Typhoons, snow and suspended trains

Planned suspensions

• When a large typhoon approaches, railways may stop trains in advance for safety (planned suspension, 計画運休). [1]
• Operators are expected to warn early that a planned suspension is possible, and to give the times as precisely as they can. [1]
• When service restarts, stations get crowded while few trains run yet; expect entry limits and do not rush to the station. [1]

Where to check

• JR East (English): delays of 30 minutes or more on JR East lines and its Shinkansen, from 4:00 to 2:00. [2]
• JR Central: Shinkansen and conventional line service status, in English. [3]
• JR West: train service information (Japanese) by area, plus the Sanyo and Hokuriku Shinkansen. [4]

Refunds for cancelled or late trains

• If your train is cancelled and you give up the trip, all fares and charges are refunded. [5]
• You can also ride back to your starting station free and get a full refund. [5]
• If your limited express stops short of your destination, you may continue on a later limited express, and the fee for the cancelled train is refunded. [6]
• If a Shinkansen or limited express arrives 2 hours or more late, the whole express fee is refunded (fare not included). Ask at a ticket office. [5]
• You can claim these refunds up to one year after the day of the delay. [5]
• Discount tickets have their own refund rules; ask the staff. [6]
• JR does not pay for a flight you miss because of a late or cancelled train. [7]

If you have a rail pass

• Passes already in use are not extended or refunded when trains are cancelled or late. [5]
• JAPAN RAIL PASS holders whose Nozomi or Mizuho is 2 hours or more late should leave through a staffed gate and tell the staff; the Nozomi/Mizuho ticket may be refunded. [8]

Applies to

JR East (East Japan Railway Company), JR Central (Central Japan Railway Company), JR West (West Japan Railway Company)