China's Foreign Ministry has issued an unusually blunt advisory urging Chinese nationals to refrain from traveling to Japan in the near term, citing a spike in crimes targeting Chinese tourists, a string of strong earthquakes rattling central Japan, and official Japanese warnings of possible aftershocks. This advisory was published on January 26, 2026, just as the nine-day Lunar New Year break was beginning.

For those already in Japan, Chinese authorities recommend staying alert to local security bulletins, monitoring seismic warnings, and avoiding large gatherings. Travelers are advised to keep passports and valuables separate, steer clear of high-crime neighborhoods, and contact Chinese missions immediately in case of emergency.

The advisory has had significant travel industry impacts. China's three largest carriers—Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern—quickly moved to accommodate worried passengers by offering free refunds or date changes for tickets issued before January 26 for China-Japan itineraries from March 29 through October 24, 2026. Industry data shows that 49 China-Japan routes will be fully suspended in February, with the Beijing Daxing-Kansai route alone losing 113 flights.

Beyond the Chinese travel warning, Japan remains on the U.S. State Department's safest travel list at Level 1, which means exercising normal precautions. The country ranks 12th globally on the Peace Index and 11th on Numbeo's safety rankings. Tokyo in particular remains one of the safest major cities in the world, where visitors often remark on the comfort of walking around late at night and using public transport without concern.

However, Japan is geographically located in a "ring of fire" and is subject to typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The country's infrastructure is built with these natural disasters in mind, but it is worth familiarizing yourself with the rules of action in case of such events. A weather alert was issued by the U.S. Embassy Tokyo on February 6, 2026, though this did not change the overall advisory level.

For 2026 travel, listeners should be aware of several new regulations. Power banks must be carried in hand luggage and each unit must be 160 watt-hours or less. Certain items are banned from entry, including most fresh meat products, fruits, and vegetables, as well as counterfeit brand goods and products made from endangered species. Kitchen knives must be packed in checked luggage rather than carry-on, and rules on bringing e-cigarettes and plants have become stricter.

Recent safety concerns also include bear encounters in certain regions. From January to September alone, over 220 injuries were reported. However, experts note that Chiba, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa are safe places to enjoy nature without worrying about bears.

Additionally, restrictions regarding photography manners have been strengthened in many tourist areas. In Kyoto, certain alleys are now off-limits with fines of up to 10,000 yen for violations. A

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Listeners, as you plan your trip to Japan this winter, the U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 1 Travel Advisory, advising you to exercise normal precautions, the lowest risk level designating Japan among the safest destinations worldwide. Travelandtourworld reports that Japan has issued urgent snow safety warnings for 2026 following the tragic deaths of three Australian tourists in separate ski incidents, including a fatal chairlift accident at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Nagano where a snowboarder's backpack entangled in the mechanism. Northern regions like Hokkaido and Aomori face record snowfalls exceeding four meters, heightening risks of avalanches, roof collapses, and wet snow slides from sudden temperature shifts, with the Fire and Disaster Management Agency noting over 30 nationwide fatalities from snow-related accidents.

The Japan National Tourism Organization urges backcountry skiers to stick to resort boundaries, carry beacons, probes, shovels, and hire local guides, while reinforcing Niseko Rules against venturing into unmanaged areas prone to deep-slab avalanches. Beyond the slopes, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo issued a weather alert on February 6, 2026, highlighting extreme winter conditions, and recommends downloading the JNTO Safety Tips app for real-time alerts on weather, avalanches, and disasters. Always secure comprehensive travel insurance covering winter sports, as standard policies often exclude them, exposing you to massive medical and evacuation costs.

Japan remains exceptionally safe overall, ranking 12th on the global Peace Index and 11th on Numbeo's safety rankings, with Tokyo praised for late-night walks and unattended belongings going unchallenged, according to Japan Travel news. Petty crime is rare, but stay vigilant in crowds against pickpocketing, follow women-only subway cars marked in pink during rush hours, and drive cautiously on the left side adhering to the 100 km/h limit if renting a car. Natural hazards like earthquakes and typhoon season from May to October require smartphone weather checks and evacuation familiarity, though locals are expertly prepared.

