA AND KANAZAWA
The usual rail route is by Joetsu Shinkansen with a transfer at Echigo-Yuzawa to
Hakutaka Ltd. or Nagaoka to Hokuetsu Ltd. Japan Rail Pass holders often select
the latter route, for the former involves a non-JR private line. Both routes
are down now. Also out of operation are night express trains between Tokyo Ueno
and Kananazawa.
There are several detours available.
1) Tokaido Shinkansen via Maibara or Nagoya
JR West has decided to extend Nagoya - Kanazawa express trains to Toyama.
2) Chuo Line via Matsumoto
This is route gives you a spectacular alpine view. Few trains operate on the
northern end of the Oito Line (near Itoiogawa). Check the timetable with care.
3) Takayama Line via Hida-Takayama
The Takayama Line is blocked north of Hida-Takayama due to typhoon floods. Not
recommended, though substitute buses are running as of this writing.
See: http://shinkansen.jr-central.co.jp/traininfo/ (J text)
TOKYO TO NIIGATA
Traveling by air is recommended.
JR East provides special trains on detour routes but warns that trains are
likely to be crowded. The company recommends postponing trips if possible.
http://www.jrniigata.co.jp/tyokij.htm (Japanese text)
OSAKA TO NIIGATA, NORTHERN HONSHU AND HOKKAIDO
Overnight express and limited express services linking Osaka (and Kyoto) with
Niigata, Akita, Aomori, Hakodate and Sapporo have been canceled until further
notice.
It is possible to get to Niigata during the day, with several transfers.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Unfortunately the three JR companies provide little information on service
disruptions in foreign languages.
JR East information service counter locations, phone number:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e-info/index.htm
JR map available from Japan Rail Pass site:
http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en08.html
JR says the situation is still quite fluid and recommends checking frequently.
Douso, The Prophet of the Way
not just the Joetsu Shinkansen which saw the first derailment in Shinkansen
history. Here is a brief summary of affected routes and detour suggestions.
Note that only one Shinkansen section is affected. (There is no problem between
Tokyo and Osaka, etc.)
TOKYO TO TOYAMA AND KANAZAWA
The usual rail route is by Joetsu Shinkansen with a transfer at Echigo-Yuzawa to
Hakutaka Ltd. or Nagaoka to Hokuetsu Ltd. Japan Rail Pass holders often select
the latter route, for the former involves a non-JR private line. Both routes
are down now. Also out of operation are night express trains between Tokyo Ueno
and Kananazawa.
There are several detours available.
1) Tokaido Shinkansen via Maibara or Nagoya
JR West has decided to extend Nagoya - Kanazawa express trains to Toyama.
2) Chuo Line via Matsumoto
This is route gives you a spectacular alpine view. Few trains operate on the
northern end of the Oito Line (near Itoiogawa). Check the timetable with care.
3) Takayama Line via Hida-Takayama
The Takayama Line is blocked north of Hida-Takayama due to typhoon floods. Not
recommended, though substitute buses are running as of this writing.
See: http://shinkansen.jr-central.co.jp/traininfo/ (J text)
TOKYO TO NIIGATA
Traveling by air is recommended.
JR East provides special trains on detour routes but warns that trains are
likely to be crowded. The company recommends postponing trips if possible.
http://www.jrniigata.co.jp/tyokij.htm (Japanese text)
OSAKA TO NIIGATA, NORTHERN HONSHU AND HOKKAIDO
Overnight express and limited express services linking Osaka (and Kyoto) with
Niigata, Akita, Aomori, Hakodate and Sapporo have been canceled until further
notice.
It is possible to get to Niigata during the day, with several transfers.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Unfortunately the three JR companies provide little information on service
disruptions in foreign languages.
JR East information service counter locations, phone number:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e-info/index.htm
JR map available from Japan Rail Pass site:
http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en08.html
JR says the situation is still quite fluid and recommends checking frequently.
Douso, The Prophet of the Way