The Tokaido Shinkansen is Japan’s busiest and most important rail line, connecting major cities such as Tokyo, Shizuoka, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. This high-speed line is highly reliable and rarely shuts down, thanks in part to JR Central, the operator, which invests heavily in maintaining the tracks, equipment, and fleet. Maintenance is also the reason why the Tokaido Shinkansen does not operate between midnight and 6 a.m. However, there are times when the Shinkansen line does shut down due to weather conditions, natural disasters, or emergency maintenance.

The recent shutdown of the Tokaido Shinkansen caused significant travel disruptions, with passengers traveling between Tokyo and Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka being heavily impacted. When the Tokaido Shinkansen shuts down, it’s crucial to know that alternatives exist. By reading this, you’ll learn about the alternatives that may help you reach your destination in case you’re affected by an unexpected service suspension on the Tokaido Shinkansento your destination incase you are impacted by unexpected Tokaido Shinkansen service suspension.

Change and Refund Rules on the Tokaido Shinkansen

In the event your trip is disrupted, specific fare rules apply. It’s often easier to process a refund or make changes online, so I highly recommend using the SmartEx if you are traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen. We published an article about SmartEx and how to avoid crowded ticket offices.

In the event your trip is disrupted, specific fare rules apply. It’s often easier to process a refund or make changes online, so I highly recommend using SmartEx if you are traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen. We published an article about SmartEx and how to avoid crowded ticket offices.

1. Your reserved train is delayed by more than 2 hours:

• Before Departure: If your reserved train is delayed by more than 2 hours, you are entitled to a full refund of your ticket, even if you haven’t started your journey yet.
• After Arrival: If your train reaches its destination but arrives more than 2 hours late, you are eligible for a partial refund of the fare.

2. Your reserved train is canceled:

• Changing Your Trip: You can change your reservation to another train for free. This change must be made before the train’s scheduled departure.
• Full Refund: You are entitled to a full refund if you choose to cancel your trip instead of rescheduling. The refund will be processed without any fees.

Additional Notes:

• Missed Train: If you miss your reserved train and it is not due to a delay or cancellation, you generally cannot get a refund or change the ticket. However, you may be able to use the ticket for a non-reserved seat on a later train on the same day.
• Processing Refunds: Refunds are easier to process online, especially through the SmartEx app or at station counters.

Traveling Between Tokyo – Nagoya

A disruption to the Shinkansen service between Tokyo and Nagoya (360 km) is always more impactful than between Nagoya and Osaka. JR Central, the operator of the Tokaido Shinkansen, often attempts to minimize disruption by partially shutting down services, but this usually results in significant reductions in service. This means you’ll likely find yourself crammed into a packed Shinkansen, then transferring to a local line with other affected travelers, resembling a sardine can. There are alternatives worth exploring:

Rail:

• Chuo Line Limited Express (northern route: comfortable):
  • Taking the Chuo Line limited express trains on conventional rail is a good alternative. The hourly “Azusa” limited express takes you from Shinjuku (some trains from Tokyo) to Shiojiri in Nagano Prefecture. From there, transfer to the “Shinano” limited express to Nagoya. The journey takes about 4.5 hours.

• Chuo Line Local Train (northern route: less crowded):
  • The Chuo Line also operates local trains between Tokyo and Nagoya. With multiple transfers, including at Shiojiri, the journey takes 8 to 9 hours. The major benefit of this route is that the trains are not usually crowded, but train frequency can be low, with some sections served only once an hour or less.
• Tokaido Line Local Train (southern route: cheap but crowded):
  • Alternatively, you can take local trains on the Tokaido conventional line, which runs parallel to the Shinkansen. This route requires frequent transfers, and there is no limited express, so seating is not guaranteed. The journey takes about 6 hours. Since this line runs alongside the Shinkansen tracks, it’s an obvious choice for most affected travelers, so expect it to be extremely crowded, similar to Tokyo rush hour. You should note that most likely if the Tokaido Shinkansen is suspended due to the weather, the regular Tokaido line service likely be suspended as well.

