Archive for the ‘Travel to Japan’ Category

Visit Japan? Is it safe?

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Thinking about paying a visit to Japan but aren’t sure whether it’s safe?  As of today, the US has eased its travel warning to most of the country.  The latest release, dated April 14th , explains that “the assessment of technical and subject matter experts across United States Government Agencies is that while the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi plant remains serious and dynamic, the health and safety risks to the areas beyond the mile evacuation zone, and particularly to Tokyo, Nagoya, and Yokohama… which are outside a 50 mile radius of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant are low and do not pose significant risk to U.S. citizens.”

The UN World Tourism Organization has also stated that “there is no reason to avoid Japan as radiation levels at the nation’s airports and ports were well within safe limits.”

As of today, the State Department has also lifted its Voluntary Authorized Departure.

For those who do choose to travel to Japan, remember that the situation there “still remains serious.”  The Department of State continues to recommend against traveling with a 50 mile radius of the plant.  Visitors should also remember that many areas of Japan, especially coastal cities that were struck by the tsunami have sustained severe damage and rebuilding efforts have only just begun.  Travel to these areas should be avoided.  Also, visitors should take time to register with the Department of State’s STEP Program.

What are your thoughts?  Do you think its safe to visit Japan or is it too soon?

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Japan Update – Department of State shows Growing Concern

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

The US Department of State continues to show a growing concern for the safety of US citizens currently in, or planning travel to Japan.  The updated travel warning advises that “The State Department strongly urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing.”

According to a statement by US Ambassador John V. Roos, the situation at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant is of growing concern. Mr. Roos said that “in response to the deteriorating situation at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.  Consistent with the NRC guidelines that apply to such a situation in the United States, we are recommending, as a precaution, that American citizens who live within 50 miles of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant evacuate the area or to take shelter indoors if safe evacuation is not practical.”  White House spokesman Jay Carney stated that “the situation has deteriorated in the days since the tsunami and the situation has grown at times worse with potential greater damage and fallout from the reactor.”  According a report from the United Nations, if the reactor were to melt down, “the radioactive plume… would reach the Aleutian Islands on Thursday and hit Southern California late on Friday” (from a report on Wednesday).  Not to worry though.  According to Reuters, “health and nuclear experts emphasize that radiation in the plume will be diluted as it travels and will have extremely minor health consequences in the United States.”

For US citizens who wish to leave Japan, a report by Reuters indicates that the US has “chartered aircraft to help Americans leave Japan and [has] authorized the voluntary departure of family members of diplomatic staff in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Yokohama.”  Additionally, as of March 16th, “commercial flights have resumed at all airports that were closed by the earthquake, except Sendai Airport.”

For US citizens looking for updated information about travel with the country, you can find updated information here.

For additional information you can also reference our initial report here.

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