Japan bullet trains cut by 40% to Hokkaido, other destinations

Coronavirus slams brakes on JR East's early summer travel season

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A JR East bullet train travels on the Joetsu Shinkansen line connecting Tokyo and northwestern Japan. The railroad operator is scaling back service starting May 28. (Photo by Yasuaki Sako)

SHOHEI NOMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- East Japan Railway will slash high-speed bullet train service by about 40% indefinitely as the country's coronavirus outbreak disrupts plans by business travelers and tourists.

The service cuts begin May 28 on shinkansen lines connecting Tokyo and northern Japan, the railroad operator known as JR East said Wednesday.

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