Travel warning for Japan: Beware of Fukushima regions!

Travel warning for Japan: Beware of Fukushima regions!

Fukushima, Japan - Japan expects a new tourism record in 2025 after around 36.8 million foreign guests visited the country in 2024. Despite this positive development, the Federal Foreign Office in Germany has pronounced a partial travel warning for certain regions in Japan. The warning affects areas around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in the northeast of the main island of Honshu, some of which are considered uninhabitable after the devastating reactor accident in 2011.

affected communities include Futaba, Iitate, Katsurao, Minamisōma, Namie, Okuma and Tomioka. Although progress has been made in decontamination, some zones are still blocked. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection recommends travelers to visit these regions only after prior arrangement and with extreme caution. The safe handling of travel to non -affected areas remains to be emphasized: these are harmless from a radiological point of view.

background to the travel warning

The accident in 2011 occurred after a devastating seaquake and a subsequent tsunami who met the east coast of Japan and triggered an accident series in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Around 18,500 people died in this catastrophe, and around 470,000 people had to be evacuated due to radioactive contamination. The studies on the condition of the reactors continue to this day, and the complete unloading of the still radiant fuel elements from the fuel element bearing basin is expected to be completed by the end of 2031

In 2024, an efficient protective wall against tsunamis was also completed, which is intended to further strengthen the security precautions of the region.

travel options and safety instructions

For travelers who want to visit Japan, there are helpful recommendations. These include subscribing to the newsletter or using the app "Travel safely". It is advised to register in the crisis priority list and continuously follow the messages and weather reports. Sufficient travel health insurance coverage should also be observed.

The domestic political situation in Japan is considered stable and calm. Demonstrations are rare and the crime rate is generally low. However, travelers should be on the hat in larger cities and be aware that acts of violence rarely, but frauds and attacks in tourist outputs are possible.

Japan is also an earthquake -rich country with around 1,500 registered earthquakes annually. 47 active volcanoes are permanently monitored and warning levels for some volcanoes can occur. Travelers should also adapt to possible typhoon and snow storms that can cause significant damage.

practical information for travelers

The public transport connections in Japan are excellent. However, travelers must observe the special traffic rules, such as left -hand traffic and the strict ban on alcohol. Top speeds of 80 or 100 km/h apply to the highway, and driving requires a Japanese translation of the driver's license.

For the stay in Japan, German citizens only need a valid passport or a children's passport for short stays up to 90 days. In addition, the standard vaccinations should be up to date, whereby no vaccinations for entry are prescribed. Foreign health insurance is recommended and all animal welfare regulations are to be observed, especially for the import of dogs and cats.

For more information, reference is made to the relevant websites, including t-online and Ausstiges-amt .