What if your train is canceled while in Tokyo?
Trains in Japan are known for their punctuality, but if there is an accident along the route, they stop immediately and change the schedule unexpectedly. Based on the situation, here are the steps to follow if your train gets canceled.
- What to do if your train is canceled
- If your train stops on the railway, wait in the train car.
- If your train stops at a station, get off the train and transfer. - Use the alternative transportation - Furikae Yuso
- How to take an alternative train
- What if I miss my express train due to a train delay?
What to do if your train is canceled
If an accident happens somewhere on the railway, the running train will stop at the nearest station or in the middle of the service. Soon, you will hear an announcement by the conductor from which you can decide what action to take. If you have a Japanese language problem, observe and follow what other passengers do.
If your train stops on the railway, wait in the train car.
The train will soon resume operation if all passengers remain calm following the announcement. In a minor accident, such as a passenger's bag getting caught in the door, the train usually resumes operation within a few to 10 minutes.
If the announcement upsets the passengers and they start using their mobile phones in a flurry, it can be a sign of more severe trouble. While waiting for the train to resume operation, think about other ways to reach your destination.
Japanese Samples
- Excuse me, I couldn't catch the announcement.
すみません、アナウンスを聞き取れませんでした。 - Will the train be back in operation soon?
運転はすぐに再開しそうですか？ - Do you know when the train will be operational again?
あとどれくらいで運転再開になりそうですか？
If your train stops at a station, get off the train and transfer.
When a severe accident happens, each train stops at the closest station with the doors kept open. If the passengers get off the train and head to the gate right after the conductor's announcement, it will take much time for the train to resume operation. It will be better to follow the others. If you're not in a hurry, you can wait in the train car, but it might take hours at the worst.
To reach your destination, check alternative trains available at your current station. Major JR stations in central Tokyo are often connected with subways or other railways so that people can find a way to get to their destinations by changing trains.
If the Yamanote-line train is canceled
The trains on the Yamanote and Keihin lines run side by side between Tabata and Shinagawa stations, where you can quickly change trains from Yamanote to Keihin line on the same platform.
Japanese Samples
-
I am on the way to "Ueno station". Could you tell me how I reach the station?
"上野駅"へ行くところです。どう行けば、たどり着けますか？
Use the alternative transportation - Furikae Yuso
An option for commuter pass/ticket holders
Passengers with a commuter pass/ticket can switch to a different train company in case of issues with their original transportation, known as Furikae Yuso or Alternative transportation. For example, if there is a problem with the operation of Company X's train, you can ride a train of another railway company, Company Y, without incurring additional charges. In some cases, rail replacement bus service will be available as an alternative transportation.
Important
- Rides using a pre-paid train card, such as Suica and Pasmo, are NOT eligible. If you bought a train ticket at the station, you are allowed to take the alternative train.
- You can use the Furikae Yuso only within the section where your commuter pass/ticket is valid.
- Alternative transportation that you can take is limited to only within the specified section, like between Station-b and Station-c. Fares are charged for routes outside the section.
How to take an alternative train
I am a ticket holder, being on the canceled train
If you have a train ticket bought from a bending machine, you are eligible for Furikae Yuso and can take an alternative train on the specified lines.
Firstly, get off the canceled train and go to the ticket gate. At the ticket gate, tell a station attendant that you are to take an alternative train, saying "Furikae Yuso desu," and show your train ticket. At the time, the attendant may give you a transfer ticket, depending on their system. Hold your ticket (or transfer ticket) as you still need it to take the replacement service. Make sure NOT to insert your ticket into the automatic ticket gate when exiting the station.
Then, go to the station where you take an alternative train. When entering the station, show your ticket (or transfer ticket) at the ticket gate and tell them that you are to take an alternative train by saying "Furikae Yuso desu."
Arriving at your station, hand your ticket (transfer ticket) to a station attendant at the ticket gate and tell them you are on Furikae Yuso.
I am a commuter pass holder, being on the train to be canceled
Get off the canceled train and go out the ticket gate with your commuter pass. Then, go to the station for the replacement service, where you take an alternative train. When entering the station, show your pass at the ticket gate and tell the station attendant you are to take an alternative train, saying "Furikae Yuso desu." To avoid being charged a fare, do not use your pass on the ticket gate machine when entering the station for replacement service.
Arriving at your station, show your pass at the ticket gate and tell them that you are on Furikae Yuso. Again, here, do not use your pass on the ticket gate machine when exiting the station.
I am a commuter pass holder, and is before entering the station
Head to the specified station to take an alternative train. When entering the station, show your commuter pass and tell them, "Furikae Yuso desu." To avoid being charged a fare, do not use your pass on the ticket gate machine when entering the station.
Arriving at your station, show your pass at the ticket gate and tell them you are on Furikae Yuso. Again, here, do not use your pass on the ticket gate machine when exiting the station.
What if I miss my express train due to a train delay?
Most express trains, such as Shinkansen bullet trains, require passengers to book seats.
If you cannot board your express train due to a delay caused by a train accident, you can switch to a reserved seat on a later train. Show your delayed train ticket to an attendant and request to change your reservation at the ticket window. Remember NOT to go through the automatic ticket gate.
Japanese Samples
- I missed my Shinkansen because of this train delay. How do I change my train and re-book a seat?
この電車の遅延で、新幹線に乗れませんでした。どうすれば電車と予約の変更ができますか？ - Here's the ticket I reserved.
これが予約したチケットです。
