Track construction by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) to expand direct access to Haneda Airport caused significant disruptions to train services in the heart of Tokyo this weekend, disrupting major transportation lines and hundreds of thousands of passengers each day.
Starting Saturday morning, JR East suspended service on certain sections of the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines, Tokyo's busiest lines. Train services between Ueno and Osaki and Higashi-Jujo and Shinagawa will remain closed until noon Sunday.
Additionally, trains on the Yamanote inner loop between Osaki and Ueno will also be closed on Sunday morning. Trains will operate at only 40% of normal capacity on both days. This severe restriction creates a major transportation challenge, especially for weekend travelers.
To minimize inconvenience to passengers, JR East has called on people to use Tokyo subway lines and other private rail operators. These alternative transportation options are expected to carry an estimated 550.000 passengers affected by the schedule changes. However, this congestion could also lead to congestion and delays on subway lines.
Comprehensive Upgrade Work for Household Access
The disruptions this weekend are primarily due to significant platform expansion and realignment of surrounding tracks at Tamachi Station, which is paving the way for the future launch of a new, direct rail link between central Tokyo and Haneda Airport.
The first of the planned routes will start from Tokyo Station. Another line will depart from Shin-Kiba Station, which is scheduled to open in fiscal 2031. With the Shin-Kiba line entering service, transportation from the airport to the popular tourist attraction Tokyo Disney Resort will also become significantly easier.
A third route will further expand the transportation network, starting at Shinjuku Station. This extensive upgrade aims to respond to increasing passenger demand in Tokyo and make airport transfers across the city faster and more seamless.
Despite the significant disruptions to train services over the weekend, JR East officials are emphasizing the long-term benefits of faster, more direct airport connections. Once completed, Tokyo residents and visitors alike will have improved and simplified transportation. For now, however, patience and alternative routes are still a must for travelers in the heart of Tokyo.
