By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team compiled and reported
Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three great castles, was also damaged in this powerful earthquake. (Image source / Kumamoto International Tourism)
This disaster has affected numerous Kumamoto tourist attractions, including the collapse of Aso Shrine, damage to Kumamoto Castle, and the collapse of Aso Bridge. Local transportation, power supply, and the overall disaster situation have deterred many travelers. After consultations between the Tourism Bureau and travel agencies, it has been confirmed that the refund deadline will be extended to April 30. For travel itineraries related to Kumamoto that depart before April 30, travelers who cancel their plans may process refunds according to Clause 28 of the Standardized Overseas Travel Contract.
According to the cancellation and refund standards set by the Tourism Bureau, they are divided into two categories: overseas travel and domestic travel. Based on the reason for cancellation, these can be further classified into three types: voluntary contract termination by the traveler (e.g., Clause 27 of the Standardized Overseas Travel Contract or Clause 18 of the Standardized Domestic Travel Contract), statutory reasons for contract termination prior to departure (e.g., Clause 28 of the Standardized Overseas Travel Contract or Clause 20 of the Standardized Domestic Travel Contract), or objective risk-related reasons for contract termination before departure (e.g., Supplementary Clause 28-1 of the Standardized Overseas Travel Contract or Supplementary Clause 20-1 of the Standardized Domestic Travel Contract). The applicable clauses under the Standardized Travel Contracts differ, and the specific clause to be applied depends on the individual case.
For inquiries, please call the Tourism Bureau at 02-23491500, extension to Business Group Section 1, to ask about relevant cancellation and refund standards. (Please call during office hours.)