Recovery updates in local areas of Western Japan

Updated: September 12, 2018

As for The heavy Rain Event of July 2018, many tourism facilities in western Japan have resumed regular operations and welcoming tourists. Details will be renewed and added from time to time, so please check the latest updates on each website.

Accommodation and tourist facilities in Shimane Prefecture have not been affected by the torrential rains, and are in normal operation. JR West trains, express busses, and expressways have also not been affected and are in normal operation.
Shimane Prefecture HP　http://www.kankou-shimane.com/en/
Shimane Prefecture FB　https://www.facebook.com/discover.shimane/
Shimane Prefecture Instagram　https://www.instagram.com/discover.shimane/ 　

While some accommodation and tourist facilities in Hiroshima Prefecture were affected by the torrential rains, the Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) in central Hiroshima, Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine in Hatsukaichi City, Tomonoura in Fukuyama City, Shimanami Kaido in Onomichi City, Okunoshima Island in Takehara City, Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery in Miyoshi City, Kaguramonzentoujimura in Aki Takata City, and Bihoku Hillside Park in Shobara City are currently operating as usual.
In terms of access by expressways, while sections of the Hiroshima-Kure Road have been closed, the Sanyo Expressway, the Chugoku Expressway, and Chugoku Yamanami Kaido Expressway are open to traffic. While the operation of trains on some JR-West railway lines has been suspended, the Sanyo Shinkansen is operating as usual. In some suspended sections, bus services are available as an alternate form of transportation.
Hiroshima Prefecture FB　https://www.facebook.com/visithiroshima
SETOUCHI Tourism Authority　http://setouchitrip.com/media

While some accommodation and tourist facilities in Ehime Prefecture were affected by the heavy rains, Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, the Shimanami Kaido Expressway area, and other tourist facilities in the prefecture are in general operating as usual.
Access by expressways within Shikoku and between Shikoku and Honshu has been ensured.
While the operation of trains on some sections of JR-West railways has been suspended, services are available as an alternate form of transportation.

While some accommodation and tourist facilities in Kyoto Prefecture were affected by the torrential rains, most are operating as usual.
All JR lines are operating as usual in Kyoto Prefecture. While the operation of trains on some sections of the Kyoto Tango Railway has been suspended, bus services are available as an alternate form of transportation. Also, express buses from Keihanshin to major cities such as Miyazu, Maizuru, and Fukuchiyama are operating as usual.
All routes on the Kyoto-Jukan Expressway are open to traffic and access by roads has been ensured.

While some accommodation and tourist facilities in Okayama Prefecture were affected by the torrential rains, facilities in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter of Kurashiki City and the area around Mt. Washuzan, Okayama Korakuen and Okayama Castle in Okayama City are operating as usual, and access by expressways has been ensured.
While the operation of trains on some sections of JR-West railways has been suspended, the Sanyo Shinkansen is operating as usual.
For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/okayama.eng
https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/

Regular and replacement busses provide alternative routes to get to the area in replacement of JR Takayama Line which have been affected the heavy rains. However, please note that you might not be able to have a seat on the replacement bus due to limited number of seats.
Taking alternative routes at the following URLs (rail passes and tickets that can be used on JR Takayama line are NOT covered) would highly be recommendable for your comfortable travel even if you have one of the effective rail passes.
- The regular service of JR Takayama Line between Nagoya / Gifu and Takayama / Sakaue via Gero is set to resume from August 11th.
- Nagaragawa Railway has started to provide reduced train service on entire line from August 1st. Recommendable to check the timetable before your departure at your nearest Tourist Information Center.

For more information on the status in this region please check the following websites:
http://www.hida.jp/english/traveltips/practicalguide/4000220.html
http://www.hida.jp/english/
http://www.city.gero.lg.jp.e.zq.hp.transer.com/kankou/
GIFU Travel Guide http://travel.kankou-gifu.jp/en/

Accommodation and tourist facilities in Tottori Prefecture have not been affected by the torrential rains,and are operating as usual.
Routes on expressways are open to traffic and accessible as usual. While the operation of trains on some JR-West railway lines has been suspended, the San-in Line and the Chizu Express Chizu Line are operating as usual.
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/tottoritouren/

While some accommodation and tourist facilities in Hyogo Prefecture were affected by the torrential rains, most are operating as usual. Some limited express trains etc. which have been suspended are resuming operations sequentially.

Most tourist facilities in Yamaguchi Prefecture except for some are operating as usual. Access by expressways is available as usual.
The Sanyo Shinkansen and many conventional lines in Yamaguchi Prefecture are operating as usual. While the operation of trains on some JR-West railway lines and Nishikigawa Tetudou has been suspended, bus services are available as an alternate form of transportation.
For more information:
Yamaguchi Prefecture(Only Japanese) http://www.pref.yamaguchi.lg.jp/cms/a16200/shisetunojyoukyo/201807260001.html
Disaster Yamaguchi https://www.facebook.com/tottoritouren/
※(Choose “英語” from the language tab)

Below attractions and tourist facilities are open and operating as usual.

Universal Studio Japan
Tsutenkaku Tower
Osaka Castle
Expo'70 Commemorative Park
Hirakata Park
Abeno Harukas
Umeda Sky Building
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park

Kobe Anpanman Children's Museum
Mount Rokko

Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Aquarium
Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Miho Museum

Okayama Korakuen
Kurashiki City

Otsuka Museum of Art

Itsukushima-jinja Shrine

Kintaikyo Bridge

Below are updates announced by local prefectures and tourist offices in English, as of 18 July.

Gifu
Kyoto
Saga

Reference link: Travel safety tips surrounding The Heavy Rain Event of July 2018