Summer holiday congestion in Japan

Summer holiday congestion in Japan

A shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded on Aug. 9, 2025, with passengers heading to their hometowns or resorts for Japan's Bon holidays.

Summer holiday congestion in Japan

Summer holiday congestion in Japan

A shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded on Aug. 9, 2025, with passengers heading to their hometowns or resorts for Japan's Bon holidays.

Summer holiday congestion in Japan

Summer holiday congestion in Japan

A ticket gate at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded on Aug. 9, 2025, with passengers heading to their hometowns or resorts for Japan's Bon holidays.

Golden Week holidays in Japan

Golden Week holidays in Japan

A shinkansen platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in the western Japan city of Osaka is crowded with passengers during the Golden Week holiday season in Japan on May 3, 2025.

Snake disrupts shinkansen services

Snake disrupts shinkansen services

An electronic sign at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, notifies passengers of the suspension of Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train services between Tokyo and Osaka on April 30, 2025, after a snake became entangled in overhead wires and caused a power outage.

[Breaking News]Sanyo Shinkansen Line

FUKUOKA, Japan, March 10 Kyodo - A Shinkansen bullet train runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on March 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary since the full opening of the line connecting Hakata and Shin-Osaka stations in Fukuoka and Osaka prefectures, respectively. (Kyodo)

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

A Shinkansen bullet train runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on March 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary since the full opening of the line connecting Hakata and Shin-Osaka stations in Fukuoka and Osaka prefectures, respectively.

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

A Shinkansen bullet train runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on March 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary since the full opening of the line connecting Hakata and Shin-Osaka stations in Fukuoka and Osaka prefectures, respectively.

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

A Shinkansen bullet train runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on March 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary since the full opening of the line connecting Hakata and Shin-Osaka stations in Fukuoka and Osaka prefectures, respectively.

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

A Shinkansen bullet train runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on March 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary since the full opening of the line connecting Hakata and Shin-Osaka stations in Fukuoka and Osaka prefectures, respectively.

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

Sanyo Shinkansen Line

A Shinkansen bullet train runs on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on March 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary since the full opening of the line connecting Hakata and Shin-Osaka stations in Fukuoka and Osaka prefectures, respectively.

Shinkansen services disrupted due to maintain vehicle derailment

Shinkansen services disrupted due to maintain vehicle derailment

JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded with passengers as shinkansen bullet train services are disrupted following a derailment involving two maintenance vehicles in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan.

Shinkansen services disrupted due to maintain vehicle derailment

Shinkansen services disrupted due to maintain vehicle derailment

JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded with passengers as shinkansen bullet train services are disrupted following a derailment involving two maintenance vehicles in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan.

Shinkansen featuring 2025 World Exposition mascot

Shinkansen featuring 2025 World Exposition mascot

Photo taken at JR Shin-Osaka Station on April 13, 2024, shows a specially painted shinkansen bullet train featuring Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot for the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, which began operation exactly one year before the opening of the event in the western Japan city to build its momentum.

Shinkansen featuring 2025 World Exposition mascot

Shinkansen featuring 2025 World Exposition mascot

Photo taken at JR Shin-Osaka Station on April 13, 2024, shows a specially painted shinkansen bullet train featuring Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot for the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, which began operation exactly one year before the opening of the event in the western Japan city to build its momentum.

Shinkansen featuring 2025 World Exposition mascot

Shinkansen featuring 2025 World Exposition mascot

Photo taken at JR Shin-Osaka Station on April 13, 2024, shows a specially painted shinkansen bullet train featuring Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot for the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, which began operation exactly one year before the opening of the event in the western Japan city to build its momentum.

Golden Week return rush

Golden Week return rush

A shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded on May 6, 2023, with many travelers heading home toward the end of the Golden Week holidays.

Golden Week return rush

Golden Week return rush

A shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded on May 6, 2023, with many travelers heading home toward the end of the Golden Week holidays.

Golden Week in Japan

Golden Week in Japan

A shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded with passengers as Japan enters the second half of the Golden Week holidays on May 3, 2023.

Golden Week in Japan

Golden Week in Japan

A shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded with passengers as Japan enters the second half of the Golden Week holidays on May 3, 2023.

Return rush after New Year holidays in Japan

Return rush after New Year holidays in Japan

Bullet train ticket gates at JR Shin-Osaka Station in western Japan are crowded on Jan. 3, 2024, with passengers heading home after the New Year holidays.

Aftermath of Typhoon Lan

Aftermath of Typhoon Lan

JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded with passengers on Aug. 16, 2023, after shinkansen bullet train services were canceled the previous day as Typhoon Lan hit the region.

Aftermath of Typhoon Lan

Aftermath of Typhoon Lan

JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded with passengers on Aug. 16, 2023, after shinkansen bullet train services were canceled the previous day as Typhoon Lan hit the region.

Typhoon Lan hits western Japan

Typhoon Lan hits western Japan

JR Shin-Osaka Station is empty in Osaka, western Japan, on Aug. 15, 2023, with shinkansen bullet train services canceled as Typhoon Lan hits the region.

Typhoon Lan hits western Japan

Typhoon Lan hits western Japan

JR Shin-Osaka Station is empty in Osaka, western Japan, on Aug. 15, 2023, with shinkansen bullet train services canceled as Typhoon Lan hits the region.

Typhoon Lan hits western Japan

Typhoon Lan hits western Japan

A ticket gate of JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is closed on Aug. 15, 2023, with shinkansen bullet train services canceled as Typhoon Lan hits the region.

Typhoon Lan hits western Japan

Typhoon Lan hits western Japan

JR Shin-Osaka Station is empty in Osaka, western Japan, on Aug. 15, 2023, with shinkansen bullet train services canceled as Typhoon Lan hits the region.