Entry is straightforward for tourists from many countries with visa-free stays up to 90 days, but YouTube travel guides from All About Japan Travel warn of strict customs: no meat products, fresh fruits, vegetables, counterfeit goods, endangered animal items, knives in carry-on, or certain e-cigarettes and plants, with violations risking fines or denial. New 2026 rules include Kyoto's accommodation tax up to 10,000 yen per night from March 1, plus anti-overtourism measures like Gion's no-photo zones, bans on chasing geisha, and Mount Fuji viewpoint barriers for safety. Cultural etiquette demands washing before onsens, no tattoos in public baths, removing shoes indoors, placing cash on trays, and avoiding chopstick taboos like sticking them upright in rice.

Health-wise, tap water is safe, hospitals offer English support in cities—dial 119 for emer

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Japan remains one of the safest destinations for travelers worldwide, with the U.S. Department of State maintaining a Level 1 Travel Advisory urging only normal precautions as of early 2026, according to the State Department's travel advisory page and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo's recent weather alert from February 6. Listeners planning trips should note that while crime is exceptionally low and public transport like the Shinkansen and subways runs reliably and cleanly, current winter storms demand extra vigilance, especially in Kyushu and northern regions battered by record snowfall.

In Oita Prefecture on Kyushu, a rare winter storm through early February 2026 has dumped up to 15 to 20 centimeters of snow in higher areas like the Kuju mountain range and Yufuin, with Oita City seeing 2 to 5 centimeters, reports Travel and Tour World citing the Japan Meteorological Agency, Oita Prefectural Government, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. Temperatures plunged to minus 2 to minus 5 degrees Celsius in inland spots like Hita and Kuju on February 8, creating black ice on roads, expressway closures on the Oita and Higashi-Kyushu routes, and delays or suspensions on JR Kyushu lines like the Kyudai Main Line, plus local buses to Taketa and Yufuin. The U.S. Embassy Tokyo echoed these risks in a February 6 advisory, warning of avalanche dangers, poor visibility, and hazards for drivers and winter sports fans amid record snow along the Sea of Japan coast, where over 20 inches could fall by mid-February per Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts and AccuWeather.

Nationally, over 40 snow-related fatalities were reported by early February, prompting governors' offices to advise clearing snow safely in pairs and avoiding solo roof shoveling, as detailed in Oita updates. Power outages hit rural Oita from snow-laden branches but were mostly resolved by February 8, with Kyushu Electric Power restoring service. Travelers to snowy zones should check Japan Meteorological Agency apps for real-time warnings, equip cars with tire chains on mountain passes, and monitor MLIT road conditions, as icy commutes remain treacherous even as Oita's weather stabilizes around 1 degree Celsius daytime highs.

Beyond weather, Japan enforces strict etiquette to ensure smooth travels: on trains, silence phones, hold backpacks in front or use racks, yield priority seats to the elderly or disabled, and skip eating in subways though it's fine on Shinkansen, per Navitime's 2026 etiquette guide and Redhair Travel tips. Women alone during Tokyo or Osaka rush hours can use pink-marked women-only subway cars to avoid rare groping incidents. Driving means left-hand traffic, tolls, and a 100 km/h limit—request an "I am a foreign driver" sticker for rentals—and pedestrians stick to the right on sidewalks without blocking paths.

Radiation from Fukushima poses negligible risk, with Tokyo levels far below an x-ray's and safe limits even for a year nearby if avoiding the 20-ki

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Japan remains one of the world's safest destinations, ranked 12th globally on the Peace Index, but travelers planning trips right now should be aware of several significant advisories affecting the country this month.

The most immediate concern is record snowfall across northern Japan and coastal regions along the Sea of Japan. The U.S. Embassy Tokyo issued a weather alert on February 6th warning of dangerous conditions, with some areas expecting more than 20 inches of snow by Sunday. While these exceptional powder conditions appeal to winter sports enthusiasts, the embassy cautions that they create serious hazards including avalanche risks, poor visibility, treacherous driving conditions, and hidden dangers such as tree wells and snow-covered creeks. Backcountry skiing in Japan is often unpatrolled and can be particularly dangerous, with limited rescue access during severe weather.

