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Should You Consider Travel To Japan After Earthquake & Tsunami Warning?

Wajima was affected by the earthquake in Japan
Wajima was affected by the earthquake in Japan [Image by Asturio Cantabrio on Wikimedia Commons]
Japan is a popular travel destination for many reasons, including its exciting cities, idyllic countryside, hot springs and beaches. However, the country’s islands stand on the western edge of the Ring of Fire. Here it stands on the joining of four tectonic plates, making Japan prone to natural disasters. Back in 2011, Japan was hit by a 9-magnitude earthquake, triggering a damaging tsunami that led to the death of some 18,000 people. After the latest 7.6 magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Day, is it safe to visit the country right now?

Japan struck by earthquake on New Year’s Day

Monday, January 1, 2024, saw a 7.6 magnitude earthquake on the west coast of Japan’s main island. As it had a shallow depth of only 10 km (6 mi), hundreds of buildings were destroyed and since then, there have been several aftershocks. Currently, the death toll from the earthquake stands at 48, but this is expected to rise.

Anyone planning to visit Japan in the New Year should ensure that this would be a safe option, especially after the aftershocks and tsunami warnings.

Is it safe to travel to Japan?

Travelers who plan to visit Japan should note that it is not safe to travel to the areas affected by the earthquake, namely the western coastal areas. This includes Niigata, Toyama, and Ishikawa.

Currently, 1,000 army personnel are attempting rescue operations in the worst affected area, the Noto Peninsula. However, blocked and damaged roads have been a hindrance in their rescue attempts.

What about Tokyo?

Tokyo lies 300 km (186 mi) from the west coast of Japan where the earthquake struck. However, there were reports that buildings in the capital experienced shaking. Despite this, as the city nestles on the east coast, there are no warnings against traveling to the city.

Visiting Osaka in Japan?

Currently, there is little news of the earthquake’s effect on Osaka. This city is approximately 350 km (217 mi) from the Noto Peninsula on the eastern end of the Inland Sea. As this is the opposite side of the island to the quake’s epicenter, there have been no travel warnings.

Which is the area most impacted by the earthquake?

The earthquake mostly affected the Noto Peninsula on the coast of the Ishikawa Prefecture. Around 15 people lost their lives in Wajima City, which was still affected by fires this morning. More than 100 buildings were destroyed here.

The worst affected area was Asachi-dori Street, famed for its wooden buildings. However, Nanao city was also affected along with Ishikawa, Yamagata, Niigata, Fukui, Toyama, Hyogo, Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, Kyoto and Shimane prefectures along with the Iki and Tsushima Islands, according to the UK Foreign Office website.

What can you expect if you have to cancel your trip to Japan?

Travel insurance does often offer coverage if you cancel due to a natural disaster, but it is best to check directly with your travel insurance broker.

Meanwhile, as of January 1, All Nippon Airways had canceled 15 flights, while Japan Airlines canceled nine. According to Japan News, all flights at Noto Airport, on the affected peninsula, will be canceled today.

Search for more information on NHK World News including the latest updates. Also, check out safety measures on the Japan National Tourism Agency website here.

 

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