Bus:

• Numerous bus companies operate daytime services between Tokyo and Nagoya. If you’re traveling from Tokyo, I recommend boarding from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Exit for the hourly JR express bus, which guarantees seating, or from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, where most buses stop. From Nagoya, the JR bus departs from Nagoya Station’s Shinkansen side. The trip usually takes 5-6 hours.

Air:

• There are very few flights between Tokyo and Nagoya, but flights are available from both Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) to Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair Airport (NGO).

Traveling Between Nagoya and Kyoto

• Rail:
  • Tokaido Line Local Train:
    • The Tokaido Line, which runs almost parallel to the Shinkansen, is the fastest and most practical option. The trip takes around 2.5 hours. However, like other local lines, you may need to transfer trains at Ogaki and/or Maibara.
• Bus:
  • Meitetsu Bus runs an hourly service between Nagoya and Kyoto. Major stops include Nagoya Station (Meitetsu Bus Center and Shinkansen side) and Kyoto Station (Karasuma Exit). If boarding in Nagoya, I recommend starting at the Meitetsu Bus Center for preferred seating.

Traveling Between Nagoya and Osaka

• Rail:
  • Kintetsu Limited Express (fast and comfortable):
    • The best alternative to the Shinkansen is the Kintetsu Limited Express between Nagoya and Osaka. The Kintetsu line competes with the Shinkansen, making it a popular choice for savvy travelers. The trip takes 2 to 2.5 hours, and most of the time, no transfers are required. However, note that the Kintetsu terminal in Osaka is in Namba, whereas the Shinkansen terminal is at Shin-Osaka Station.
  • JR Tokaido Line Local Train (cheap):
    • Taking JR conventional rail is always an option. The journey typically takes around 3 hours, with connections at Maibara and/or Ogaki.

• Bus:
  • Several bus companies operate this route, but the most frequent and major service is provided by JR Bus. They run hourly services between Nagoya Station (Shinkansen Exit) and Osaka Station (JR Expressway Bus Terminal).

Traveling Between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

• Rail:
  • Hokuriku Shinkansen (fast and comfortable):
    • The Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo, Ueno, and Omiya is the best alternative if the Tokaido Shinkansen is shut down. The Hokuriku Shinkansen’s “Kagayaki” and “Hakutaka” trains will take you to and from Tsuruga. From Tsuruga to Kyoto and Osaka, you can take the limited express “Thunderbird.”

• Other Options (mix and match the following):
  • Chuo Line Limited Express “Azusa” and “Shinano” between Tokyo and Nagoya.
  • Chuo Line Local Trains between Tokyo and Nagoya.
  • Tokaido Line Local Trains between Tokyo and Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka.
  • Kintetsu Limited Express between Nagoya and Osaka.
• Bus:
  • Daytime long-distance buses are also an alternative, but they are less frequent than overnight buses due to the distance. Traveling from Tokyo to Osaka by bus usually takes 8-9 hours, with several rest stops along the way. You can book through Willer or JR Bus. As with the Tokyo-Nagoya route, I recommend heading to Tokyo Station to secure preferred seating. If you’re boarding or getting off in Kyoto, note that Kyoto Fukakusa Bus Station is not close to Kyoto Station. Instead, I suggest heading to Osaka Station, then taking a train back to Kyoto Station.
• Air:
  • Unlike the Tokyo-Nagoya route, there are many flights between Tokyo and Osaka, making it the most popular alternative to the Tokaido Shinkansen. Kobe Airport (UKB) is often overlooked, so if flights to or from Osaka Itami (ITM) or Kansai (KIX) airports are fully booked, it’s worth trying to book a flight to or from Kobe.

Conclusion

Traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen is usually a smooth and efficient experience, but disruptions can happen, causing significant inconveniences. Understanding the available alternatives and being aware of the change and refund rules can help mitigate these challenges. Whether you’re traveling between Tokyo and Nagoya, Kyoto, or Osaka, knowing your options—from alternative train routes to bus and air travel—ensures that you’re prepared for any unexpected interruptions. Additionally, utilizing tools like the SmartEx app can streamline the process of handling delays, cancellations, or changes to your travel plans. With the right preparation and knowledge, even the most significant disruptions can be managed with minimal stress.