Japan

Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant
On 11 March 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused significant damage to the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. There are some restricted areas around the plant, as identified on Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry website [3]. Restricted areas are clearly identified.  New Zealanders considering travel to affected areas are advised to follow any advice or instructions issued by the Japanese authorities on precautionary or protective measures.

Security tensions in the region
Relations on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula can be tense. North Korea has previously conducted nuclear and ballistic missile tests within the region. Further tests, provocations or reactions, including affecting Japan, remain possible.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula could escalate with little warning and New Zealanders in Japan are advised to monitor the media to stay informed of any developments and follow any alerts and instructions issued by the local authorities.

Crime
Although crime levels in Japan are low, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching does occur from time to time.

There have been reports of foreigners being targeted in Tokyo’s entertainment districts of Roppongi, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ikebukuro for drink spiking, excessive charges, credit card identity theft, robbery and sexual assault. Extra care should be taken to ensure your drink is never left unattended. We recommend against accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances.

Inappropriate physical touching may occur on busy trains and subways. If this happens to you, the police advise that you shout at the perpetrator, attract attention from other passengers and call the train staff. There are women-only passenger cars which operate during rush hour or throughout the day on some subway and train lines.

Natural disasters
Japan is vulnerable to natural disasters due to its topography and climate. Typhoon season is from May to November.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK provides a free smartphone app called "NHK World- Japan" which can be set to receive emergency notifications in English about earthquake and tsunami warnings as well as breaking news alerts. The breaking news alerts include J-Alert warnings and updates on weather-related incidents such as volcanic eruptions and typhoons. After downloading the app, turn on push notifications in the settings menu to ensure activation of the notification function.

Read the advice on preparing for emergencies by Japan’s Cabinet Secretariat for National Security Affairs and Crisis Management [4]. The latest warnings and advisories are published on the  website.

New Zealanders are advised to avoid off-piste skiing and snowboarding in the winter due to the risk of avalanches.

General travel advice
Foreigners in Japan are required to carry their passport or resident card at all times. Information on resident cards is available from Japan’s Immigration Services Agency.

Japan has strict rules relating to the import and export of prescription medication. Ignorance may not be considered a defence. New Zealanders are advised to carry a letter from a doctor describing their medical condition and any prescribed medication. Consult Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare [5] for more information.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Japan should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Japan are encouraged to register their details [6] with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• For current health alerts [7]