Japan
Warnings and insurance
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Japan Airlines incident
A fire aboard Japan Airlines flight JAL 516 on 2 January has resulted in runway closures at Haneda Airport. Domestic and international flight schedules are likely to be affected, so please check arrival/departure information on airlines’ websites prior to travel. For updates on the situation, please check NHK World News.
Earthquakes and tsunami at the Noto Peninsula
A series of earthquakes hit the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture on 1 January 2024, causing minor tsunami, several fires and significant infrastructure damage in various parts of Ishikawa Prefecture. Further aftershocks remain a possibility and transport links are disrupted. If you are in the affected areas, please follow the instructions from the local authorities and check the latest information on NHK World news.
The affected areas include the Sea of Japan coast in: Ishikawa, Yamagata, Niigata, Toyama, Fukui, Hyogo, Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, Kyoto, Tottori and Shimane prefectures, plus Iki & Tsushima Islands.
Further information can be found on the Japan Meteorological Agency website and the Japan National Tourism Agency website.website.
As events develop you should be cautious and regularly check:
- news reports
- the advice here
- information from local authorities
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.