Shijo station was oddly barren, even for a weekday afternoon, and Satoshi pointed out that it’s probably because Kansai International Airport, which is a major hub for both international and domestic travelers and tourists in Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe is still not back to 100%. Since the tanker crashed into the bridge linking the port with the mainland, use of half of the driving bridge has resumed, but was used the be the inbound lane is still closed, as is the train bridge (which was sandwiched between the inbound and outbound road traffic lanes).
International flights resumed on a limited basis on Friday, mostly only Peach, an LCC that offers flights to South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
This poster near Karasuma Hankyu station advertises rail passes from Kyoto to KIX, utilizing the Hankyu and Nankai rails. They’ve covered it up with notices that sales have been halted due to the typhoon.
Kyoto’s economy has largely expanded as a result of tourism over the last 50 years. It’s a little concerning to think what effect the aftermath of Jebi will have on the small businesses that thrive on tourism in the city.
