Published on
January 6, 2026
By: Paramita Sarkar
On the morning of January 6, 2026, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Chugoku region of Western Japan, causing widespread disruption across key cities, including Shimane, Tottori, Matsue, and Sakaiminato. The earthquake, which occurred at 10:18 AM JST, had an epicenter in eastern Shimane Prefecture and was recorded as a strong tremor, reaching an intensity of Upper 5 on the Japanese Shindo scale. While the shaking was felt across a wide area, the immediate focus shifted to the significant travel disruptions that followed.
Travel in Western Japan Significantly Impacted
As of 7:00 PM JST on January 6, 2026, transportation services in the affected regions continue to face widespread delays, cancellations, and suspensions. The earthquake triggered automatic power cuts on major railway lines and required extensive manual track inspections, leading to significant disruptions in both rail and road services. Local and limited express trains have been the hardest hit, and many services remain suspended for the remainder of the day.
Railway Services (JR West)
The powerful earthquake affected JR West’s network, with numerous trains experiencing delays or cancellations. The automatic safety measures triggered by the earthquake led to power cuts along key routes, and track inspections were carried out for safety.
- Sanyo Shinkansen: Services between Shin-Osaka and Hakata resumed after a safety inspection, but many trains are running with delays ranging from 30 to 60 minutes due to ongoing speed restrictions.
- Sleeper Trains: The Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto, which were scheduled to depart on the night of January 6, have been completely canceled in both directions.
- Limited Express Trains: Several limited express services, including the Yakumo (Okayama ⇔ Izumoshi), Super Hakuto (Kyoto/Osaka ⇔ Tottori), and Super Inaba (Okayama ⇔ Tottori), have been canceled for the day. Additionally, services across the San-in region, including Super Oki and Super Matsukaze, were also suspended.
- Local Lines: Services on the San-in Line (between Yonago and Izumoshi), Hakubi Line (between Niimi and Kamiiwami), and the Sakai and Kisuki lines remain suspended, with ongoing inspections of the tracks.
Expressways & Road Status
NEXCO West, the highway operator in the region, reported that primary safety checks were completed on most major routes, and several roads have begun to reopen, though some restrictions remain in place.
- Yonago Expressway: The section between Hiruzen and Yonago reopened at 1:30 PM JST. However, speed restrictions remain, limiting speeds to 50 km/h in some areas.
- San-in Expressway: Reopened between Yonago-Nishi and Yasugi.
- Local Roads: In Matsue and Sakaiminato, crews are continuing to clear minor debris from roadways, and some bridges are still under inspection for potential damage.
Air Travel (Izumo and Yonago Airports)
Izumo and Yonago airports temporarily paused operations to conduct runway inspections after the earthquake. By noon, both airports resumed operations, and no structural damage was reported. However, as of the evening, significant delays persist as airlines work to accommodate passengers who were unable to board trains or use limited express services.
Flights from both airports have been delayed, and passengers are advised to check their flight status on airline websites, such as Japan Airlines (JAL) or All Nippon Airways (ANA).
Ongoing Aftershocks and Safety Precautions
Following the 6.4 magnitude tremor, a series of significant aftershocks were recorded, including a magnitude 5.1 earthquake at 10:28 AM JST and a magnitude 5.4 tremor shortly after at 10:37 AM. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued warnings for possible further aftershocks, advising residents and travelers to remain vigilant in the coming days.
Local authorities are working closely with emergency services to assess damage and ensure public safety. In addition, people in high-rise buildings, particularly in Tottori Prefecture, were warned of long-period ground motion, which causes prolonged swaying in tall structures.
Travel Recommendations and Updates
- Avoid Non-Essential Travel: If you are planning to travel to or from Shimane or Tottori tonight, expect delays that could make your journey take twice as long as usual.
- Check Real-Time Maps: For those relying on JR West services, the company’s real-time train operation map is regularly updated, offering passengers the most current information on train delays and cancellations.
- Refunds for Canceled Services: JR West has confirmed that tickets for canceled trains, including the Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto, can be refunded without penalty at any JR station.
Conclusion: Continued Efforts to Restore Services
While the initial impact of the earthquake in Western Japan caused significant disruption to travel, efforts are underway to restore normal services. Rail operators, highway authorities, and airlines are working to clear debris, conduct safety inspections, and accommodate travelers. As aftershocks continue to pose a risk, authorities urge all residents and travelers to stay informed through official channels such as the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and JR West for real-time updates.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments of damage and repairs to transportation infrastructure. Travelers in the affected regions are advised to exercise caution, check for updates on their journey, and prepare for possible delays over the coming days.
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