Travel Alerts and Disaster Updates

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1 January 2024
On 1 January 2024, a magnitude‑7+ earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. The quake caused extensive damage and several deaths, particularly in Suzu and Wajima, where many buildings collapsed and a large fire destroyed parts of Wajima’s morning market. Transportation links to and from the peninsula were disrupted; however, most lines outside the peninsula were restored within days and the final affected railway (Noto Railway) fully reopened on April 6 2024.

Tourism impact: Reconstruction has been slow due to manpower shortages. Many lodgings, especially in northern Noto and at Wakura Onsen, remain closed. Major attractions in Kanazawa reopened within four days of the quake. Travellers should check accommodation availability in Ishikawa Prefecture and remain sensitive when visiting affected communities.

Japan sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” and several active volcanoes have restricted zones. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issues alerts on a five‑level scale. As of early November 2025, the following prominent volcanoes have no‑entry zones:

Level 3 – do not approach the volcano
Access is restricted around the summit and neighbouring craters.

Level 2 – do not approach the crater
Some hiking trails and roads are closed.

Level 2 – do not approach the crater
Areas around the Yugama crater are closed and some roads/trails are blocked.

Level 2 – do not approach the crater
No‑entry zones around the summit; hiking routes are closed.

JNTO lists other volcanoes with Level 2 restrictions, including Usuzan, Ontake, Fujisan, Hakone‑yama, Miyake‑jima, Asosan, Unzendake and Kirishima‑yama. Hikers should respect closure signs, check local park websites for reopening dates and carry masks to protect against ash inhalation.

Japan’s typhoon season usually runs from June to October, but severe storms can occur in early November. The Canadian travel advisory stresses that even small low‑pressure systems can rapidly become major typhoons, particularly in Okinawa and the southern islands. If you travel during typhoon season:

Travel tips
• Monitor weather forecasts closely and be prepared to change plans at short notice.
• Keep emergency contact details for airlines and tour operators handy.
• Follow local evacuation orders and relocate to safe areas when advised.

From December to March, western Honshu and Hokkaido can experience heavy snowstorms. Avalanches may occur even at ski resorts, cutting off roads and power. Visitors should:

Recommendations
• Check avalanche bulletins before skiing or snowboarding.
• Carry appropriate winter gear and consider avalanche beacons when off‑piste.
• Prepare for transportation delays and road closures.

Japan experiences thousands of earthquakes each year; some trigger tsunamis. Landslides are also a risk, especially in mountainous regions. Safety tips include:

Safety tips
• Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and tsunami shelters.
• Follow local authorities’ instructions promptly.
• Download the Safety Tips app from JNTO for multilingual emergency alerts and monitor NHK World for warnings.

Following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, Japanese authorities maintain travel and overnight stay bans in areas surrounding the plant due to radiation risk. Restricted zones are well signed; travelers should not attempt to enter and must follow local guidance.

Japan has low crime rates, but petty crime is increasing. Travelers should be vigilant in nightlife districts such as Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Golden Gai. Tips include:

Tips:
• Beware of spiked drinks or overcharging scams in bars and clubs.
• Stay alert when using credit cards or ATMs; shield PIN entries and avoid suspicious card readers.
• Women travelers may encounter harassment on crowded public transport; some trains provide women‑only cars during rush hour.

Japan enforces strict anti‑drug laws. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Even prescription drugs such as adderall, amphetamines, codeine, and pseudoephedrine are banned. Travelers may bring up to a one‑month supply of prescription medication (two months for non‑prescription) as long as it does not contain narcotic medication or dosage.

This mosquito‑borne virus can cause brain inflammation. Risk is very low for most travellers, but those staying longer than 30 days, visiting rural areas or areas with known outbreaks, or engaging in high‑exposure activities may wish to get vaccinated.

Dengue fever occurs sporadically in Japan. It causes flu‑like symptoms and occasionally severe illness. Risk varies by region and season; dengue‑carrying mosquitoes tend to bite during the day. There is no vaccine widely available in Canada or the U.S., so travelers must prevent mosquito bites by using repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in accommodations with screens or air conditioning.

Rabies exists in Japanese wildlife, including bats. Travelers working with animals should consider pre‑exposure vaccination and always avoid handling wildlife.

Routine vaccinations should be up to date. Hepatitis B is a risk worldwide, and annual influenza vaccination is recommended.

Japan has lifted all COVID-19 border restrictions. However, respiratory infections such as COVID‑19 and influenza continue to circulate. Travelers should stay home if they are sick, wear a mask in crowded indoor areas, and practice good hand hygiene.

Use insect repellent, wear light‑coloured clothing, and perform tick checks after outdoor activities to reduce the risk of insect‑borne diseases. These precautions help prevent not only dengue and JE but also other illnesses spread by ticks and mosquitoes.

Transportation in Japan is generally safe. Taxis and trains are reliable; however, travelers should agree on fares before riding taxis and have their destinations written in Japanese. Roads are often narrow; exercise caution when driving.

Register with your embassy or consulate (e.g., the U.S. STEP program or Canada’s registration of Canadians abroad) so officials can contact you during emergencies.

Buy travel insurance that covers medical care, evacuations, and trip cancellations.

Carry cash or an IC card for small purchases, as some smaller shops do not accept foreign credit cards.

Download emergency apps such as Safety Tips (provides multilingual earthquake and tsunami alerts) and NHK World.

Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers: police (110) and fire/ambulance (119).