JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku Lines Suspended After Power Failure in Tokyo

Train services on the JR Yamanote Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, which run through central Tokyo, were suspended across all sections from the first trains on the morning of the 16th due to a power outage caused by an electrical equipment failure, JR East said.

JR East is conducting restoration work and expects both lines to resume operations around 1:00 p.m..

Widespread Disruptions

Due to congestion caused by the suspension of the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines, the Yokosuka Line was also forced to suspend services across its entire route. JR East said there is no clear outlook for resumption on that line at this time.

Meanwhile, some other major lines have gradually resumed operations. JR East confirmed that the Tokaido Line, which had been suspended between Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station, resumed service on both inbound and outbound tracks at around 10:46 a.m..

The Takasaki Line, Utsunomiya Line, and both the Joban Line and Joban Rapid Line have also resumed full operations.

Cause of the Power Failure

According to JR East, the trouble began at around 3:50 a.m., when electricity failed to flow from a substation in Tokyo to the overhead power lines as services were being prepared for the start of the day.

The Keihin-Tohoku Line briefly resumed operations shortly after 7:20 a.m., but was later suspended again due to continuing issues.

JR East explained that overnight maintenance work had been carried out between Shimbashi Station and Shinagawa Station, where power supply was temporarily shut off to allow renovation work at Tamachi Station. When operators attempted to restore power before the first trains, electricity could not be transmitted, possibly due to an error in the power restoration procedure.

At around 7:50 a.m., smoke was reported near the Tamachi substation in Minato Ward, prompting JR East to treat the situation as an electrical equipment abnormality and continue repair efforts.

Passenger Evacuations

JR East also confirmed that at around 8:50 a.m., passengers were evacuated from two Keihin-Tohoku Line trains that had been stopped for an extended period:

• One train between Tamachi Station and Takanawa Gateway Station

• One train between Shimbashi Station and Hamamatsucho Station

Passengers were guided down onto the tracks and escorted safely to nearby stations, as prolonged delays were expected and no restart time had been confirmed. JR East said no injuries or health complaints had been reported among the passengers.

Scenes Across Tokyo

Aerial footage captured by NHK around 8:50 a.m. showed workers and what appeared to be firefighters gathering on the platform at Tamachi Station, with inspections underway on nearby tracks.

Additional footage around 9:10 a.m. showed passengers disembarking from stopped trains near Tamachi Station and walking along the tracks under staff guidance toward station platforms.

At Shinagawa Station, access to Yamanote Line platforms was blocked with restricted-entry tape, while long lines formed at ticket gates for passengers attempting to transfer to the Keikyu Line. The crowds reportedly grew after announcements confirmed that JR services were unlikely to resume until the early afternoon.

At Shibuya Station, notices stating “Services are suspended” were posted near ticket gates. Passengers were seen checking smartphones, taking photos of notices, and speaking with station staff as announcements about service suspensions and alternative transportation played repeatedly.

At Ueno Station, heavy congestion was reported at transfer points to subway lines. One commuter said he abandoned attempts to transfer due to severe crowding and instead ran to work.

Ongoing Investigation

JR East said it is working urgently to restore services while also conducting a detailed investigation into the exact cause of the power failure.