Typhoon 6 Grounds 524 Flights as Tokyo Plans Highway Undergrounding, June 04

Typhoon 6 disrupted Japan’s transportation network on June 3, forcing Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways to cancel 524 domestic flights and 92 international flights. The storm affected approximately 80,000 passengers across both airlines. However, the Shuto Expressway in Tokyo remained open with no closures reported, according to the Japan Road Traffic Information Center.

Flight Cancellations Hit 80,000 Passengers

Japan Airlines cancelled 292 domestic flights and 37 international flights on June 3. All Nippon Airways cancelled 232 domestic flights and 55 international flights. Combined, the two carriers cancelled 524 flights, affecting approximately 63,000 domestic passengers and 16,000 international passengers.

Highway Traffic Unaffected by Storm

The Shuto Expressway reported no closures or traffic restrictions due to Typhoon 6’s heavy rain as of 11 a.m. on June 3, according to Japan Road Traffic Information Center data. Other expressways managed by NEXCO companies also maintained normal operations during the storm.

Tokyo Plans Underground Highway by 2040

Tokyo is advancing plans to bury the Shuto Expressway underground as part of broader urban renewal around the Nihonbashi River area. The project, expected to complete by 2040, will remove the elevated highway structure and restore views of the river and sky. New motorcycle discount programs launched in April 2026 offer 37.5% fare reductions on expressways for trips over 80 kilometers during touring season.

New Transit Options Emerge in Tokyo

Tokyo launched a fully electric ferry service between Nihonbashi and Toyosu on April 26, 2026, offering an alternative to road and rail transport. The Nihonbashi e-LINER operates nine trips daily in each direction with a 25-minute travel time and 900 yen one-way fare. The service complements ongoing waterfront redevelopment tied to the future highway undergrounding project.

Final Thoughts

Typhoon 6 grounded over 80,000 passengers across Japan’s two largest carriers, but Tokyo’s highway network held firm. The city’s long-term shift toward underground infrastructure and electric transit signals a structural change in how Japan manages urban mobility.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.