JR Hokkaido has partially resumed operations on the JR Sōya Line between Otoineppu and Wakkanai, which had been suspended due to record heavy rain. (August 30, 2025)

Operations have resumed on the JR Sōya Line between Otoineppu and Horonobe.

At Horonobe Station, in the early afternoon (30th), passengers transferred to a replacement bus bound for Wakkanai.

(A tourist from Tomakomai) “As long as we can get to our destination, we are grateful just to have a replacement bus.”

The JR Sōya Line suffered damage, including soil erosion under the tracks, due to the record heavy rain on the 26th.

There is no prospect of restoration for the remaining section between Horonobe and Wakkanai, and replacement bus services will continue for the time being starting tomorrow (31st).

JR Sōya Line

The JR Sōya Line is a railway line in Hokkaido, Japan, primarily serving the northern coast. It was constructed in stages by Japanese National Railways, with its final section to Wakkanai opening in 1928 to support regional development and fisheries. It is famously known for being the northernmost railway line in Japan.

Otoineppu

Otoineppu is a village located in the northern part of Hokkaido, Japan, historically established as a settlement for forestry and agriculture. It is known for its extremely cold winters and holds the record for the lowest temperature ever officially measured in Japan.

Wakkanai

Wakkanai is Japan’s northernmost city, located on the coast of Hokkaido near the Russian island of Sakhalin. Historically, it developed as a major port for fishing and trade, and it was also a strategic military outpost in the early 20th century. Today, it is known for its symbolic monuments, such as the Northern Breakwater Dome, and serves as a gateway for travel to the Rishiri and Rebun islands.

Horonobe

Horonobe is a small town located in northern Hokkaido, Japan, historically known for its dairy farming and indigenous Ainu cultural influences. In recent decades, it has gained recognition for the Horonobe Underground Research Center, which conducts geological studies for potential deep underground nuclear waste disposal.

Horonobe Station

Horonobe Station is a railway station located in the town of Horonobe, Hokkaido, Japan, on the JR Hokkaido Sōya Main Line. It first opened in 1926 to serve the local agricultural and herding community. The station is notable for its proximity to the Horonobe Underground Research Center, a facility studying the deep geological disposal of nuclear waste.

Tomakomai

Tomakomai is a city and major industrial port on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. Historically a small fishing village, it developed rapidly in the 20th century with the establishment of paper mills and became a designated core city in 2000. It is known today for its large industrial complex and serves as a key logistics hub for the region.