Record-breaking rainfall hit the Nagoya metropolitan area on 8 September 2026, causing widespread flooding across Aichi and Gifu prefectures and temporarily halting key rail services. The situation has stabilised as of 9 September, but ground saturation remains and rail travellers should verify conditions before journeying through the area.
What Happened on 8 September
Rain gauges in Nagoya recorded 104.5mm in a single hour - exceeding the city’s previous single-hour record. The Shonai River reached Level 5 flood warning status, the highest on Japan’s scale, and evacuation advisories covered approximately 2.65 million people across Aichi and Gifu prefectures.
JR Chuo Line tracks in and around Nagoya were submerged for several hours, halting local services. The Tokaido Shinkansen, connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka, was suspended between Nagoya and Maibara during the afternoon. Service resumed at approximately 17:15 local time, with delays and reduced frequencies into the evening.
Current Status (9 September)
JR and Shinkansen services have resumed on all mainlines as of 9 September morning. However, ground conditions remain saturated and further rainfall could trigger renewed disruption. The Japan Meteorological Agency is maintaining warnings for Aichi prefecture.
Travellers transiting through or stopping in Nagoya should:
- Check JR Central service status apps before boarding
- Allow extra connection time at Nagoya Station
- Confirm ground transport access if staying in riverside areas of the city
If You Are Travelling Through Nagoya
Nagoya Station handles both Tokaido Shinkansen and regional JR connections into Chubu. Disruptions on 8 September were centred on the Chuo Line heading east rather than the main Shinkansen corridor, which resumed before evening.
Travellers experiencing delays can access English-language assistance at dedicated windows on the Nagoya Station ground floor.
For help planning your time in Nagoya, see our Nagoya city guide. For bookable tours and activities in Nagoya, browse GetYourGuide experiences in Nagoya. For Shinkansen ticketing and IC card guidance, see our Japan practical travel guide. Our Japan news section carries further updates on transport conditions.