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Yamagata and Ibaraki Prefectures Added to Red Travel Alert Zones; Tourism Bureau Announces Refund Policy

Published: 2026-09-24 👁 100 views

Last updated 2026-09-24 — In light of the consecutive explosions at nuclear power plants in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 14th designated the neighboring Yamagata and Ibaraki Prefectures as red travel alert areas, advising nationals to postpone business and leisure travel to these regions. In addition...

In light of the consecutive explosions at nuclear power plants in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 14th designated the neighboring Yamagata and Ibaraki Prefectures as red travel alert areas, advising nationals to postpone business and leisure travel to these regions. In addition, regarding the red travel alert zones in Japan announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, after consultations with the National Federation of Travel Agents Associations of the Republic of China and the Travel Quality Assurance Association of the Republic of China, has decided on the following principles for tour group contract cancellations and refunds:

Travel to Japan has consistently ranked among the top choices for Taiwanese outbound tourism.

(1) For itineraries that include travel to red travel alert zones — namely the six prefectures of Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Yamagata, and Ibaraki, as well as the eastern and southern coastal areas of Hokkaido — the handling will follow Clause 28 of the Standardized Outbound Travel Contract, which states that the travel agency shall refund the remaining balance to the traveler after deducting any fees already paid on behalf of the traveler or all necessary expenses incurred in fulfilling this contract.

(2) For itineraries that do not involve the aforementioned areas, cancellations will be handled according to Clause 27 of the Standardized Outbound Travel Contract. The amount of compensation required will depend on the timing of the cancellation notice received by the travel agency. Travelers wishing to postpone their trips or join different groups may still negotiate with the travel agency to minimize losses on both sides.

The earthquake disaster has significantly disrupted travel plans to Japan.

The Tourism Bureau also reminds travelers to Japan that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published relevant travel alerts for Japan and the latest business travel information following the earthquake in the Kanto region. Nationals can check this information via the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Bureau of Consular Affairs. Consumers who encounter travel disputes that cannot be resolved may file a complaint or seek mediation with the Travel Quality Assurance Association of the Republic of China (Address: 11F, No. 78, Sec. 2, Chang’an E. Rd., Taipei City; Tel: 02-2506-8185) or with the Tourism Bureau (Address: 9F, No. 290, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Taipei City; Free complaint line: 0800-211-734). The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has also set up a 24-hour information hotline for travelers currently in Japan: 03-3201-3331. The service is available in English, Chinese, and Korean. Face-to-face consultation services are offered daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.