Japan has lengthy been one of many planet’s hottest journey locations, however its place on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 40,000km stretch of tectonic plate boundaries which loop the ocean within the form of a horseshoe, means it’s extremely liable to pure disasters resembling earthquakes.
On Tuesday, the nation was struck by a 6.8 magnitude tremor, which up to now has killed 13 folks. If you will have a visit deliberate to Japan quickly, right here is all the pieces you want to find out about whether or not it’s secure to journey.
Where was the earthquake in Japan?
The tremor struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu, which is Japan’s southernmost essential island. It’s round 900km southwest of Tokyo.
Is it secure to journey to Japan?
Tsunami warnings for the Ariake and Yatsushiro have now been lifted, in line with the Independent, whereas residents in affected areas are being informed to stay calm and depend on trusted data sources just like the TV, radio, and official authorities updates on-line.
Rescue efforts proceed to attempt to free folks trapped in a shopping mall, and proper now the dying toll sits at 13 fatalities.
FlightRadar24 confirmed a whole bunch of flights arriving in and departing from Kumamoto and Fukuoka airports on Kyushu had been delayed on Tuesday, although these have recovered on the time of writing.
Much of the remainder of Japan, together with Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, stays unaffected, so when you have plans to journey, regulate all of the native data.
What’s the newest recommendation from the UK Government?
The Japan travel advice page of the FCDO web site reads: ‘A big earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture on 28 July 2026. There are reviews of disruption to air and rail providers. Train traces in Kyushu have been suspended and flights to and from Kumamoto airport have been disrupted. Earthquake aftershocks may proceed.
‘Follow local news updates and advice from the Japan Meteorological Agency.’
Can I get a refund if I cancel my journey?
It’s unlikely, as travelling to Japan has not been explicitly suggested towards. The situations for cancelling and getting your a refund will rely in your journey supplier, so contact them instantly in case you’re eager to vary your preparations.
When was the final earthquake in Japan?
According to Reuters, Japan accounts for a whopping 20 p.c of the world’s earthquakes which might be a magnitude 6 or greater. The most catastrophic occasion in latest instances was the magnitude 9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck northeast Japan in 2011, however the nation additionally skilled two magnitude 7-plus earthquakes in 2024, and one other in spring 2025.
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