Kumamoto Earthquake: Latest Travel and Transportation Updates

July 28, 2026August 2, 2026

This article is based on official information available as of August 2, 2026, 12:10 AM JST.

Update note — August 10, 2026: This breaking news article is no longer being actively updated and is retained as a record of conditions reported through August 2. For the latest earthquake-related travel conditions across Kyushu, including current transportation disruptions, destination status, safety guidance, and alternative routes, please see our dedicated guide: Kyushu Travel After the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake: What’s Open, What’s Disrupted, and What Travelers Should Check.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture at approximately 4:27 p.m. JST on Tuesday, July 28. The earthquake reached a maximum seismic intensity of Shindo 7, the highest level on Japan’s seismic intensity scale.

If you’re currently in Kyushu or planning to visit in the coming days, your travel plans may still be affected. Kyushu Shinkansen services between Hakata and Kumamoto are scheduled to operate normally on August 2, but services between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo will remain suspended. Aso Kumamoto Airport expects flights to operate normally, while Kumamoto Castle remains temporarily closed.

This article explains the situation as it was reported through August 2, 2026. Some transportation and attraction information below is now historical.

For current conditions, use our dedicated Kyushu earthquake travel guide rather than the dated operating details in this article.

Table of Contents

What Happened

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake measured magnitude 7.1 and occurred in the Kumamoto region at a provisional depth of 16 kilometers. A maximum intensity of Shindo 7 was recorded in Uki City and Hikawa Town in Kumamoto Prefecture.

A tsunami advisory was issued for coastal areas around the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea shortly after the earthquake and was later lifted.

JMA has officially designated this earthquake and the subsequent seismic activity as the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake.

Earthquake Activity and Safety

Seismic activity remains elevated. From the initial earthquake through 3:00 p.m. JST on August 1, JMA recorded 335 earthquakes with a seismic intensity of Shindo 1 or higher, including the initial earthquake.

These included one earthquake reaching Shindo 7, four reaching Shindo 5 Lower, and 15 reaching Shindo 4. These figures are preliminary and may be revised later.

JMA advises people in strongly affected areas to remain alert for earthquakes with shaking as strong as Shindo 7 for approximately one week after the initial earthquake. Further strong shaking remains possible depending on the location and scale of subsequent earthquakes.

Travelers should stay away from damaged buildings, unstable slopes, restricted areas, and locations where local authorities have advised people not to enter. If a strong earthquake occurs near the coast, follow official tsunami information and move away from the shoreline when instructed.

For practical guidance on earthquakes, tsunami warnings, emergency alerts, and what to do during a disaster, read:
Natural Disasters in Japan: What Every Traveler Should Know.

Who Is Most Affected?

This earthquake is most likely to affect travelers who are:

Staying in Kumamoto Prefecture
Visiting Kumamoto Castle or Mount Aso
Traveling between Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima by Shinkansen
Using JR Kyushu conventional train services in central or southern Kyushu
Traveling to or from Miyazaki by highway bus
Flying through Aso Kumamoto Airport
Driving in areas affected by strong shaking

If your itinerary does not include Kyushu, travel in most other parts of Japan is not expected to be significantly affected. However, domestic flights and long-distance connections may still be subject to schedule changes.

Transportation Status Reported for August 2

The information in this section reflects the operating plans available for August 2 and should be read as a historical snapshot, not as current transportation status.

Before traveling now, check our current Kyushu earthquake travel guide and the latest information from the relevant transportation operator.

The information below reflects JR Kyushu’s operating plan issued at 2:00 p.m. JST and updated at 4:30 p.m. on August 1. Plans may change depending on further earthquake activity, inspections, and repair work.

Kyushu Shinkansen

Kyushu Shinkansen services between Hakata and Kumamoto are scheduled to return to normal operation on August 2. JR Kyushu plans to operate all services, including additional trains, and through-services with the Sanyo Shinkansen.

