Travellers headed to Japan may have heightened safety concerns after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Kumamoto on the southernmost main island of Kyushu on Tuesday.
Although tsunami warnings have been lifted, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) tells tourists that there are “reports of disruption to air and rail services” with earthquake aftershocks set to continue.
Here is the latest travel advice for Japan, plus all the key questions and answers, following the earthquake.
Read more: Japan earthquake latest
Is it safe to travel to Japan?
As of Tuesday afternoon, the FCDO has warned travellers: “A large earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on 28 July 2026. There are reports of disruption to air and rail services.
“Train lines in Kyushu have been suspended and flights to and from Kumamoto airport have been disrupted. Earthquake aftershocks may also continue.”
General FCDO safety advice for Japan warns that the country sits “in a major earthquake zone”.
Travellers are told to “take note of instructions in hotel rooms and at train stations and follow the advice of local authorities” in the event of a disaster.
Earthquake, tsunami and aftershock warnings can be monitored on the Japan Meteorological Agency website.
What have local authorities said?
The Japanese government initially issued tsunami advisories for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Sea. These have since been lifted.
Residents in affected areas are being urged to stay calm, follow instructions from national and local authorities, and rely on trusted sources such as television, radio, and official online updates for the latest information.
Where did the earthquake hit?
The earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, located on Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island, about 900 km (560 miles) southwest of Tokyo.
Are flights going to Japan?
Per FlightRadar24, hundreds of flights to and from Japan are currently delayed following the earthquake, including at Kumamoto airport and Fukuoka airport on the island of Kyushu.
**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 be able to cancel a trip for a full refund. The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone due to earthquake concerns. There is no obligation for companies 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: Japan earthquake latest