Typhoon in Izu? A Complete Guide for International Visitors: Transport, Safety & Contacting Your Ryokan

• 2026-06-27

Why Typhoons Hit Izu Hard

The Izu Peninsula juts directly into the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the first areas in mainland Japan to feel the full force of approaching typhoons. When a typhoon is near, heavy rain, strong winds, and the risk of landslides can develop rapidly — and transport services across the entire peninsula can be suspended with just a few hours’ notice.

For international visitors, navigating this situation without Japanese language skills can be stressful. This guide gives you everything you need to stay informed and stay safe.

Step 1: Check Train Status in English

The two main rail lines serving Izu are Izukyu Railway (Ito to Shimoda) and JR East / JR Tokai (Tokyo to Ito via the Tokaido Line). Both provide English-language service status updates.

Step 2: Understand What “Service Suspended” Means

When a typhoon is approaching, Japanese railways typically announce a planned service suspension (keikaku unkyū) several hours in advance. This means:

• All trains on the affected line stop running — including limited express and local services.
• There is no alternative rail service during the suspension period.
• Services typically resume once the typhoon has passed and tracks have been inspected for safety — this can take anywhere from a few hours to several days if landslides or flooding have occurred.

In June 2026, Typhoon No. 6 caused a landslide that blocked the Izukyu Line for 5 days before full service resumed. This is not uncommon in the Izu region.

Step 3: Do Not Rely on Buses or Taxis

Many visitors assume that if trains are suspended, buses or taxis will still be available. This is often not the case during a typhoon.

• Local buses operated by Tokai Bus and other companies typically suspend services in line with train suspensions when wind and rain reach dangerous levels.
• Taxis may refuse to operate or may be fully booked, as demand surges when trains stop. Do not count on being able to hail a taxi during a typhoon.
• Rental cars and driving are strongly discouraged during typhoon conditions due to the risk of flooding, fallen trees, and landslides on mountain roads.

Step 4: Contact Your Accommodation Early

If a typhoon is approaching and you are unsure whether you can reach your accommodation — or if you need to change your arrival date — contact your ryokan or hotel as early as possible. Do not wait until the last minute.

Here are the best ways to get in touch:

• Booking platform messaging (Booking.com, Expedia, etc.) — Log in to your account and use the in-app messaging system to contact the property directly. This is the easiest option if you do not speak Japanese.
• Email — Most ryokan have an email address listed on their website. Send a message in English explaining your situation; staff will do their best to respond.
• Phone — Calling directly is the fastest method. If you are staying at Yubana Mankai, our phone number is 0557-23-1133. If you do not speak Japanese, try calling with a translation app open, or ask your hotel concierge to assist.

For guests staying at Yubana Mankai, please contact us via your booking platform or by email through our website at yubanamankai.jp/english. We will do our best to accommodate changes to your reservation and keep you informed of the local situation.

Step 5: What to Do If You Are Already in Izu

If you are already in the Izu area when a typhoon arrives, the most important thing is to stay indoors and away from rivers, coastlines, and hillsides. Follow these guidelines:

• Stay in your accommodation. Do not go outside to sightsee or take photographs during the storm.
• Follow any evacuation instructions issued by local authorities. Emergency alerts will be sent to mobile phones in Japan — even foreign SIM cards and roaming devices typically receive these alerts.
• Keep your phone charged and monitor the JMA weather warning page (link above) for updates.
• Ask your accommodation staff for the latest local information — they will know the area and can advise you on safety.

We Are Here for You

At Yubana Mankai, we understand that typhoon disruptions can be stressful, especially for visitors traveling from overseas. Our staff are always available to help you navigate the situation — whether that means adjusting your reservation, providing information on local conditions, or simply making sure you are comfortable while you wait out the storm.

The best thing about being stranded at a ryokan with 6 private hot spring baths? There are far worse places to wait for a typhoon to pass.

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