Hakata–Kumamoto: Scheduled to operate normally, including additional trains
Kumamoto–Kagoshima-Chuo: Services suspended throughout August 2
Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, Takeo-Onsen–Nagasaki: Scheduled to operate normally

Travelers arriving from Shin-Osaka, Okayama, or Hiroshima should still check their specific train before departure, even though Sanyo Shinkansen through-services are scheduled to operate.

Do not assume that the entire Kyushu Shinkansen has reopened. No Kyushu Shinkansen service is scheduled between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo on August 2.

Longer-Term Shinkansen Outlook

JR Kyushu expects services between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata to remain suspended for the time being. The company currently considers a reopening during August unlikely.

For the Shin-Minamata–Kagoshima-Chuo section, JR Kyushu is continuing to consider how and when service can resume. No reopening date has been announced.

If you plan to travel between Kumamoto and Kagoshima, prepare to make substantial itinerary changes rather than waiting at the station for same-day service to resume.

Tourist and Limited Express Trains

The A-Train tourist service between Kumamoto and Misumi is scheduled to resume normal operation on August 2.

A-Train: Scheduled to resume normal service between Kumamoto and Misumi on August 2
Yufuin no Mori: Scheduled to operate between Hakata and Yufuin, although some changes related to an earlier train fault may continue

Even when a tourist train is scheduled to operate, confirm the latest timetable shortly before departure. Further earthquakes or inspection requirements could cause last-minute changes.

JR Kyushu Conventional Lines

Some conventional railway services will resume on August 2, but an important section south of Uto will remain closed.

Kagoshima Main Line, Kumamoto–Uto: Reduced service scheduled to resume on August 2
Kagoshima Main Line, Uto–Yatsushiro: Suspended throughout August 2; reopening during August is currently considered unlikely
Kagoshima Main Line, Sendai–Kumanojo: Reduced service because some Hisatsu Orange Railway through-services remain suspended
Misumi Line, Uto–Misumi: Scheduled to resume normal operation from the first train on August 2

The first scheduled southbound service between Kumamoto and Uto departs Kumamoto at 6:17 a.m. for Misumi. The first scheduled northbound service departs Uto at 5:33 a.m. for Kumamoto.

JR Kyushu has not announced a specific replacement bus plan for the Uto–Yatsushiro section. Road conditions and difficulty securing buses are affecting the possibility of arranging replacement transportation.

Travelers heading to Yatsushiro, Shin-Minamata, or destinations farther south should expect significant disruption and limited alternatives.

Temporary Station Closures

The following JR Kyushu stations are scheduled to remain temporarily closed on August 2:

Yatsushiro Station
Shin-Yatsushiro Station
Shin-Minamata Station
Izumi Station

Uto and Misumi are no longer included in JR Kyushu’s station-closure list for August 2.

Highway Buses

Several major highway bus services remain suspended:

B&S Miyazaki, Miyazaki–Shin-Yatsushiro: All services suspended through August 31; service from September 1 has not yet been decided
Phoenix, Fukuoka–Miyazaki: All services suspended through August 6; service from August 7 has not yet been decided
Sakurajima, Fukuoka–Kagoshima: All services suspended through August 6; service from August 7 has not yet been decided

Do not assume that a highway bus can be used as an alternative to a suspended Shinkansen service. Some of the most important alternative routes are also unavailable.

Aso Kumamoto Airport

The latest notice from Aso Kumamoto Airport says flights are expected to operate normally. However, operations may change depending on further earthquake activity.

Airport access varies by route. The airport advises travelers to check the website of the individual bus or transportation company they plan to use. The Super Banpeiyu airport bus is scheduled to resume with reduced service from August 3.

Confirm your flight directly with your airline and check airport buses or other ground transportation separately before departure. A scheduled flight does not necessarily mean that your usual airport connection is operating.

Tourist Attractions and Events

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle remains temporarily closed while officials continue inspecting its facilities and grounds. A reopening date has not yet been announced.

The free shuttle buses between Josaien, the South Entrance, Ninomaru Parking Lot, and Sannomaru No. 1 Parking Lot are also suspended because of the earthquake.

