Train delay. Photo: Shutterstock A power outage on Tokyo’s rail network caused major disruption to the Friday morning commute. The incident brought two of the city’s busiest train lines to a standstill, affecting thousands of passengers heading to work and school.
East Japan Railway said services on both the Yamanote Line and the Keihin-Tohoku Line were suspended in all directions after a reported loss of power. The outage occurred around 3:50 am between Shimbashi and Shinagawa stations, a key section of track serving central Tokyo. With trains unable to run, platforms quickly filled as the morning rush got underway.
Train in Japan. Photo: ShutterstockThe Yamanote Line, which loops around central Tokyo and connects some of the country’s most heavily used stations, is often described as the backbone of the city’s transport system. The Keihin-Tohoku Line runs north to south through the capital and into surrounding prefectures, making the simultaneous shutdown particularly disruptive.
JR East said full service on both lines resumed at around 1 pm, ending several hours of delays, cancellations, and crowded alternative routes. In a service update published later in the day, the operator acknowledged the impact on passengers.
“Due to the power outage that occurred today on the Yamanote Line and the Keihin-Tohoku Line, train services were suspended, but operations have now resumed,” the company said. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to our passengers.”
The operator also advised travelers to check the latest updates for the wider Kanto region, noting that delays of more than 30 minutes can occur across multiple lines, including Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Yamagata, and Akita Shinkansen.
JR East also cautioned the public that, while updates are provided regularly, actual train operations may differ and should be used as a general guide.
JR East also reported additional problems elsewhere on the network. The Chūō and Sōbu Line local services experienced delays and suspensions on some trains due to “unidentified noise” between Moto-Yawata and Ichikawa stations. Direct services on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line between Mitaka and Nakano were also suspended as a result.
Plus, the Takasaki Line Outbound line connecting Ōmiya and Kagohara Station was also confronted with delays in operation on some trains due to inspections between Akabane and Urawa Station.
The incidents serve as a reminder of how sensitive Tokyo’s tightly timed rail system can be to technical failures, especially during peak commuting hours, when even a short disruption can ripple across the entire network.