Power Outage Caused by Snake Disrupts Japanese Bullet Train Services

The Tokaido Shinkansen experienced major interruptions this week due to a snake entangled in a power line, affecting thousands of passengers during Japan's Golden Week.

Japan's Tokaido Shinkansen trains, which connect Tokyo and Osaka, faced significant disruption on Wednesday evening when a snake wrapped itself around an overhead power line. The incident led to a power outage, prompting the suspension of services around 17:25 local time. Following extensive efforts to clear the line and restore power, operations resumed at approximately 19:00, as reported by Central Japan Railway Company and local media.

This incident took place amid Japan's Golden Week, a popular holiday season that sees a surge in travel due to four national holidays within just a week. With significant events like the World Expo happening in Osaka, the number of passengers relying on this vital transportation link has reached peak levels.

The snake incident occurred between Gifu-Hashima and Maibara stations, halting Tokyo-bound trains between Shin-Osaka and Nagoya, as well as Osaka-bound trains from Tokyo. Passengers at affected stations reported forming long lines at ticket counters while waiting for updates. "I use the shinkansen several times a month, but this is the first time I've experienced suspensions due to a power outage," shared Satoshi Tagawa, a frequent traveller.

Others voiced their frustration, echoing the sentiments of 26-year-old Kazutoshi Tachi, who remarked, "I’m fed up with the troubles. I want them to run on time." This incident is not unprecedented; a similar occurrence occurred in April 2024, when a smaller snake caused a 17-minute delay on the same route. As authorities continue to manage the unique challenges that come with wildlife entanglements, they assure passengers that measures are in place to minimize disruptions in the future.