Is it safe to travel to Japan? Latest advice after warnings of a 7.5 magnitude earthquake and tsunami

Japan is no stranger to earthquakes, as the country lies on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a tectonic belt of volcanoes and earthquakes that experiences an estimated 1,500 earthquakes annually.

However, at around 11pm local time on Monday, December 8, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake occurred about 80 kilometers off the country's coast, triggering power outages, suspension of public transportation, and tsunami warnings. Although tsunami warnings have since been lifted, the effects of the earthquake are still ongoing, so we've put together the latest information on whether it's safe to travel. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Where did the earthquake occur in Japan?

The earthquake occurred about 80 kilometers off the northeastern coast at about 11.15 pm local time, and had a magnitude of 7.5.

The areas affected include the Hacheonhee area, where several people were injured in a hotel, and one resident said that cups and bowls fell from shelves and shattered on the floor due to the shaking. About 480 people took refuge in the city's air base, according to Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.

Is there a tsunami warning?

A tsunami warning was issued for three northern Japanese prefectures, which included evacuation orders for 90,000 residents, and waves up to 70 cm high were reported along northeastern shores such as Koji Port in Iwate Prefecture, south of Aomori.

Is it safe to travel?

So far, 23 people appear to have been injured, but the quake caused only minor damage. About 800 homes were temporarily cut off from electricity, and Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains suspended their services.

There were also reports of 200 passengers being stranded at Hokkaido's New Chitose Airport, and 450 liters of water leaking from the fuel cooling area at the Tokasha fuel processing plant in Aomori, although the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said it did not pose a major safety concern.

While tsunami warnings have now been lifted, as of 6.31am local time, the government has warned that residents should remain on high alert in the event of further aftershocks, and also that the ground in areas where shocks were particularly concentrated is “likely to be weak”, which could pose a risk of landslides.

Are flights still continuing to and from Japan after the earthquake?

Travel and Tour World reports that 119 flights through Japan's airports (which include Tokyo Haneda, New Chitose, Fukuoka, Osaka Itami and Sendai) have been canceled and 755 flights delayed, including services operated by operators ANA Wings, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines.

If you are scheduled to travel to Japan soon, contact your travel provider directly to find out how your trip will be affected.

What is the latest advice from the FCDO?

The UK government's travel advice page says: “All tsunami warnings have been lifted following a 7.5-magnitude earthquake off Aomori Prefecture on December 8. However, the Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that another large-scale earthquake is possible within the next seven days. Follow the advice of local authorities. For more information, read the NHK website.”

Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip?

Since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has not explicitly advised against traveling to Japan, you will not be automatically entitled to a refund. To find out what to do about postponing or canceling your travel plans, check your travel insurance policy and talk to your provider.

When was the last earthquake in Japan?

Japan lies on the boundaries of four different tectonic plates (Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasia, and North America), which means it is vulnerable to a high frequency of earthquakes and subsequent tsunami risk.

Most notably, the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster, occurred nearly 15 years ago in March 2011. It was a magnitude 9 earthquake, one of the largest earthquakes recorded in 100 years, and as of March 2021, the confirmed and presumed death toll is around 20,000 people.

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