Over one month has now passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami hit Japan. The Japan National Tourism Organization’s London office has watched with deep sadness as news unfolds of the scale of damage that was caused. We are grateful for the warm support the world has shown Japan and we are very grateful to those who have been involved with the relief and recovery efforts.

As you will be well aware, the earthquake and tsunami that followed devastated entire towns in north-eastern sections of Honshu, Japan’s main island. The transport infrastructure was repaired as quickly as possible in these areas so essential supplies could be delivered to residents who have been uprooted. All JR East Tohoku bullet train lines are scheduled to be fully operational again by the end of April and Sendai Airport re-opened again on 13 April.  The stoicism and determination shown by the residents in these areas and the hard work and generosity of rescue workers and volunteers has been truly inspirational.

Many popular destinations in Japan, including Hokkaido, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Okinawa, were outside the area affected by the disaster and incurred no disruption to infrastructure. Everything in these areas is operating as normal, yet visitors to Tokyo have dropped by 75% and to Osaka by 50%. Thousands of people in the areas unaffected by the earthquake and tsunami rely on tourism for their livelihoods. So as you contemplate plans for future holidays, please consider Japan. It’s an incredible destination that will give you a wonderful holiday you will never forget.

Please visit the Travel Advisory page on our website for the latest travel information following the earthquake and tsunami. For answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding travelling to Japan at this time, visit our FAQs page.