There's also an unusual travel advisory from China's Foreign Ministry and its consulates in Japan, issued on January 26th, urging Chinese nationals to refrain from traveling to Japan in the near term. This advisory cites a spike in crimes targeting Chinese tourists, ongoing strong earthquakes in central Japan, and official Japanese warnings of possible aftershocks. The advisory recommends that anyone already in Japan stay alert to local security bulletins, monitor seismic warnings, and avoid large gatherings. For Chinese travelers, major airlines including Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern have waived change fees for tickets issued before January 26th for travel between late March and October 2026.

Beyond these immediate concerns, Japan's overall safety profile remains strong. Tokyo is consistently ranked among the world's safest major cities, with visitors often comfortable walking late at night and using public transportation without concern. However, travelers should remain vigilant about natural disasters, as Japan is prone to typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The State Department maintains Japan at Level 1 status, indicating the need to exercise only normal precautions.

For those planning to visit, it's essential to stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts, follow local authority instructions including any evacuation orders, and be prepared to change travel plans on short notice. Those heading to winter sports areas should check weather conditions and avalanche forecasts before departing and stay within designated areas. Respect local customs, avoid high-crime neighborhoods, and keep valuables secure. The combination of exceptional safety infrastructure and current weather and seismic activity means Japan can still be visited safely, but only with heightened awareness of current conditions.

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Japan remains one of the safest destinations for travelers in 2026, with the U.S. State Department maintaining its Level 1 advisory, the lowest risk level indicating normal precautions suffice, according to the State Department's Japan Travel Advisory on travel.state.gov. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection echoes this, ranking Japan among the safest countries globally due to low crime rates, efficient public transport, and strong disaster preparedness, while advising vigilance for traffic, typhoons, and crowded subways. Listeners planning trips should note these key updates and precautions for a seamless experience.

Starting with entry and costs, U.S. passport holders enjoy visa-free stays up to three months, as confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Japan, but prepare for stricter immigration checks via integrated kiosks and Visit Japan Web for faster processing, per Ryukoch's 2026 tourist changes guide. The departure tax, or "sayonara tax," rises from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen starting July 2026 under Ministry of Finance proposals to combat overtourism, with funds improving infrastructure. Visa fees for extensions could jump to 30,000-40,000 yen, though most tourists won't need them. JESTA pre-arrival registration isn't mandatory yet but watch for 2029 rollout.

Overtourism measures hit popular spots: Kyoto hikes accommodation taxes from March 1, 2026, adding costs for mid-range stays, and Himeji Castle introduces dual pricing at 2,500 yen for non-residents versus 1,000 yen for locals, requiring ID verification, both detailed in Ryukoch. Mount Fuji limits climbers to 4,000 daily with a 2,000 yen fee to ease congestion, according to Navitime's 2026 etiquette guide. No tourist ban exists—rumors are false—and visitors remain welcome amid modernization.

Transportation demands preparation: Shinkansen requires advance reservations for oversized luggage over a certain size, with stricter enforcement; subways ban eating, and women should use pink-marked women-only cars during Tokyo rush hours to avoid rare groping incidents, as advised by JRailPass's 2026 safety guide. Public trains are safe, clean, and punctual, but drive on the left if renting cars, sticking to 100 km/h limits and displaying "foreign driver" stickers for courtesy.

Etiquette ensures smooth interactions—refrain from phone calls on trains, hold backpacks in front during crowds, offer priority seats to the elderly, and remove shoes at temples or homes, per Navitime and Red Hair Travel. In onsens, wash before entering and cover tattoos; pay cash on trays, not hands; avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice. Trash bags are essential since public bins are scarce.

Safety shines overall: Japan ranks ninth safest globally per JRailPass, with negligible Fukushima radiation risks—Tokyo levels equate to half an x-ray, safe even for a year in nearby areas per Australian, British, and U.S. advisories. Watch Japan National Tourism Organization's site for real-time tsunami, volcano, or fire alerts. Rec

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Japan remains one of the safest destinations in the world, currently holding a Level 1 travel status from the U.S. State Department, which is reserved for the safest countries on earth. However, travelers should be aware of several important precautions and recent developments as they plan their trips.

