A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off Japan’s northeastern coast on December 8, 2025.
If you have a trip planned, you’re probably wondering: Is it safe? Should I postpone? What about my transportation?
Here’s what you need to know. The damage is concentrated in specific areas, and travel is still safe with some adjustments.
I’ll also share which popular regions are completely unaffected, so you can plan with confidence.
This guide breaks down the 7 key areas you need to know before you go.
1. What Actually Happened on 8 December
At 11:15 PM local time, a powerful earthquake struck about 80 kilometers offshore from Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan.
The quake triggered immediate tsunami warnings along the Pacific coast.
Waves did reach shore, with the highest measuring 70 centimeters at Kuji Port.
While that might sound small, waves that size carry serious force and damaged fishing equipment along the coast.
By the morning of December 9, all tsunami warnings were lifted.
Here’s the important part for travelers.
Japan’s government issued something called a “Subsequent Earthquake Advisory” for northern regions.
This means there’s a slightly elevated chance (roughly 1%) of another large earthquake within the next week, until around December 15 or 16.
This advisory covers 182 municipalities from Hokkaido down to Chiba Prefecture, just east of Tokyo.
The government has not told people to cancel travel plans. Instead, they’re asking everyone in these areas to stay prepared and know their evacuation routes, just in case.
2. The 7 Key Affected Areas Travelers Should Know
Not all of northern Japan was hit equally. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening in each key area, so you can adjust your plans accordingly.
A. Hokkaido
Hokkaido felt strong shaking in the south, but Sapporo and most tourist destinations are fine.
The main issue is New Chitose Airport.
Ceiling panels collapsed in the domestic terminal, reducing the airport’s capacity.
While the quake caused 119 cancellations and 755 delays nationwide, New Chitose specifically faced about 42 cancellations and over 200 delays.
If you’re flying through Sapporo:
- Confirm your flight status before heading to the airport
- Expect longer security lines due to closed checkpoints
- Build extra buffer time into your schedule
The Sapporo Snow Festival preparations are continuing as planned. Hakodate’s Morning Market and the Mount Hakodate Ropeway are open, though aftershocks could trigger temporary stops.
B. Aomori Prefecture
Aomori was hit hardest. The shaking here reached “Shindo 6 Upper” on Japan’s intensity scale, which is violent enough to knock people off their feet.
Key concerns:
- Water outages affected around 1,360 households
- Some road damage, including a collapse in Tohoku Town
- The JR Hachinohe Line is closed indefinitely due to track damage at 20 locations
If you planned to visit the Tanesashi Coast or Oirase Stream by train, you’ll need to rebook. Bus services or rental cars are your alternatives, but check road conditions first.
Before you arrive: Contact your hotel directly to confirm water and electricity are fully restored.
C. Iwate Prefecture
Iwate’s famous Sanriku Coast experienced the highest tsunami wave at 70 centimeters. The shaking itself was less severe than Aomori.
Transport is the challenge here.
The scenic Sanriku Railway Rias Line has resumed operations following safety inspections. However, the JR Hachinohe Line remains closed indefinitely.
If you’re planning to visit Ryusendo Cave or the Kitayamazaki cliffs, a rental car is your best option. Just stay alert for potential rockfalls on mountain roads.
D. Miyagi Prefecture
Miyagi, home to Sendai, was on the edge of the impact zone. Infrastructure performed well, and the region is fully operational.
Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s most scenic views, saw only a minor 20-centimeter wave.
Sightseeing boats paused briefly on December 9 but are resuming normal schedules.
Bottom line: Miyagi is a safe, fully functional destination. If you need to change plans from Aomori, this is a solid alternative.
E. Fukushima Prefecture
Fukushima experienced light shaking (Shindo 3 to 4) and sustained no significant damage.
The Fukushima Daiichi plant reported no abnormalities. The discharge of treated water was paused as standard procedure, but no damage occurred.
For travelers: Aizu-Wakamatsu and the historic post town of Ouchi-juku are completely unaffected. Visit without concern.
F. Ibaraki Prefecture
Ibaraki recorded only Shindo 3 shaking. Tsunami advisories were issued but lifted without any observed waves or damage.
Kairakuen Garden and Hitachi Seaside Park are open as usual. Ibaraki is included in the advisory zone as a precaution, not because of actual damage.
G. Chiba Prefecture
Chiba marks the southern edge of the advisory zone. The shaking here was barely noticeable.
The important details:
- Narita Airport is fully operational. Runways were inspected immediately and no issues were found.
