Typhoon No. 25 brought heavy rain to Chiba Prefecture in late September 2026, triggering a landslide near Anegasaki Station that has left a key section of JR East’s Uchibo Line closed for at least three months. Travellers planning to explore the southern Boso Peninsula by rail should expect significant detours for the remainder of the autumn season.
What Happened
On or around 24 September, sediment from a landslide buried the Uchibo Line trackbed between Anegasaki and Nagaura stations at five separate locations along a 500-metre stretch. The typhoon also toppled overhead wire support equipment along the same section, meaning both the track and electrification infrastructure require full inspection and reconstruction before trains can run again.
JR East has not set a firm reopening date, but early assessments indicate the closure will last a minimum of three months from the time of damage - meaning disruption extends well into January 2027 at the earliest.
Current Service Status
The Uchibo Line currently operates in two separate sections:
- Awa-Kamogawa to Kisarazu - resumed on 26 September 2026 at approximately 50% of normal frequency. This covers the southern stretch toward the tip of the Boso Peninsula.
- Kisarazu to Anegasaki - suspended indefinitely. No replacement bus service was in place as of late September; travellers should check JR East’s website for any updates on interim bus connections.
The section north of Anegasaki, where the Uchibo Line meets the greater Tokyo network, is operating normally.
Who Is Affected
The Uchibo Line runs along the western edge of the Boso Peninsula through Chiba Prefecture, connecting travellers heading south from the Keiyo and Sobu lines toward the Kimitsu and Kisarazu industrial coast and the scenic southern tip of the peninsula around Tateyama and Shirahama. Day-trippers from Tokyo using this route to reach Awa-Kamogawa or coastal spots near Kisarazu will need to factor in the gap.
The most practical alternative is the Sotobo Line, which runs along the eastern side of the Boso Peninsula from Tokyo (Chiba or Soga) down to Awa-Kamogawa, where it joins the southern Uchibo Line. Journey times are longer and less direct, but the Sotobo Line is fully operational.
What to Do If Your Plans Are Affected
- Check JR East’s English-language service disruption page before departure.
- If you are using a Japan Rail Pass or IC card, the Sotobo Line route is fully covered - no change to pass validity.
- Travellers with non-refundable accommodation on the Boso Peninsula coast should review their travel insurance policy, as extended rail closures may qualify for covered disruption depending on your policy terms.
For general train and transport planning across Japan, see our getting around Japan guide. For other active transport alerts, see our Japan news section.