Current weather conditions are affecting travel significantly. Severe winter weather including heavy snowfall across northern and central Japan has triggered widespread travel disruptions as of today. Northern regions like Nikubetsu are experiencing extreme cold with temperatures dropping to minus 24 degrees Celsius, while Tokyo is unusually warm at around 15 to 16 degrees. Listeners planning winter visits should build flexibility into their schedules and monitor weather updates regularly via smartphone.

A notable infrastructure concern affecting the Tokyo area involves recent power failures on major JR train lines. Travelers are advised to have backup route options when navigating the city's rail system. Additionally, according to information from travel safety resources, Japan Airlines and other carriers have tightened safety regulations around mobile batteries following an incident on a South Korean flight. Portable batteries must now be kept under your seat or within easy reach during flights, with capacity limits of 160 watt hours, and they cannot be packed in checked baggage.

For those traveling from November 2026 onward, infectious disease precautions become increasingly important. If influenza activity resumes during the autumn to winter season, crowded environments like airports, long-distance trains, tourist sites, and shopping areas pose higher transmission risks. Basic precautions including masks in crowded places, frequent hand washing, and adequate hydration are recommended.

Typhoon season runs from May through October, with peak activity in August and September. Travelers should inquire with accommodations about evacuation procedures should warnings occur.

Safety in entertainment districts requires extra vigilance. The U.S. Department of State notes that physical assaults, theft, and drug-related incidents have occurred in nightlife areas including Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. Women traveling alone should pay special attention during rush hours on subways, though women-only cars marked in pink are available.

For those planning visits during major holidays, be aware that specific dates in 2026 create significant overcrowding and price increases. The Coming of Age Day weekend around January 10 to 12, Golden Week in late April and early May, Obon Festival in August, Silver Week in September, and the New Year period from December 29 through January 3 all experience substantial travel disruptions and fully booked transportation.

Practical travel considerations include remembering that Japan drives on the left side of the road, the subway is the most convenient transportation in major cities with color-coded lines,

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Japan remains one of the safest destinations for travelers in 2026, with the U.S. Department of State maintaining a Level 1 advisory, the lowest risk level reserved for the world's safest countries, according to the State Department's travel advisory page. The U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council rates major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Naha as low-threat for crime, though listeners should exercise caution in nightlife districts such as Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro, where reports of assaults, thefts, and drink-spiking have occurred. Japan's public transport shines as exceptionally safe, clean, and punctual, but avoid rush hour subways in big cities like Tokyo to sidestep overcrowding; women traveling alone can opt for pink-marked women-only cars during peak times, as recommended by JRailPass safety guides.

Natural hazards demand vigilance, as Japan is seismically active with frequent earthquakes—residents are drilled from childhood on responses, so familiarize yourself with your hotel's evacuation plan and follow public instructions. Typhoon season runs May to October, peaking in August and September; monitor smartphone alerts and build trip flexibility for delays, per JRailPass and Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection advice. Volcanic activity persists at sites like Mount Fuji, Sakurajima, and others listed on the Japan National Tourism Organization's safe travel information page, which tracks tsunami warnings, eruption alerts, and J-Alert missile notifications. Recent weather events include a strong winter storm in early January 2026 hitting northern Japan's Tohoku region, disrupting trains like the Ou line between Aomori and Akita due to heavy snow, as reported in a Japan travel update video from January 11—check JR websites before heading north for skiing or mountain trips.

Entry rules have tightened for 2026 to enhance security and revenue. Citizens from 74 countries enjoy visa exemptions for short-term stays, but a Japan ESTA pre-screening system, akin to the U.S. version, is accelerating toward launch ahead of its original 2028 timeline at former Prime Minister Ishiba's urging—submit personal details, accommodations, and itineraries in advance, according to Toshi Guide's January 10 video on new entry rules. Unpaid medical bills over 10,000 yen starting fiscal 2026 can land you in a government database, potentially barring re-entry, while visa fees jump ninefold to about 28,000 yen, aligning with G7 norms after decades unchanged. The departure tax rises to 3,000 yen from July 1, and tax-free shopping rules for tourists get stricter November 1, possibly ending entirely later. Prohibited items like certain portable chargers or oversized batteries risk confiscation or entry denial, so double-check lists.