The Fukko Joshu donation counter beside the Ninomaru rest area reopened on July 31 after the building was confirmed to be safe. The counter accepts donations supporting the reconstruction of Kumamoto Castle. Its reopening does not mean that the castle itself has reopened to general visitors.

Several events, special tours, and access programs scheduled for August have also been canceled.

Do not travel to Kumamoto Castle based on its normal opening hours or ticket availability. Check the castle’s official website before visiting.

Hinokuni Festival Canceled

The 49th Hinokuni Festival, which was scheduled to take place in central Kumamoto from July 31 through August 2, has been canceled because of the earthquake.

If the festival was part of your itinerary, do not travel to central Kumamoto expecting the dance parade, stage events, or food booths to take place.

Mount Aso and Other Attractions

Attractions in Kumamoto and the Mount Aso area may change their opening hours or temporarily close while inspections continue. Road conditions and public transportation disruptions may also prevent access even when an attraction itself is open.

Check the official website or social media account of each attraction before traveling.

What Travelers Should Do

If you’re currently in Kyushu:

Follow instructions from local authorities and your accommodation.
Stay away from damaged buildings, unstable slopes, and restricted areas.
Expect transportation delays, cancellations, and last-minute schedule changes.
Check the exact railway section you plan to use, not only the name of the train line.
Confirm whether your departure and arrival stations are open.
Do not assume that a highway bus is available as an alternative to a canceled train.
Confirm flights directly with your airline.
Check airport buses and other ground transportation separately from your flight.
Keep your phone charged whenever possible.
Carry drinking water, medications, identification, and other essentials.
Contact your hotel or tour operator if your arrival will be delayed.
Monitor official JMA information for further earthquakes.

If your train, flight, or bus was canceled, contact the operator before purchasing a replacement ticket. Alternative transportation may be limited, and operators may have special refund arrangements in place.

If you are traveling between Hakata and Kumamoto on August 2, services are scheduled to operate normally. If you are traveling south of Kumamoto toward Kagoshima, review your itinerary before going to the station because Kyushu Shinkansen services will remain suspended.

Travelism Tip

A railway line may be described as operating even when only part of the route has reopened. Always check your exact departure station, destination, train, and travel date before leaving your accommodation.

Do not rely only on Google Maps or another journey-planning app during a major disruption. Temporary suspensions, station closures, and reduced timetables may not appear immediately.

Check the transportation operator’s official service page first, and then confirm your route again shortly before departure.

Earthquake impacts can be highly localized. You may not need to cancel your entire trip to Japan or Kyushu, but itineraries involving Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, or travel through affected railway sections may require significant changes.

Official Information

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to:

Japan Meteorological Agency — Earthquake Information
Japan Meteorological Agency — 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake Information (Japanese)
Japan Meteorological Agency — Earthquake Count as of August 1 (Japanese PDF)
JR Kyushu
JR Kyushu — Kyushu Shinkansen Service Information (Japanese)
JR Kyushu — Operating Plan for August 2 (Japanese PDF)
JR Kyushu — Temporary Station Closures for August 2 (Japanese PDF)
JR Kyushu Bus — Highway Bus Suspensions (Japanese)
Aso Kumamoto Airport
Aso Kumamoto Airport — Flight Operations
Aso Kumamoto Airport — Ground Transportation Status
Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle — Temporary Closure Notice (Japanese)
Kumamoto Castle — Free Shuttle Bus Suspension (Japanese)
Kumamoto Castle — Fukko Joshu Donation Counter (Japanese)
Kumamoto City Official Guide
Kumamoto City — Hinokuni Festival Cancellation (Japanese)

Frequently Asked Questions

Important: The answers below reflect conditions reported through August 2, 2026. For current travel decisions, see our latest Kyushu earthquake travel guide.

Is it safe to travel to Kumamoto now?

Conditions vary by location, and inspections and repairs are continuing. Avoid damaged or restricted areas, follow instructions from local authorities, and confirm the status of your accommodation and transportation before traveling.

