Travel Advisory

We are grateful for the warm support and thoughts from many people after the historic earthquake in Japan on March 11.

Thanks to international relief efforts and the resilience and hard work of the Japanese people, the country’s infrastructure and related commercial activities have recovered at a surprisingly fast pace.

Following the British and Canadian governments’ ease on travel restrictions to Japan, on April 14, the US Department of State has reduced the travel alert to Japan to only the 50 miles radius surrounding the Fukushima nuclear power plant, which excludes major cities such as Tokyo and Yokohama, and Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports.

You can view Today's Japan through live cameras and You Tube videos.

As international organizations release clearer figures and assessment, the current situation has reached a reasonable safety level for international travelers. So please be confident to travel to Japan!

Although the disaster was tragic and terrible, Japan still holds its attractions. We hope our friends in America will come to visit us to discover its endless wonders. That will be a great support for Japan to get recovery.

For FAQ and other information, please visit JAPAN Travel Advisory.

Thank you for all your support!

Since the unprecedented disaster hit Japan in March, we have seen countless fund raising events and other activities to support Japan all over the world. We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and friendship!

So far, the American Red Cross has raised $197 million donations for Japan from the U.S. public and has already made $100 million contribution to Japanese Red Cross (as of April 28th).

*The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position.
*For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org


The Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, a disaster relief fund created by the Japan Society, New York has raised over $5.0 million donations as of April 20. They have committed $1.0 million to four Nonprofit Organizations in Japan. Furthermore, 50% of all the ticket sales will go to the fund until the end of June.
http://www.japansociety.org/earthquake

Messages from Japan

Despite the disaster, the majority of regions in Japan were not damaged by the earthquakes or tsunamis. Although Tokyo and its surrounding areas experienced periodic blackouts after the earthquake, things have been restored to normal. We would like to show you the actual situation in Japan through the voices of the people living in Japan!

Tokyo Mr. Christophe Lorvo General Manager Grand Hyatt Tokyo

"Smiles for All" Grand Hyatt Tokyo extends its deepest sympathies to those who have been impacted by the devastating earthquake and ensuing Tsunami. In response, we have launched "Smiles for All", a support project comprising fundraising activities that hope to bring smiles to our guests and to the people impacted. >>More

Kyoto Rev. Daiko Matsuyama Deputy priest of Taizoin Zen temple Visit Japan Ambassador

Greetings from Kyoto, Japan to our friends in the U.S.! Thank you very much for your warm support and kind regards. Our long-term friendship between the U.S. and Japan has encouraged us more than ever. We, Japanese are grateful for all your thoughts and prayers. Living in Kyoto in western Japan, we live life almost as normal: we have neither earthquake nor radiation fears. We have fewer visitors to our temple, but other than that, we enjoyed mild and comfortable weather in spring, with charming cherry blossoms blooming more beautifully than usual. >>More

Kyushu Mr. Taro Nakayama Executive Vice President, Ryokan KAMENOI BESSO

In our family-run Ryokan, a Japanese traditional inn, cherry trees became in full bloom only in two days this year, as if they were telling us to stand up for hope. We know we have to overcome difficult times, and we will never forget to be proud of ourselves as resilient Japanese under any circumstances, as long as these blossoms are here for us. Fortunately in Yufuin, Kyushu, the southwestern island of Japan, we suffered little damage caused by the earthquakes and tsunami. >>More

How to support Japan

In addition to support worldwide, many of our tourism industry partners have suggested support and donations for the affected areas and their victims. Please join the recovery effort by visiting Japan using one of the methods below.

 Japan Relief Fund 
To donate to the Japan Relief Fund online, please visit the below sites.
American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/
Japan Society http://www.japansociety.org/earthquake

 Charity Information 
New York Cares for Japan
To check updated charity event information in New York, please see "New York Cares for Japan" site to get updates as well as archives.
http://nycaresforjapan.com/

 Support Japan by Traveling 

IACE Travel : $5.00 donation from every Asian-bound flight
For more, please visit here

Delta Air Lines : Cash & In-kind support for Japan Disaster Relief
Delta Air Lines’ customers can donate money via a dedicated Delta-Red Cross website or miles through SkyWish Asia website to World Vision Japan to help transport relief workers and supplies to Japan.
For more, visit http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=43&item=1326


HOSHINOYA KARUIZAWA / HOSHINOYA KYOTO
Save the Children Campaign for Japan’s Earthquake and Tsunami.
1,000 yen (approx. 10 USD) donation per night/room to the cause of Save the Children, Japan. The plan is good for stays from April 1st 2011, through March 31st 2012.
For more, visit www.hoshinoya.com/en



 To Check the Current Situation in Japan 
JTB GMT & JTB ATC set up a blog site to report on the current situation in Japan.
Please check the site from here!

Himeji Castle, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan, is regarded as the finest surviving example of 17th century architecture and is currently under its first major restoration in 45 years to preserve the castle building. For More >>

MTV’s Video Music Awards Japan is the biggest annual music event of MTV Japan. It will be held as Video Music Aid Japan helps to raise funds for the post-earthquake and tsunami relief effort. The Japanese idol group, AKB 48 will host the Event and Lady Gaga will take the stage to perform. For More >>

JAPAN

Summer is the time of excitement!
Please visit Japan and cheer up Japanese people by joining one of the events below!

Osaka Tenjin Matsuri Festival :
July 24th & 25th

Tenjin Matsuri Festival is one of the most beloved summer festivals in Osaka. The entire city becomes filled with a festive mood, when traditional Japanese performing arts such as Bunraku theatrical performances using puppets are performed in all parts of the city.
For More >>

Fuji Rock Festival : July 29th - 31st

Fuji Rock Festival is a large outdoor music festival in Naeba Ski Resort, Japan. Unlike other major music events, it is held outside in the forested mountain which is far away from city life. You can enjoy more than 200 performances by both Japanese and international artists in the unique atmosphere.
For More >>

Awa Dance : August 12th – 15th

Tokushima city on Shikoku Island is less than an hour away from Tokyo by plane and connects with big cities in Kansai like Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe via frequent bus services. There is a big festival which draws 1.35 million people.
For More >>

US

Japan U.S. Charity Concert for Sendai

May 20, 2011, Carnegie Hall, New York, NY

Originally scheduled Japan-US Chorus Festival has been changed to Japan-US Chorus Charity Concert for Japan. The HAGI Choir will come from one of the hardest damaged area of Sendai. Alexandra Harmonizers, four-time World Barbershop Chorus Champion, from Virginia will join the stage, too.

For details, please visit http://www.japanuschorus.org/index_eng.html

Japan Day @ Central Park

"GANBARE! JAPAN!
(You can do it, Japan!)"
Japan Run : May 8th,2011
Japan Day : May 22nd, 2011

This year, Japan Day will be held as a charity event and donations will be accepted both though the website or on the site. They will send the message of "GANBARE! JAPAN!" to the people of Japan through the "Japan Run" and the "Japan Day Festival."
More Detail >>