Cultural and practical precautions keep trips smooth. No health worries over food, water, or lingering Fukushima radiation—Tokyo levels pose negligible risk, far below an x-ray, and stay outside

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Listeners, as of early 2026, the U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 1 Travel Advisory for Japan, advising to exercise normal precautions, marking it as one of the safest destinations worldwide with low violent crime rates and high public order. The U.S. Embassy in Japan echoes this, rating major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Naha/Okinawa as low-threat for crime, while the Japan National Tourism Organization provides ongoing safe travel info including entry procedures and emergency tips. Japan ranks ninth safest globally and twelfth on the Peace Index, with Tokyo standing out for late-night walks and unattended belongings feeling secure, though the U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council warns of caution in nightlife districts like Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro due to risks of assaults, thefts, and spiked drinks.

Recent updates heighten the need for awareness amid record tourism surges topping 40 million visitors in 2025, leading to new rules in 2026 that could snag unprepared travelers. A major Suica update rolls out in fall 2026 with Suica Teppay for long-term stays, but tourist cards may phase out, so check JRailPass guides for alternatives. Tokyo hotels now impose a tax hike with stays under 10,000 yen taxed at 100 yen, 10,000-15,000 yen at 100 yen wait no, stays between 10,000 and 15,000 yen at 100 yen and over at 200 yen, shifting to a 3% flat rate above 13,000 yen threshold, while Kyoto lodging taxes adjust similarly, potentially making some spots cheaper but book early as New Year's Shinkansen from late December to early January turns reservation-only amid nationwide crowds.

Earthquakes pose the top natural risk, with a Safe Destinations advisory updated January 6, 2026, highlighting recent quakes and tsunamis, urging flexibility as aftershocks disrupt transport like trains in affected areas—postpone trips to shaken regions if unbooked. In Hokkaido, 2025 saw 13 bear attack deaths and over 100 injuries near Sapporo and Akita, so stay vigilant in northern wilds and report sightings. Winter brings dry air fueling flu and coronavirus spikes, so wash hands, mask up, and use throat lozenges, per Tokyo travel vlogs.

Entry rules tighten: unpaid medical bills over 10,000 yen from fiscal 2026 can bar future visits, pushing mandatory travel insurance, while Japan Customs bans checked mobile batteries over 160Wh—keep them accessible under seats after a Korean flight fire incident. Littering now fines 2,000 yen in tourist spots, with Osaka's Dotonbori adding bins via tax funds, and Kyoto enforces luggage rules. Driving demands left-side caution, zero-tolerance DUI at 0.03 blood alcohol with up to 15-year prison risks, seatbelts mandatory, no right-on-red turns, and bikes rule roads—get a foreign driver sticker if renting.

Women, note women-only pink-marked subway cars during Tokyo rush hours to dodge rare groping. Radiation from Fukushima stays safe per Australian, British, and U.S. advisories—avoid

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Japan maintains a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State, meaning exercise normal precautions, as it's one of the safest countries for travelers, with low crime threats in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Naha/Okinawa according to the OSAC Japan Country Security Report and Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection assessments. Listeners planning trips in early 2026 should note record-breaking tourist numbers exceeding 40 million in 2025, leading to overcrowding in hotspots like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji, prompting new policies for stricter entry rules, tourism taxes, and visitor management to promote sustainable tourism as reported by Travel and Tour World. The U.S. Embassy in Japan echoes this Level 1 status, advising vigilance in nightlife districts such as Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro where assaults, thefts, and drink spiking have occurred per OSAC.

