The Izu Kyuko Line in Shizuoka Prefecture fully resumed rail service on Sept. 5, 2024, following disruptions caused by Typhoon No. 6 [1].
The restoration of the line is critical for the Izu Peninsula, as it serves as a primary transit artery for both local residents and the region's significant tourism industry. The return of the Odoriko limited-express trains marks a full recovery of high-capacity transport to the area [1].
Service had been suspended on certain sections of the local line after heavy rains from the typhoon triggered a landslide [2]. The resulting debris flowed directly onto the tracks, making the route impassable and necessitating an immediate halt to operations to ensure passenger safety [2].
Railway crews worked to clear the landslide debris and stabilize the affected areas over the course of five days [1]. The full resumption of service on Sept. 5 allowed the Odoriko limited-express to begin transporting tourists back into the peninsula [1].
While trains are now running across all sections, the railway operator said that final restoration work was scheduled to be completed by Sept. 6, 2024 [2]. This final phase ensures that all infrastructure meets safety standards following the storm damage [2].
The Izu Kyuko Line operates as a vital link in Shizuoka, connecting the mainland to the scenic coastal regions of the peninsula. The rapid clearing of the tracks prevented a prolonged economic impact on local businesses that rely on the seasonal influx of visitors [1].
“The Izu Kyuko Line in Shizuoka Prefecture fully resumed rail service on Sept. 5, 2024”
The swift recovery of the Izu Kyuko Line demonstrates the resilience of Japan's regional rail infrastructure against extreme weather. By restoring the Odoriko limited-express within five days, the operator minimized the economic disruption to the Izu Peninsula's tourism-dependent economy, though the event underscores the ongoing vulnerability of mountainous rail corridors to typhoon-induced landslides.
