Japan Travel Status

WATCH

International travel to Japan continues to operate normally across most of the country. However, Typhoon Champi is causing flight cancellations and severe-weather risks in Okinawa and Japan’s southwestern islands, particularly Miyako, Ishigaki and Yonaguni. Travellers visiting these areas should check airline schedules and local weather warnings.

Typhoon Champi — Okinawa and southwestern Japan

Typhoon Champi is affecting travel around Okinawa and Japan’s southwestern islands from 22 October 2026. Strong winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous coastal conditions may disrupt flights, ferries and local transport, particularly around Miyako, Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands.

Flights

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have announced cancellations affecting flights to and from Okinawa’s island airports. Disruption is expected to continue through 24 October on some routes. Travellers should check directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.

Airports

Naha, Miyako, Ishigaki and other airports serving the southwestern islands may experience weather-related cancellations and delays. This does not represent a nationwide closure of Japanese airports. Major international gateways elsewhere in Japan continue operating overall.

Ferries and island transport

Strong winds and rough seas associated with Typhoon Champi may affect ferry services and other transport between Okinawa’s islands. Travellers should check with ferry operators and local transport providers before departure.

Typhoon Dujuan recovery

Earlier in October, Typhoon Dujuan brought severe weather, flooding, landslides and flight cancellations to parts of eastern Japan. The storm has moved away, although travellers visiting previously affected communities should check local road and transport conditions where recovery work continues.

Tokyo

Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto region are not the main focus of the current Typhoon Champi flight disruption. Travellers should nevertheless check their airline and railway operator for any individual schedule changes.

Rail travel

Heavy rain and severe weather can cause temporary suspensions of Shinkansen, conventional rail and local transportation. Check your railway operator before travelling if severe weather warnings are issued.

Visa requirements

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Citizens of many countries can visit Japan for short stays without obtaining a visa in advance, while other nationalities require a visa before travel.

Visit Japan Web

International visitors can use Visit Japan Web to complete immigration and customs procedures online before arrival. Using the service can simplify processing at participating airports.

Passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Japan. Travellers should also ensure they have sufficient blank space for any required immigration endorsement.

Earthquakes

Japan experiences frequent earthquakes. Most are minor, but significant earthquakes can occur without warning. Travellers should follow Japan Meteorological Agency alerts and local emergency instructions.

Volcanoes

Japan has more than 100 active volcanoes. Restrictions can be introduced around individual volcanoes when activity increases, so travellers visiting volcanic areas should check current alerts.

Typhoon season

Typhoons are most common during summer and early autumn. The season itself does not mean travel is disrupted, but an approaching storm can rapidly affect flights, trains, ferries and roads.

22 October 2026 — Typhoon Champi disrupts Okinawa flights

Airlines have confirmed flight cancellations affecting Okinawa and Japan’s southwestern islands as Typhoon Champi approaches. Routes involving Miyako, Ishigaki and other island airports are among those affected.

22–24 October — Further flight disruption expected

Japan Airlines has announced cancellations affecting several Okinawan island airports through 24 October. All Nippon Airways has also announced cancellations, including services to and from Miyako and Ishigaki on 23 October. Travellers should check airline updates for the latest information.

22 October — Ishigaki visitor warning

Ishigaki City has advised visitors to prepare for severe weather around 23–24 October, secure suitable accommodation and follow local emergency instructions.

Earlier in October — Typhoon Dujuan moved away

Typhoon Dujuan moved northeast away from Japan after causing flooding, landslides and flight cancellations in parts of eastern Japan. Local recovery may continue in previously affected communities.

No nationwide airport shutdown

The latest flight disruption is concentrated around Okinawa and Japan’s southwestern islands. Japan’s main international gateways and wider transport network continue operating overall.

Check your airline, passport and Japanese visa requirements before departure.

If travelling to Okinawa, Miyako, Ishigaki, Yonaguni or nearby islands, check airline and ferry schedules carefully because Typhoon Champi may cause cancellations or delays.

Monitor Japan Meteorological Agency weather warnings and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

Consider completing immigration and customs information through Visit Japan Web before arriving.

If travelling through areas of eastern Japan previously affected by Typhoon Dujuan, check local road and railway conditions.

Check your airline directly before travelling to the airport, particularly if your itinerary includes a connection through Okinawa.

Follow evacuation instructions immediately if local authorities issue an emergency warning.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.