Foreign travel advice
Japan
Summary
There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in Japan, including instances of in-country transmission. It may cause more severe symptoms in older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The Japanese authorities have introduced a number of measures to tackle the outbreak, including some restrictions on travellers seeking to enter Japan.The northern island of Hokkaido issued a ‘declaration of state of emergency’ on 28 February lasting until 19 March, asking residents to refrain from going out, particularly at weekends. See Health
330,000 British nationals visited Japan in 2018. Most visits are trouble free.
Follow the British Embassy Tokyo on Facebook and Twitter for updates and more information about Japan.
There’s a continuous risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis throughout Japan. Latest warnings and advisories are published on the Japan Meteorological Agency website. See Natural disasters
On 21 April 2018, North Korea announced a halt to nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile testing. However, the level of tension on the Korean peninsula can change with little notice, and there is a risk of a further increase in regional tensions which may affect Japan. You should keep in touch with news broadcasts, follow the advice of the local authorities (Cabinet Secretariat Civil Protection Portal Site) and keep up to date with this travel advice.
For updates on political events on the Korean peninsula which could affect travellers to Japan, you should read FCO travel advice for South Korea.
The Japanese authorities continue to maintain some exclusion zones around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear facility. Travel through these zones on some designated trunk roads is allowed. Follow local signs and instructions while travelling in this area. See Fukushima
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Japan, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
To contact the emergency services call 110 (police) or 119 (fire and ambulance). Calls are free of charge from any phone, including pay phones.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.