Tokyo, Japan – Travelers visiting Japan as tourists often rely on the country’s extensive railway system to navigate the nation. Domestic flights are useful for some journeys within Japan, but the majority of tourists primarily explore the country by rail, according to travel experts. The recent plane crash at Haneda Airport has caused disruptions to normal operations, affecting the plans of domestic leisure and business travelers.
In response to the crash, the Central Japan Railway Company has scheduled additional shinkansens (bullet trains) for the busy period of the Japanese New Year Oshogatsu. However, travelers should anticipate crowded train stations on January 3 and 4 due to the increased demand for travel during this time.
The Haneda Airport plane collision occurred just one day after a powerful earthquake struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula, causing a minor tsunami, fires, and major infrastructure damage. This natural disaster has most severely impacted coastal regions along the Sea of Japan, while tourist hubs like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto remain unaffected.
A tsunami warning was issued in nearby cities located on the Japan Sea side of the country, including the Niigata, Toyama, and Ishikawa prefectures. Despite the impact on affected regions, the U.S. State Department’s overall travel advisory to Japan remains at a level one, advising travelers to “exercise normal precautions.”
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also advised travelers to follow instructions from local authorities and check for the latest information on NHK World news for those in the affected areas of the Noto Peninsula. Japan’s high seismic activity prompted a warning from the U.S. Embassy to Japan, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for earthquakes.
For travelers with trips planned to affected regions in Japan, many travel insurance companies offer trip cancellation or interruption reimbursements if the destination is impacted by a natural disaster. It is recommended that travelers check their plan’s policy for specific details, including whether their credit card includes travel insurance for flight and hotel purchases.