Is the Kyushu Shinkansen operating?

Yes, but not on the entire route. Services between Hakata and Kumamoto are scheduled to operate normally on August 2. Services between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo will remain suspended throughout the day.

Can I travel from Fukuoka to Kumamoto by Shinkansen?

Yes. JR Kyushu plans to operate normal service between Hakata and Kumamoto on August 2, including additional trains and through-services with the Sanyo Shinkansen. Check your specific train before departure.

Can I travel from Kumamoto to Kagoshima by Shinkansen?

No Kyushu Shinkansen service is scheduled between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo on August 2. JR Kyushu expects the Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section to remain closed throughout August.

Is the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen operating?

Yes. Services between Takeo-Onsen and Nagasaki are scheduled to operate normally on August 2.

Is the A-Train operating?

The A-Train tourist service between Kumamoto and Misumi is scheduled to resume normal operation on August 2. Check JR Kyushu shortly before departure in case conditions change.

Can I use B&S Miyazaki instead of the Shinkansen?

No. All B&S Miyazaki highway bus services between Shin-Yatsushiro and Miyazaki are suspended through August 31.

Should I cancel my trip to Kyushu?

Not necessarily. Travelers staying outside the affected transportation network may experience fewer disruptions. However, itineraries involving Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, or travel through central and southern Kyushu may require significant changes.

Is Aso Kumamoto Airport open?

The latest airport notice says flights are expected to operate normally, although operations may change depending on further earthquake activity. Check your flight directly with your airline and confirm your airport transportation separately.

Is Kumamoto Castle open?

No. Kumamoto Castle remains temporarily closed while safety inspections continue. Its free shuttle buses are also suspended. The reopening of the nearby Fukko Joshu donation counter does not mean that the castle has reopened to visitors.

Is the Hinokuni Festival taking place?

No. The festival scheduled for July 31 through August 2 has been canceled because of the earthquake.

Are further earthquakes expected?

Further earthquakes remain possible. JMA advises people in strongly affected areas to remain alert for shaking as strong as Shindo 7 for approximately one week after the initial earthquake.

Can I still visit Fukuoka or Nagasaki?

Fukuoka and northern Kyushu may be less affected than journeys through Kumamoto and southern Kyushu. The Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen between Takeo-Onsen and Nagasaki is scheduled to operate normally. Check your specific railway, bus, or flight connection before traveling.

Update Log

August 10, 2026

Changed the latest-information handoff from the August 2026 monthly update to our dedicated Kyushu earthquake travel guide, which is now the current source for earthquake-related travel conditions, transportation disruptions, destination status, safety guidance, and alternative routes.
Clarified that this breaking news article is retained as a historical snapshot of conditions reported through August 2 and is no longer being actively updated.

August 7, 2026

Ended active updates to this breaking news article and, at that time, directed readers to the August 2026 Japan Travel Update for subsequent travel and transportation information. The handoff was later changed to the dedicated Kyushu earthquake travel guide on August 10.

August 2, 2026, 12:10 AM JST

Published the August 2 update based on official information available as of August 1, 2026, 11:57 PM JST.
Added JR Kyushu’s operating plan for August 2.
Updated the Hakata–Kumamoto Kyushu Shinkansen plan to normal operation, including additional trains.
Confirmed that Kumamoto–Kagoshima-Chuo services will remain suspended throughout August 2.
Added the August 2 resumption of reduced service between Kumamoto and Uto.
Added the scheduled resumption of the Misumi Line and A-Train service.
Updated temporary station closures from six stations to four.
Updated JMA’s earthquake count to 335.
Added the cancellation of the Hinokuni Festival.
Reconfirmed airport, highway bus, Kumamoto Castle, and internal-link information.

August 1, 2026, 12:03 AM JST

Added JR Kyushu’s operating plan for August 1.
Updated Shinkansen, conventional railway, highway bus, airport, and Kumamoto Castle information.
Added a link to Travelism’s natural disaster preparedness guide.