News
Is it safe to travel to Japan? Latest advice after 6.8 magnitude earthquake
The country’s southernmost main island was struck by a large tremor on Tuesday – here is everything you need to know
Japan has long been one of the planet’s most popular travel destinations, but its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 40,000km stretch of tectonic plate boundaries which loop the ocean in the shape of a horseshoe, means it’s highly prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes.
On Tuesday, the country was struck by a 6.8 magnitude tremor, which so far has killed 13 people. If you have a trip planned to Japan soon, here is everything you need to know about whether it’s safe to travel.
Where was the earthquake in Japan?
The tremor struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu, which is Japan’s southernmost main island. It’s around 900km southwest of Tokyo.
Is it safe to travel to Japan?
Tsunami warnings for the Ariake and Yatsushiro have now been lifted, according to theIndependent, while residents in affected areas are being told to remain calm and rely on trusted information.
Rescue efforts continue to try and free peopletrapped in a shopping mall, and right now the death toll sits at 13 fatalities.
FlightRadar24showed hundreds of flights arriving in and departing from Kumamoto and Fukuoka airports on Kyushu were delayed on Tuesday, though these have recovered at the time of writing.
Much of the rest of Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, remains unaffected, so if you have plans to travel, keep an eye on all the local information.
What’s the latest advice from the UK Government?
TheJapan travel advice pageof the FCDO website reads: ‘A large earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture on 28 July 2026. There are reports of disruption to air and rail services. Train lines in Kyushu have been suspended and flights to and from Kumamoto airport have been disrupted. Earthquake aftershocks may also continue
‘Followlocal news updatesand advice from theJapan Meteorological Agency.’
Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip?
It’s unlikely, as travelling to Japan has not been explicitly advised against. The conditions for cancelling and getting your money back will depend on your travel provider, so contact them directly if you’re keen to change your arrangements
When was the last earthquake in Japan?
According toReuters, Japan accounts for a whopping 20 percent of the world’s earthquakes that are a magnitude 6 or higher. The most catastrophic event in recent times was the magnitude 9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck northeast Japan in 2011, but the country also experienced two magnitude 7-plus earthquakes in 2024, and another in spring 2025.
Stay in the loop: sign up to ourfree Time Out Travel newsletterfor all the latest travel news across the world
Latest news
[title]
Discover Time Out original video
