Rough seas during typhoon conditions on the coast of Chiba, Japan. Image: ID 198463869 © Dane Gillett | Dreamstime.com
Travellers in Tokyo are facing transport disruption as Typhoon Dujuan approaches eastern Japan, with train services being suspended, flights at Haneda and Narita at risk and at least one cruise itinerary already significantly changed.
The typhoon is expected to pass close to Japan's Kanto-Koshin region on Monday, 21 September, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas to the Pacific coast.
Japan's weather authorities have warned of the risk of flooding, landslides and swollen rivers, while travellers are being advised to keep a close eye on transport updates throughout Monday and into Tuesday.
For Australians currently travelling through Japan, the biggest practical concern may be getting around Tokyo and reaching the city's airports.
Tokyo train services affected by Typhoon Dujuan
JR East has announced planned suspensions across several railway lines on Monday as conditions deteriorate.
The Kururi Line is scheduled to remain suspended throughout the day, while sections of the Uchibo, Sotobo, Hachiko, Togane, Sobu Main, Narita and Kashima lines are among those facing suspensions at various times during the afternoon.
The Ome Line between Ome and Okutama is also expected to stop operating from Monday afternoon until approximately 10am Tuesday.
Several limited express services have also been cancelled.
The disruption is particularly relevant for travellers heading towards Chiba Prefecture, which includes Narita Airport and areas east of Tokyo.
Passengers should check their individual route before travelling rather than relying on normal timetables, as further suspensions or delays remain possible depending on the path and intensity of the storm.
Haneda and Narita flights could also be disrupted
Airlines are warning that flights through Tokyo's two major airports may be affected.
ANA has listed both Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita among airports potentially affected by Typhoon Dujuan through Monday.
The airline is allowing passengers booked on eligible flights through the two airports to change their flight or request a refund without the usual fees, even where their particular flight has not yet been cancelled.
All ANA services to and from Hachijojima have already been cancelled.
Japan Airlines has also warned that operations at Haneda may be affected on Monday, with individual flight decisions being made according to the latest weather conditions.
Anyone flying into or out of Tokyo should check directly with their airline before heading to the airport.
Wet weather at Tokyo Haneda Airport. Image: ID 78738119 © Arnaud Martinez | Dreamstime.com
Silver Moon forced to extend its stay in Tokyo
Cruise passengers haven't escaped the disruption either.
Silversea's Silver Moon was originally scheduled to depart Tokyo on Saturday, 19 September for a 14-night cruise around Japan and South Korea.
Instead, the ship has remained safely in Tokyo while Typhoon Dujuan approaches.
Silver Moon is now expected to remain in port until Monday evening, effectively spending its first two days tied up in Tokyo rather than heading to its first scheduled ports.
The delayed departure has forced significant changes to the itinerary.
The ship's scheduled visit to Hiroshima has been cancelled, while calls at Osaka, Kochi and Miyako have been adjusted.
Passengers were still able to embark as planned, meaning the cruise has effectively begun with an extended Tokyo stay rather than being delayed before boarding.
Heavy rain, violent winds and rough seas expected
Dujuan is forecast to pass close to the Kanto-Koshin coast from Monday afternoon into Monday night.
Forecasts indicate rainfall totals of up to 300mm could be possible in parts of Kanto, the Izu Islands and Tokai over a 24-hour period.
Winds in Kanto and the Izu Islands could reach sustained speeds of around 126km/h, with gusts approaching 180km/h.
Seas are also expected to become extremely rough, with waves forecast to reach approximately eight metres around Kanto and nine metres around the Izu Islands.
Authorities are warning residents and visitors to watch for flooding, landslides, swollen rivers and dangerous coastal conditions.
Asian Games also watching the weather
The timing is particularly awkward for Japan, with the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games having just begun.
Organisers had already been monitoring Dujuan before the Games officially opened on Saturday, with contingency planning underway in case weather affected competitions or athlete transport.
Thousands of athletes and officials are currently staying across hotels, temporary accommodation and the Costa Serena cruise ship in Nagoya.
The strongest effects of Dujuan are currently expected further east around Kanto rather than directly over Nagoya, but organisers continue to monitor conditions.
What should travellers in Tokyo do?
Anyone travelling through Tokyo on Monday should allow considerably more time than usual and check transport information before setting out.
JR East provides live train information online, while airlines are updating individual flight status as conditions change.
Travellers with flights through Haneda or Narita should check directly with their airline before leaving for the airport, particularly if relying on rail connections to get there.
Cruise passengers should also rely on communications directly from their cruise line, as itineraries can continue to change as the storm moves along Japan's Pacific coast.
Typhoon Dujuan is expected to accelerate northeast after passing the Kanto region, moving off the Tohoku coast on Tuesday before eventually transitioning into an extratropical system.
With the storm still moving, further transport and itinerary changes remain possible.