Recent updates from MegLog from TOKYO videos highlight critical changes affecting 2026 travel: Suica cards, essential for trains, will introduce a major code payment system and Suica Teppay for long stays starting fall 2026, while Welcome Suica options remain for short-term visitors; New Year's Shinkansen from late December to early January will be reservation-only between Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto amid nationwide congestion, with higher hotel prices and traffic jams. Tokyo's hotel tax is rising, Kyoto plans lodging tax hikes, and baggage rules on Shinkansen and in Kyoto are stricter, alongside trash bin shortages and new disposal rules in busy areas. Winter brings flu and COVID risks in dry air—stock masks and throat lozenges from Daiso stores—plus slippery snow in Hokkaido requiring traction shoes and snow tires for rentals; transportation delays from weather are common.

Entry rules for 2026 remain straightforward per MegLog from TOKYO: visa exemptions for citizens of 74 countries up to 90 days, use Visit Japan Web for faster customs; pack mobile batteries under seats only, capacity under 160Wh, no checked baggage for them following a South Korean flight fire incident; ban weapons like knives or stun guns, check Japan Customs site for items. Japan National Tourism Organization's safe travel info stresses passport validity for your stay, no tattoos in public onsens, and etiquette like removing shoes in homes, ryokans, museums; don't stick chopsticks in rice, place cash on trays, avoid eating on subways, and get photo permission from locals as detailed by Red Hair Travel.

Natural hazards demand preparation: recent earthquakes disrupted transport with suspensions, delays, and aftershocks, so monitor regions and build flexibility into plans, postponing if needed per MegLog alerts; typhoons, volcanoes, and left-side driving challenge visitors—bicycles have right-of-way, no right-on-red turns, seatbelts mandatory, get a foreign driver sticker for rentals advises Berkshire Hathaway. New entry denial risks arise from unpaid medical bills over

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Listeners, as you plan your trip to Japan right now at the end of 2025, the U.S. State Department maintains a Level 1 travel advisory for Japan, indicating normal precautions are sufficient overall, with no broad restrictions, though they urge monitoring local conditions like recent seismic activity according to the U.S. Embassy in Japan. Heavy snow, strong winds, and rough seas are disrupting transport across northern and western regions through late December, with the Japan Meteorological Agency issuing warning-level alerts for blizzard conditions in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku, Kinki, and San’in areas, where snow could pile up to 50-70 centimeters quickly, making roads impassable and causing air and rail delays as reported by Travel and Tour World on December 27. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off Aomori Prefecture on December 8, triggering a tsunami warning that has since lifted, with most train services restored by December 30 per Japan Guide and the U.S. Embassy alert, but minor disruptions lingered in areas like the JR Hachinohe Line.

To stay safe amid these dynamic winter hazards, check the Japan Meteorological Agency’s official warnings frequently for real-time updates on snowfall, winds, and marine conditions, and build extra time into your itinerary for potential cancellations of flights, ferries, or Shinkansen during peak holiday periods when non-reserved seating may be suspended, as highlighted in recent traveler advisories from YouTube travel guides. If driving, stick to rules, drive on the left, respect the 100 km/h limit, and request an "I am a foreign driver" sticker for rentals to gain space from locals, advises Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, while avoiding mountain passes prone to snowdrifts and blizzards. Coastal travelers should skip ferries and boat trips until seas calm, as high waves threaten storm-level conditions along the Sea of Japan side.

Health-wise, Japan sees surging tourism with 3.89 million visitors in October 2025 alone, up 17.6 percent, prompting new precautions like masking in crowds, frequent handwashing, and flu shots lasting up to five months, plus awareness of rising Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome cases and record bear attacks—over 120 incidents from January to September, the deadliest year on record—especially in rural Hokkaido forests, according to Toshi Guide Trip video updates. Petty crime like pickpocketing is low but ticking up against foreigners, notes Canada’s Travel.gc.ca, so stay vigilant in crowds and never leave drinks unattended per Australia’s Smartraveller. Kyoto pushes hands-free sightseeing to combat overtourism, discouraging big luggage on buses to ease congestion.

Ongoing risks include Fukushima’s restricted radiation zones—heed local bans—and seasonal snowstorms or avalanches in Honshu and Hokkaido through March, with typhoons possible into October though less urgent now, as detailed by JNTO’s Japan Safe Travel Information and Government of Canada advisories. No

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