Kyushu Shinkansen fully resumes service following Kumamoto Earthquake

JR Kyushu has fully resumed operations on the Kyushu Shinkansen line, 52 days after the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake struck on July 28, 2026. The restoration of the section between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata marks the completion of full-line service, following extensive repairs to approximately 1,000 damaged locations, including warped rails and concrete spalling on viaducts.

The earthquake, which registered a maximum intensity of 7 in Uki and Hikawa, resulted in 38 deaths and significant housing damage. The disruption severely impacted regional tourism; during the Obon season, visitor numbers near Kagoshima-Chuo Station dropped by 52 percent, and hundreds of thousands of hotel nights were canceled across Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures.

With the full resumption of service coinciding with the Silver Week holidays, the region is seeing a surge in travelers. Hotels near Kagoshima-Chuo Station have reported reaching full capacity, and local businesses are seeing increased foot traffic. To further support economic recovery, the government has launched the ‘Kyushu Fukkou Ouen Wari’ (Kyushu Reconstruction Support Discount) to subsidize travel and accommodation costs in the seven prefectures of Kyushu.