'Earthquake and Fire' Is Traveling to Japan Safe? "Cancellation Requires Penalty Fee"

Low Demand from Korean Travelers Near Epicenter
Popular Destinations' Flights and Accommodations Operating Normally
Fees Applicable as Natural Disasters Not Applicable

Following a series of major incidents from the beginning of the year, including an earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, and an aircraft collision fire at Tokyo Haneda Airport, domestic travelers planning trips to Japan and travel agencies selling related packages are on high alert. The aircraft fire is currently being managed, and since the earthquake occurred in an area that is not a popular tourist destination, there is expected to be no immediate significant impact, but as these situations do not qualify as natural disasters or emergency travel advisory zones, cancellations will incur penalties.

According to major comprehensive travel agencies such as Hana Tour, Modetour, and Yellow Balloon on the 5th, there has not yet been a noticeable increase in cancellations or inquiries related to Japan travel following the earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture. A Modetour representative stated, "Since the incident, we have been monitoring cancellations of Japan packages every morning and afternoon, but there has been no significant change."

Passengers are waiting to check in for the Gimpo-Haneda flight at the Asiana Airlines international counter at Gimpo International Airport. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The Ishikawa Prefecture area where the earthquake occurred is not a popular destination among Koreans, and although Modetour operates small city travel packages in Toyama, which is relatively close to the epicenter, demand is low, so the impact is minimal. A Modetour representative explained, "Toyama is famous for snow wall sightseeing, but the peak travel season is generally from April to October, so winter visitors are not a large proportion." A Yellow Balloon representative also said, "We sell Toyama packages as small city tours, but since these are limited to peak seasons, there is no impact from this earthquake."

Some people planning to visit popular Japanese destinations such as Osaka, Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Kyushu have expressed concerns about additional earthquakes on online communities, but it appears that such concerns rarely lead to actual cancellations. A Hana Tour representative said, "Popular travel destinations in Japan are far from the earthquake area, and flights and accommodations at the destination are operating normally. While new bookings may be affected, there have been no noticeable cancellations or related inquiries for existing bookings."

Customers who booked Japan packages through travel agencies must pay penalties according to each company's terms and conditions if they cancel. A Modetour representative explained, "Customers who booked packages for areas far from the epicenter are not eligible for company compensation and are classified as simple cancellations, so they must pay fees to airlines and accommodations according to special or general terms and conditions."

Travel agencies are strengthening local monitoring to ensure customer safety and prepare for any possible situations. Hana Tour and Modetour are enhancing safety management through guides and providing informational materials about local precautions. Yellow Balloon is also continuously checking the situation through local partner companies.