Typhoon Lan hits western Japan

Typhoon Lan hits western Japan

Photo taken on Aug. 15, 2023, at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, shows an information display notifying of the cancellation of shinkansen bullet train services between Nagoya and Okayama due to Typhoon Lan that hit the region.

Summer holiday exodus in Japan

Summer holiday exodus in Japan

Passengers fill a shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, on Aug. 13, 2023, as people head to and return from rural holiday destinations.

Summer holiday exodus in Japan

Summer holiday exodus in Japan

Passengers fill a shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, on Aug. 13, 2023, as people head to and return from rural holiday destinations.

Summer holiday exodus in Japan

Summer holiday exodus in Japan

Passengers fill a shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, on Aug. 13, 2023, as people head to and return from rural holiday destinations.

Summer holiday exodus in Japan

Summer holiday exodus in Japan

Passengers fill a shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, on Aug. 13, 2023, as people head to and return from rural holiday destinations.

Heavy rain in western Japan

Heavy rain in western Japan

Passengers swarm around gates at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, on June 2, 2023, as heavy rain disrupted railway operations. An approaching typhoon brought torrential downpours that prompted evacuations in parts of Japan the same day.

Heavy rain in western Japan

Heavy rain in western Japan

Passengers look at an electronic display showing information on bullet train delays and suspensions at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, on June 2, 2023. An approaching typhoon brought torrential downpours that prompted evacuations in parts of Japan the same day.

Golden Week return rush

Golden Week return rush

A shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded on May 6, 2023, with many travelers heading home toward the end of the Golden Week holidays.

Golden Week return rush

Golden Week return rush

A shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded on May 6, 2023, with many travelers heading home toward the end of the Golden Week holidays.

Golden Week in Japan

Golden Week in Japan

A shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded with passengers as Japan enters the second half of the Golden Week holidays on May 3, 2023.

Golden Week in Japan

Golden Week in Japan

A shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded with passengers as Japan enters the second half of the Golden Week holidays on May 3, 2023.

Return rush after New Year holidays in Japan

Return rush after New Year holidays in Japan

People get on a shinkansen bullet train from a crowded platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in western Japan on Jan. 3, 2023, as people head home after the New Year holidays.

New Year holiday exodus in Japan

New Year holiday exodus in Japan

A shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded on Dec. 29, 2022, with people heading to their hometowns and resort areas for New Year holidays.

New Year holiday exodus in Japan

New Year holiday exodus in Japan

A shinkansen bullet train platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka, western Japan, is crowded on Dec. 29, 2022, with people heading to their hometowns and resort areas for New Year holidays.

New Year holiday exodus peaks in Japan

New Year holiday exodus peaks in Japan

OSAKA, Japan - People board a shinkansen bullet train at Shin-Osaka Station, in Osaka, western Japan, on Dec. 30, 2014, leaving for their hometowns to spend the year-end and New Year holidays.

New Year holiday exodus peaks in Japan

New Year holiday exodus peaks in Japan

OSAKA, Japan - People board a shinkansen bullet train at Shin-Osaka Station, in Osaka, western Japan, on Dec. 30, 2014, leaving for their hometowns to spend the year-end and New Year holidays.

Shinkansen bullet train system marks 50 years of operation

Shinkansen bullet train system marks 50 years of operation

OSAKA, Japan - Participants cut the ribbon at JR Shin-Osaka station on Oct. 1, 2014, during a ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train service connecting Tokyo with Osaka.

Tokaido Shinkansen offers 426 services per day

Tokaido Shinkansen offers 426 services per day

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken Aug. 8, 2014, shows a crowded shinkansen platform at JR Tokyo Station. The operator of the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka offered 426 services per day on Aug. 8, 2014, the most-ever since its launch in 1964, to accommodate summer holiday travelers.

Plarail diorama on Shinkansen bullet train

Plarail diorama on Shinkansen bullet train

FUKUOKA, Japan - Invited nursery school children play with Tomy Co.'s Plarail railroad toys placed on a special Shinkansen bullet train on July 14, 2014, between Hiroshima and Okayama stations. The train will be operated from July 19, 2014, through March 2015 between Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations, one round trip a day.

Plarail diorama on Shinkansen bullet train

Plarail diorama on Shinkansen bullet train

FUKUOKA, Japan - Invited nursery school children look at a Plarail railroad toy diorama displayed on a special Shinkansen bullet train on July 14, 2014, between Hiroshima and Okayama stations. The train will be operated from July 19, 2014, through March 2015 between Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations, one round trip a day.

Model train diorama installed on Shinkansen train

Model train diorama installed on Shinkansen train

FUKUOKA, Japan - A model train diorama is installed on a Sanyo Shinkansen "Kodama" bullet train at West Japan Railway Co.'s rail yard in Fukuoka Prefecture on July 2, 2014. The renovated train will run between Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations from July 19 through March 2015, making one roundtrip a day.

Heat wave hits Japan

Heat wave hits Japan

OSAKA, Japan - Children touch an ice pillar at JR Shin-Osaka Station on Aug. 10, 2013. Severe heat wave conditions hit the Japanese archipelago the same day with temperatures topping 40 C for the first time in six years, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

New bullet train car

New bullet train car

OSAKA, Japan - Photo shows the N700A (L), a new model of bullet train, before leaving Shin Osaka station for Tokyo station on Feb. 8, 2013, and the previous N700 model (R). A ceremony was held at both stations to mark the start of commercial operations of the N700A on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. Although not very different in appearance from the previous model, the latest version employs a number of new technologies including a better brake system to cope with earthquakes.