March / April: Delay Travel to Japan

MMM · (#1 (**permalink**))

I am watching the live feeds from Japan (Now TV Japan is broadcasting for free) and getting around in Tokyo appears to be a waking hell. The trains seem to be shut down except during rush hours, and they are showing lines of hundreds and hundreds of people waiting hours to get on the limited train service.

If you are planning on travel to Tokyo very soon, I would consider delaying my trip.

I hope people in Japan can confirm what I am seeing and give more informed advice for those that might want to go to Tokyo or places further north... or are these issues also seen in other big cities?

SuddenOsprey · (#2 (**permalink**))

I'm in Tokyo, they're showing huge lines waiting for trains outside Kichijoji station, Yokohama station is closed down. We're all preparing for the possibilities of rolling blackouts. I would stay away and reschedule travel, as we're still experiencing aftershocks and getting around is very difficult. US State Dept is telling Americans to delay non-essential travel.

kouichisan · (#3 (**permalink**))

This is from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office website;

Japan travel advice

(Credit to: Globetrotter36)

WingsToDiscovery · (#4 (**permalink**))

Train companies have announced that there will be irregular operation, including out of service hours. Summary here.

JR | Tokyo Metro | Toei Subway/Bus | Tokyu | Odakyu | Keio | Tobu | Keikyu | Keisei

Major out of services are: Tokaido Line (all day), Yokosuka Line (all day), Yokohama Line (all day), Odakyu will only operate between Kyodo to Shinjyuku (all day), Keio will only operate between Chofu and Shinjyuku (during morning and evening rush hours).

That's official.

MMM · (#5 (**permalink**))

The US State Department is recommending cancelling any non-essential travel to Japan to American citizens.

kenmei · (#6 (**permalink**))

any idea how long this will last?

our annual trip to visit family is scheduled for the end of may

MMM · (#7 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenmei

any idea how long this will last?

our annual trip to visit family is scheduled for the end of may

There is no way to know. You may need to reschedule. Where does your family live?

Umihito · (#8 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenmei

any idea how long this will last?

our annual trip to visit family is scheduled for the end of may

I believe last time I read, they said the warning would be lifted around April 1st

kenmei · (#9 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMM

There is no way to know. You may need to reschedule. Where does your family live?

Chiba,

I know theres relatively little damage there. I'm just hoping life is a little more "normal" per say, at that time. We were also planning a trip, so most likely we'll have to head south. A part of me wants to use my time there to help with the clean up, but not too sure how we'd be able to do that

MMM · (#10 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Umihito

I believe last time I read, they said the warning would be lifted around April 1st

How can they know? We don't know what will happen with the nuclear power plants.