Japan's Airports and Bullet Trains Packed as Five-Day Holiday Ends
Airports and railway stations across Japan were crowded on September 23 as travelers returned from their hometowns and holiday destinations on the final day of the five-day Silver Week holiday, with international flight arrivals reaching their peak and many afternoon Shinkansen services fully booked. (News On Japan)
On September 23, airports and railway stations throughout Japan were bustling as travelers returned from their hometowns and holiday destinations during the final day of the five-day Silver Week holiday. International flight arrivals peaked, with All Nippon Airways reporting a high volume of arrivals. Domestic flights were also busy, particularly in Tokyo's Haneda Airport, where passengers returned from family visits and vacations.
In Kagawa Prefecture, a traveler found the local udon noodles to be exceptionally delicious. Another passenger returning from Akita Prefecture enjoyed a seaside barbecue and planned to relax at home. Shinkansen platforms at Tokyo Station were crowded as travelers headed back to the capital, with all seats on Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi services designated for the first time this year during the Silver Week holiday.
Many afternoon Shinkansen services were fully booked, while some morning inbound Nozomi services still had available seats. Heavy demand was evident on Tohoku and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines, with many services already fully booked from the morning. Typhoon No. 25 had caused severe disruptions in Chiba Prefecture, with extensive suspensions on various lines expected to last throughout the holiday.
Seven people died and five remain missing due to the typhoon's devastating landslides and flooding in Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures. Rescues and recovery efforts continued on September 23. The road to Tokyo's Imperial Palace was flooded on September 22 after heavy rain caused the moat to overflow. Additionally, a phone booth converting voice to real-time text was installed at Haneda Airport for four days.
Peach Aviation launched scheduled flights between Narita Airport and South Korea's Incheon International Airport on September 20, marking its first new international route from Narita in seven years. Japan's Silver Week began on September 19, drawing crowds to food and festival events despite rainy weather in the Kanto region. Volcanic smoke continued to rise from Mount Tokachi in Hokkaido, prompting restrictions on entry and cancellations at nearby hot spring inns.
The Kyushu Shinkansen resumed operations along its entire route on September 18 following extensive damage from the Kumamoto earthquake, raising hopes for tourism revival in disaster-hit areas ahead of the Silver Week holiday. A black bear was spotted near popular hiking trails on Mount Takao, urging visitors to take precautions ahead of the holiday.
Prolonged rain disrupted tourism, suspending Nagatoro's river cruises for the 11th consecutive day, while increased water flow at Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture attracted more visitors.
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