Flights Canceled and Trains Fill as Typhoon Hits Travel Season

Japan's annual Obon travel rush is in full swing on August 8, but severe disruptions continue in Okinawa due to Typhoon No. 13. Widespread flight cancellations and suspended local transportation have left many stranded. The Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen trains are at peak capacity, operating mostly as reserved-seat only to accommodate the influx of travelers.

Morning trains on August 8 were already expected to be near capacity as families and tourists headed to their hometowns and vacation spots. Okinawa remains the main area of disruption, with normal air services heavily impacted by the direct hit of Typhoon No. 13. JAL reported that flights to and from airports across Okinawa and the Amami islands were still affected as of 5 a.m. on August 8, with Kumejima, Miyako, Tarama and Ishigaki airports remaining closed throughout the day.

ANA canceled its regular August 8 services to Naha, Miyako and Ishigaki but arranged 40 special flights later in the day to connect Naha with other cities. JAL also planned to restore some capacity, with a special Naha-Kansai flight and additional services between Kobe and Naha. Skymark planned additional services between Kobe and Naha and between Naha and Haneda, with the latter flight arriving after 1 a.m. on August 9.

Okinawa's Yui Rail monorail and route buses were suspended from the first service on August 8, with resumption of services contingent on safety conditions after the storm. Ferry routes linking Kagoshima, Amami and Okinawa were also canceled due to high waves and strong winds, with some cancellations extending beyond August 8. As Typhoon No. 15 is forecast to strengthen and potentially impact travelers during the middle of the Obon holiday, travelers should be aware of ongoing disruptions and consider alternative transportation options.