Japan Travel 2026: Safety Tips and Alerts for Earthquakes, Tourism Surge, and Seasonal Risks Revealed
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Japan Travel 2026: Safety Tips and Alerts for Earthquakes, Tourism Surge, and Seasonal Risks Revealed
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A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture on December 8, 2025, around 80 kilometers northeast, causing injuries to at least 50 people, power outages, and tsunami warnings that prompted evacuations of over 90,000 residents in northern prefectures like Aomori and Iwate. Tsunami advisories have since been lifted, with waves up to 70 centimeters reported but no major ongoing threats, though Japan's Meteorological Agency warns of potential aftershocks and landslide risks in weakened ground areas, as echoed by the U.S. Embassy in Japan's alert and the UK's FCDO advice to follow local authorities and check NHK updates. Train services have largely resumed except on the JR Hachinohe Line between Hachinohe and Kuji, where substitute buses operate partially from December 22, and airports like Tokyo Haneda and Sendai saw hundreds of delays and cancellations from operators including Japan Airlines. China issued a travel advisory urging its nationals to avoid Japan due to these quakes and aftershocks up to 6.6 magnitude, advising those already there to steer clear of beaches and high-risk zones.
Beyond earthquakes, natural hazards persist: the Government of Canada highlights Fukushima's restricted radiation zones, seasonal snowstorms and avalanches in Hokkaido and Honshu from December to March, active volcanoes like Mount Fuji with exclusion zones, and climate-driven extreme weather. Wildlife risks are rising, with over 120 bear attacks reported from January to September 2025—the highest death toll on record—particularly in rural Hokkaido, so avoid forested hikes without guides.
Tourism's boom, with 3.89 million visitors in October 2025 alone per travel reports, brings new 2026 rules: Kyoto promotes hands-free sightseeing by discouraging large luggage on city buses to combat overtourism; Shinkansen suspends non-reserved seats during holidays; flu and SFTS outbreaks hit warning levels not seen in 16 years, so mask up in crowds, get flu shots, and gargle frequently. Petty crimes like pickpocketing are low but increasing against foreigners, per Canada's advisory, and traffic demands caution for pedestrians and drivers.
Etiquette ensures respect: no tattoos in public onsens, wash before entering, remove shoes in homes and temples, place cash on trays not hands, skip eating on subways, and avoid photographing people without permission. No COVID-19 entry requirements exist, per the U.S. Embassy. Japan's National Tourism Organization app and safe travel site offer real-time volcano, tsunami, and J-Alert missile warnings.
For peace of mind, monitor Smartraveller, JNTO safety tips, and local news; secure travel insurance covering quakes and evacuations; register with your embassy; and flex plans for disruptions. With vigilance, Japan's blend of serenity, culture, and efficiency awaits safely.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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