Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Natural disasters

Earthquakes

Japan is in a major earthquake zone, and earthquakes of varying sizes occur very frequently.

The last major earthquake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, hit the centre of Japan on 14 June 2008. The earthquake killed nine people and injured hundreds.

You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake, and take note of earthquake-related instructions e.g. in hotel rooms. To enable the Embassy or Consulate-General to help British visitors and respond to enquiries from relatives after an earthquake, we recommend that you register with the British consular services in Tokyo and Osaka.

Japan also has several active volcanoes. You should heed advice given by the Japanese authorities about travelling in volcanic areas.

Typhoons

Travellers to Japan (particularly southern regions) should be aware that typhoon season runs from June to October. We recommend paying particular attention to local travel information and consult Japan Meteorological Agency, which has information in English. We further recommend checking with carriers if you are planning to travel inside Japan.

Please also see tropical cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a typhoon.