Is it safe to travel to Japan after the recent earthquake?

On Monday, January 1, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 occurred on the Japanese Noto Peninsula. More than 100 people were killed and 200 are still missing. According to Reuters, nearly 100,000 residents of nine prefectures were forced to evacuate certain areas of Japan's west coast.

This year, Japan is very popular among tourists, as it is the first New Year's season after the government downgraded the COVID-19 threat to the level of seasonal flu. YahooNews found out whether it is safe to travel to Japan if you have planned this trip in advance or want to fulfill a long-held dream.

Where did the earthquake hit Japan?

The Noto Peninsula, which protrudes to the north of central Honshu and faces the Sea of Japan, has been hit by a powerful earthquake. Although few foreign tourists come to the Noto Peninsula, the earthquake affected Kanazawa, a popular tourist destination where many shrines were destroyed as a result of the natural disaster. While the main tourist centers of the country - Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto - remained unharmed.

Millions of Japanese people usually visit shrines and temples to celebrate the new year, and the capital Ishikawa is well known for these architectural wonders.

The aftershocks also occurred in the popular Nagano Prefecture, where skiers flock to enjoy winter sports.

Is it safe to travel to Japan?

Traveling to some parts of Japan is currently unsafe. Residents of Niigata, Toyama, and Ishikawa are advised to leave as soon as possible due to the increased tsunami danger in coastal areas.

To reduce the danger, officials emphasize the importance of evacuating to higher ground and keeping as much space as possible between themselves and the coast.

The InsideJapan travel agency said it does not expect the earthquake to have a significant impact on tourism to Japan.

"However, those who want to visit the Noto Peninsula in the coming weeks are advised to consider traveling elsewhere," or at least contact your tour operator, travel agent, or hotel where you have booked your accommodation. - InsideJapan reports. The major cities on the east coast were not affected, and although some of the photos from the Noto Peninsula look quite dramatic, with some destroyed houses and large cracks in some roads, Japan is very well prepared for such incidents."