Q&A's
1. What will the mood be like if we travel?
Obviously Japanese people are deeply upset and shocked by what has happened to their people and country. However, they are very strong, determined people who will rebuild these areas in no time. We believe that the mood will be one of unity. The Japanese people have never been more proud of their people for getting through what they have had to get through so far. They are welcoming people back into the country and really need our help to boost their economy that will ultimately be spent on rebuilding the homes, roads, businesses that have been lost. Remember, most people travel west from Tokyo (to Kyoto, Osaka etc.). By avoiding going to Japan, the knock-on effect across the whole country will be seen. They need our support more than ever. So, we urge you to think twice before canceling your trip.
2. We were planning to go to Japan in April/May. Will this still be possible?
As soon as the problems in the Fukushima Daiichi power plant are resolved we expect peo
ple to start traveling again. The cherry blossom season is soon approaching. This is one of Japans busiest and best seasons. It really would be a shame to miss it and to turn away from the people of Japan now. Trains including the bullet trains in/out of Tokyo heading west are almost fully operational. Narita Airport access is operational. The only places out of action are those heading north. If you had Sendai or anywhere north and east of here on your plans for travel, perhaps you need to look into this. Contact us if you need more information.
If you have any more questions for us at Unique Japan Tours, add your comment/post to this blog.
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Bloggers at Unique Japan Tours
Konnichiha!! (Hello!!)
ReplyDeleteThere are still some issues in Tokyo with the rolling blackouts, but
these are only being used in the suburbs. Central Tokyo is exempt from
the blackouts. All of our tours in Tokyo stay within central Tokyo.
The reports of food shortages are over-exaggerated. I am in daily
contact with our Tokyo staff and they all tell me there is more than
enough food. The rest of the country, south and west from Tokyo, I
would say is back to normal, but nothing ever changed here. It has
always been business as usual, and there have been no effects
whatsoever. I am writing from Kyoto, and the only difference I can see
from before the earthquake is that there are fewer tourists. We will,
of course, keep you updated with changes.
I have been receiving questions from people asking if it
would be disrespectful to visit Japan at this time given the current
conditions in the disaster area. My answer to that is an emphatic
"NO". All of our employees, and all of the Japanese
people who know me and what I do all say "Tell people to come to
Japan". After World War II, the Japanese people managed to take a
country that had been literally leveled with no infrastructure and no
economy, and in 40 years were able to create the world's second
largest economy with few resources other than themselves. I have no
doubt that, given time they will rebuild northern Japan to its former
self.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Happy Travels
Mike Roberts
Kyoto
It is business as usual in Nagoya.
ReplyDeleteNo public service was interrupted or any inconvenience was caused by the disaster up north.
The only noticeable difference is the fund-raising and blood drives set up to assist those affected in the north.
Naturally the city was in a state of shock when the disaster occurred, but they went back to work calmly, knowing that the Japanese economy is relying on everyone pulling together.
Thank you for sharing this Sean. Kyoto is just a short distance from Nagoya which is the most visited city in Japan. Let's keep tourism in these areas going. Cherry Blossom season is soon approaching. Catch them in their glory!!
ReplyDeleteI’ve decided not to cancel. We are due to travel in May and by the looks of things they will have this Fukushima plant under control. From what I hear, people are getting on with things in Japan and in fact – I’ve heard it’s going to be a great season for traveling as so many people have changed their plans. So, fewer tourists at the places we want to see the most. It’s a win/win for us I reckon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your hard work and for keeping us updated with travel news. Much appreciated.
It was a difficult week and I found it hard going into work but now it is great to hear good news on the TV again and saw some pictures of first cherry blossoms today.
ReplyDeleteHanami Party season is soon… Brilliant !!!
I have lived in Japan for 13 years, when anyone asked me why I like Japan, my 1st answer was I feel so safe here… It may seem a strange comment, but I still feel safest here in Japan, you need to visit here to understand how people here are so polite and sweet.