Japan travel industry can witness decline as earthquake rattles country

Published on January 2, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The devastating earthquake on New Year’s Holiday in Japan, claiming numerous lives, is poised to significantly impact the country’s travel and tourism industry.

The aftermath, including disrupted infrastructure and ongoing seismic concerns, is likely to contribute to a steady decline in tourism. The tragic events have not only resulted in immediate human losses but also raised apprehensions among potential travellers, potentially affecting the tourism sector as the nation grapples with the aftermath and endeavors to rebuild.

A powerful magnitude-7.6 earthquake hit Ishikawa Prefecture in central Japan, prompting the meteorological agency to downgrade tsunami warnings along the Sea of Japan to advisories. While the immediate threat has diminished, residents are urged to remain vigilant, as the agency anticipates the possibility of earthquakes with similar intensity persisting for about a week. The advisory underscores the ongoing seismic risk in the region, urging continued preparedness and caution among the affected population.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a travel alert for Japan following a series of deadly earthquakes that triggered a tsunami, causing significant damage in the Ishikawa prefecture.

The recent magnitude-7.6 earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture has led to widespread impact along the Sea of Japan coast. Affected areas encompass Ishikawa, Yamagata, Niigata, Toyama, Fukui, Hyogo, Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, Kyoto, Tottori, and Shimane prefectures. The seismic event has not only prompted tsunami warnings but has also caused considerable damage, including disrupted transportation links and infrastructure issues.

In addition to mainland regions, the warning extends to the islands of Iki and Tsushima. These are the tourists attractions in the country. Residents in these areas are advised to exercise caution and closely follow guidance from local authorities. The Japan Meteorological Agency, responsible for monitoring and alerting about seismic activity, continues to emphasize the potential for aftershocks of similar intensity in the coming week, emphasising the importance of ongoing preparedness measures for the affected communities.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida confirmed that around 1,000 members of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces were engaged in search and rescue operations in the affected areas. The focus of efforts shifted to establishing sea routes to reach isolated regions, particularly the northern Noto peninsula, where the earthquake struck. Despite the tsunami warning being lifted, the aftermath left approximately 500 people stranded at Noto airport, awaiting evacuation from damaged facilities.

Local reports highlighted extensive damage to the airport terminal building, with the runway displaying multiple cracks, leading to the closure of the domestic airport until at least Thursday. The evolving situation prompted the FCDO to update its travel advice, emphasizing the ongoing risk of aftershocks and disrupted transportation links.

In their statement, the FCDO outlined the affected areas, including the Sea of Japan coast in Ishikawa, Yamagata, Niigata, Toyama, Fukui, Hyogo, Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, Kyoto, Tottori, and Shimane prefectures, along with Iki and Tsushima Islands. The advisory urged individuals in these regions to follow local authorities’ instructions and stay informed through reliable news sources like NHK World.

The FCDO also directed attention to the Japan Meteorological Agency and Japan National Tourism Agency websites for additional information. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed solidarity with Japan and advised British nationals in affected areas to heed the guidance provided by Japanese authorities.

The aftermath of the earthquakes and tsunami has not only resulted in a tragic loss of life but has also disrupted vital infrastructure and transportation networks. The FCDO’s travel alert serves as a crucial communication tool to inform and guide British nationals in the affected regions, emphasizing the importance of staying updated with the latest information and cooperating with local authorities for their safety and well-being.