An Oriental Excursion

Since hearing reports in the media that the Japan Tourism Agency are considering giving away 10,000 tourism-boosting free flights to the country next year, it got me thinking about Japan as a group destination. Our members are really interested in learning about different cultures, and this is a region we’ve never visited before, so I’m now considering this for a potential holiday at the end of 2012.

If the reports of free flights are confirmed, I’ll certainly be applying, with a view to arranging a familiarisation visit with my wife. However I would be concerned about pitching it to my group at this time, on the back of Japan’s devastating earthquake, tsunami and subsequent Fukushima explosion earlier this year.

Can any other organisers suggest advice about the safety of the country?

Thanks in advance,

Bruce Jenkins,
Gloucester

Thank you for your letter Bruce. Correct as of the end of October, the Foreign Office advise against all but essential travel to those areas in north-east Japan most affected by the 11th March earthquake and tsunami. This includes those coastal areas of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures which suffered extensive damage. These areas continue to experience disruptions to residential, business and transport infrastructure. There is also a continuing risk of aftershocks.