Travellers headed to Japan may have heightened safety concerns after a deadly typhoon swept the country’s Pacific coast on Monday.
Authorities issued evacuation advisories for more than 1.6 million people in prefectures including Tokyo as the typhoon triggered flooding, landslides, and widespread disruption to power and transport across the region.
Five people have died, with six still missing following record rainfall across the country.
“The total rainfall through Tuesday could exceed the average monthly rainfall for September, resulting in record-breaking heavy rain,” the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
Here is the latest travel advice for Japan, plus all the key questions and answers, following Typhoon Dujuan.
Read more: Typhoon Dujuan tracker: Path of 80mph storm
Is it safe to travel to Japan?
As of Tuesday morning, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has not updated its Japan travel advice following the typhoon.
General FCDO safety advice for Japan warns that the tropical cyclone (typhoon) season is between June and December, peaking between July and September.
The FCDO adds: “The highest risk is in southern parts of the country.
“Monitor any approaching storms using Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts. Follow the advice of the local authorities and emergency services, including any evacuation orders.”
What have local authorities said?
According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA), five people have died across the Chiba, Kanagawa and Miyazaki prefectures as of midday Tuesday.
Six people are still missing as firefighters respond to landslides across eastern and southwest Japan, said the FDMA.
The Japanese Cabinet Office’s Disaster Management Division said: “Due to the disaster caused by Typhoon No. 25 in Reiwa 8, where many people have suffered or are at risk of harm to their lives or bodies, we have decided to apply the Disaster Relief Act to 15 cities, 8 towns, and 1 village in Chiba Prefecture, and 1 town in Tokyo.”
Where did Typhoon Dujuan hit?
The typhoon moved near the Izu Islands, approaching the Kanto-Koshin region – including Tokyo and surrounding prefectures – on 21 September.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest level landslide warning on Monday for several areas of the Izu Islands south of Tokyo as heavy rainfall overwhelmed the region.
Are flights going to Japan?
Flights to and from Japan are delayed and being cancelled on Tuesday morning.
More than 500 flights are currently delayed at Tokyo Haneda airport, and over 200 at Tokyo Narita airport, per Flightradar24.
Hundreds of flights were also cancelled on Monday. Japan Airlines cancelled roughly 135 flights and All Nippon Airways 140.
The severe weather also disrupted rail services, including sections of East Japan Railway’s Sobu, Narita and Sotobo lines as well as some bullet train services between Tokyo and Osaka.
“Intense rain can lead to flooding, landslides, and significant disruption to transport and infrastructure,” said the FCDO.
Can I cancel my Japan holiday?
As the FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to Japan, there will be no special circumstances in place to cancel a trip for a full refund. The conditions for cancelling your trip will depend on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone due to typhoon concerns. Companies are not obligated to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes.
Read more: Four dead as Typhoon Dujuan leads to torrential rain