- Tokyo Disney Resort is operating normally. No damage occurred.
You don’t need to change your plans if you’re arriving through Narita or visiting Disney.
Just download the recommended safety apps (more on that below) since Chiba is technically within the advisory zone.
3. Tsunami Advisory Zones and Coastal Safety
All tsunami warnings were lifted by the morning of December 9. However, the coast isn’t back to normal yet.
What you should know:
- Ports are busy with cleanup. Kuji Port, which saw the highest wave, is clearing debris from damaged fishing equipment.
- Floating debris is a hazard. Boat tours and fishing charters may cancel on short notice if debris is spotted.
- Stay off beaches in advisory zones. From Chiba to Hokkaido, beach access may be restricted. If another large quake occurs, tsunamis could arrive with little warning.
Trust me, the ocean can wait. Enjoy Japan’s incredible inland attractions instead.
4. What Travelers Should Do Before Their Trip
A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s your checklist.
Download These Apps
- Safety Tips App (government-supervised). This is essential. It sends earthquake and tsunami alerts in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages. Set your location to “Current Location”.
- NERV Disaster Prevention. Visual, real-time data on shaking intensity. Often faster than news apps.
- Japan Official Travel App. Useful for general transport info.
Verify Your Itinerary
- Accommodations: If staying in Hachinohe, Misawa, or Hakodate, contact your hotel 24 hours before arrival. Ask specifically: “Has water service been fully restored?” and “Are there any restrictions on facilities?”
- Transport: If your trip relied on the JR Hachinohe Line, you need a new plan. Look into Nanbu Bus schedules or consider renting a car (if you’re comfortable with winter driving).
- Flights: If flying through New Chitose, monitor your flight status closely. The reduced terminal capacity means even minor weather issues could cause cascading delays.
Check Your Insurance
- Verify if your policy covers trip interruption due to natural disasters.
- Note that policies purchased after December 8 may exclude this earthquake as a “known event”.
5. What Travelers Should Do During Their Trip
Once you’re in Japan, stay aware. The situation is manageable, but it’s not quite business as usual in the north.
Stay Prepared
- Know your evacuation route. When you check into your hotel, identify the emergency exit immediately. Don’t assume it’s the way you came in.
- Keep essentials ready. Leave shoes and a warm coat next to your bed. If a quake strikes at night, you won’t have time to search for them.
If You’re Near the Coast
If you feel any shaking while in a coastal area, move to higher ground immediately.
Don’t wait for an alert. The advisory exists precisely because a larger, tsunami-generating earthquake is possible.
If You Feel Shaking Indoors
Follow the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method. Most injuries in Japanese earthquakes come from falling objects like lighting fixtures and glass, not building collapse.
If You’re on a Train
The train will brake hard. Brace yourself and secure your luggage. Follow the conductor’s instructions. Don’t try to open doors unless you’re told to.
Emergency Contacts
- Japan Visitor Hotline (24 hours): 050-3816-2787. Support in English, Chinese, and Korean.
- 171 Disaster Message Board: If cell networks become congested, dial 171 to record a voice message that family can retrieve using your phone number.
6. Regions of Japan Not Affected, and Perfectly Fine to Visit
Here’s the part most travelers miss. The earthquake affected a relatively small area. Most of Japan is completely fine.
Tokyo and the Kanto Region
Tokyo felt the earthquake (Shindo 3) but had zero damage.
- Status: Fully operational
- Transport: Haneda, Narita, subways, and trains all running normally
- Attractions: Shibuya Sky, Senso-ji, teamLab, and everything else, all open
Western Japan (Kansai, Chugoku, Kyushu)
The earthquake was barely felt, if at all, in these regions.
- Osaka and Kyoto: Universal Studios Japan, Kyoto’s temples, Dotonbori, all operating as usual.
- Hiroshima and Fukuoka: Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines running normal schedules.
Central Japan (Chubu and Hokuriku)
- Nagoya and Kanazawa: Tourism in Kanazawa City is open and welcoming.
Final Thoughts
The December 8 earthquake was a powerful event, but the damage is concentrated in Aomori and southern Hokkaido. For most travelers, Japan remains a safe and wonderful destination.
If you’re heading north, verify your transport, contact your accommodations, and download those safety apps. If you’re visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or western Japan, go ahead with your plans.
By staying informed and prepared, you can travel confidently while supporting the local communities of Tohoku and Hokkaido during their recovery.
