Japan Travel Update – August 2026

August 1, 2026August 9, 2026

This article was originally based on official information available as of August 1, 2026, 11:00 a.m. JST.

The Kumamoto earthquake section received its final monthly update on August 9, 2026, based on official information available as of 12:16 p.m. JST.

This article summarizes the most important Japan travel developments announced in July 2026 or affecting travelers in August, along with practical advice for the month ahead.

Update note — August 10, 2026: We are no longer actively updating the Kumamoto earthquake section in this monthly article. It is retained as a snapshot of conditions based on information checked through August 9. For the latest earthquake-related travel conditions across Kyushu, including current transportation disruptions, destination status, safety guidance, and alternative routes, see our dedicated guide: Kyushu Travel After the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake: What’s Open, What’s Disrupted, and What Travelers Should Check.

Table of Contents

This Month at a Glance

Here are the most important points for travelers this month:

The July 28 Kumamoto earthquake continued to affect travel in southern Kyushu when this monthly section was last updated on August 9. For current conditions after August 9, see our dedicated Kyushu earthquake travel update.
All Nozomi trains will operate with reserved seating only from August 7 to 16.
Japan’s visa fees increased substantially on July 1 for travelers who require a visa.
Japan’s International Tourist Tax is now ¥3,000 per departure.
Mount Fuji climbers must follow route-specific entry rules and pay a ¥4,000 hiking fee.
Dangerous summer heat is affecting many parts of Japan.

1. Kumamoto Earthquake and Travel in Southern Kyushu

Final monthly update: August 9, 2026, based on official information available as of 12:16 p.m. JST.

This section is no longer being actively updated. The information below is preserved as the August 9 snapshot used for this monthly edition. For current conditions, follow our dedicated guide: Kyushu Travel After the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake: What’s Open, What’s Disrupted, and What Travelers Should Check.

What Changed by the Final August 9 Update

Between our August 7 update and the final monthly update on August 9:

Phoenix highway bus services between Fukuoka and Miyazaki will continue on a limited basis through August 16, while Sakurajima services between Fukuoka and Kagoshima remain suspended through August 16.
Some free shuttle bus services around Kumamoto Castle have resumed, although the castle itself remains temporarily closed.
JR Kyushu is providing fee-free refunds for eligible tickets affected by the earthquake, with procedures varying by ticket type and purchase method.
JMA continues to report active seismic activity and has temporarily lowered some heavy-rain and storm-surge warning thresholds in affected parts of Kumamoto.

The main railway situation has not changed: the Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section of the Kyushu Shinkansen and the Uto–Yatsushiro section of the Kagoshima Main Line remain suspended.

Travel Status as of August 9

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto region at 4:27 p.m. on July 28, 2026. The earthquake reached a maximum seismic intensity of Shindo 7 in Uki City and Hikawa Town.

The Japan Meteorological Agency’s Kumamoto Earthquake portal, last updated on August 8, says seismic activity is gradually decreasing overall but remains active. JMA continues to advise people in areas that experienced strong shaking to remain alert for earthquakes that could produce maximum shaking of around Shindo 5 Upper or stronger for about one week from August 4.

JMA has also temporarily lowered some heavy-rain and storm-surge warning thresholds in affected parts of Kumamoto because earthquake damage and ground changes may increase local risk. If you are traveling in the affected area during rain or along the coast, check weather warnings as well as earthquake information.

Railway service has improved in some areas, but a major interruption remains on the Kyushu Shinkansen.

Kyushu Shinkansen service resumed between Shin-Minamata and Kagoshima-Chuo on August 7 with a reduced timetable. Through August 16, all seats on these trains are non-reserved, and Green Car seating is unavailable. Onboard toilets and washrooms are also unavailable.

However, service between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata remains suspended, and JR Kyushu says reopening this section during August is unlikely.

As a result, there is still no through Kyushu Shinkansen service between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo.

Kyushu Shinkansen service between Hakata and Kumamoto is operating. However, some extra Sakura services are canceled on August 14, 15, and 16, so check the specific train you plan to use during the Obon period.

On the Kagoshima Main Line, trains are operating with a reduced timetable between Kumamoto and Uto, while service between Uto and Yatsushiro remains suspended. JR Kyushu is preparing a replacement bus service for the Uto–Yatsushiro section, but the start date has not yet been announced.

Station operations also remain affected. Yatsushiro and Shin-Yatsushiro stations are closed for the time being. At Shin-Minamata, the ticket counter is closed, so tickets must be purchased from ticket machines. At Uto, earthquake-related equipment damage means reserved-seat tickets and online-booked tickets cannot currently be issued or refunded.

Long-distance bus services are also disrupted. B&S Miyazaki remains suspended through August 31, with service from September 1 not yet decided. The Phoenix service between Fukuoka and Miyazaki is operating only selected services via the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway through August 16, with service from August 17 not yet decided. The Sakurajima service between Fukuoka and Kagoshima remains suspended through August 16, with service from August 17 not yet decided.

Aso Kumamoto Airport says flights are expected to operate normally, although schedules may change depending on further earthquake activity. Check your airline before departure, and confirm airport ground transportation separately because service varies by operator. The Super Banpeiyu airport bus has resumed with reduced frequency.

Kumamoto Castle remains temporarily closed. However, some nearby facilities have reopened, including the Fukko Joshu donation counter, the Ninomaru rest area, Sakuranokoji, and the tourist information center. Some free shuttle bus services around the castle area have also resumed, including the Josaien–Ninomaru route from August 5 and the Sannomaru No. 1 Parking Lot–Ninomaru route from August 8. Check each facility and access route separately before visiting.

Why Travelers Should Care

The earthquake does not mean that transportation throughout Japan or all of Kyushu has stopped.

You can travel by Shinkansen between Fukuoka and Kumamoto, and Shinkansen service has also resumed between Shin-Minamata and Kagoshima-Chuo.

However, the Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section remains suspended, so the usual through Shinkansen journey between Kumamoto and Kagoshima is still unavailable. If your itinerary includes southern Kumamoto Prefecture, you may need to rework part of your itinerary.

This is especially important if your itinerary includes:

Travel between Kumamoto and Kagoshima
Yatsushiro or Shin-Yatsushiro
Minamata or Shin-Minamata
Southern Kumamoto Prefecture
Long-distance buses between Fukuoka and Miyazaki or Kagoshima
Kumamoto Castle and nearby attractions

Travelers visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, or other destinations far from the affected area should not assume that their entire Japan trip is disrupted. Check the specific regions and transportation routes included in your itinerary.

What You Should Do

If you are traveling in or through Kumamoto:

Check the Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata and Shin-Minamata–Kagoshima-Chuo sections separately.
Check JR Kyushu’s latest operating information on the day you travel.
Confirm whether your station is open and whether normal ticketing services are available.
If you are canceling a JR trip because of the earthquake, check JR Kyushu’s special refund guidance before buying a replacement ticket. Eligible tickets can be refunded without a handling fee, although the procedure differs for online bookings, EX services, and travel-agency products.
If using the Shin-Minamata–Kagoshima-Chuo section, check the temporary operating conditions in effect through August 16.
If considering a highway bus as an alternative, check for suspensions or limited service first.
Check your airline before going to Aso Kumamoto Airport.
Check Kumamoto Castle and nearby facilities individually before visiting.
Avoid damaged buildings, unstable slopes, and restricted areas in places that experienced strong shaking.

Travelism Tip

Do not assume that the entire Kyushu Shinkansen has reopened just because service has resumed between Shin-Minamata and Kagoshima-Chuo.

The Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section remains suspended, so the normal Shinkansen route from Fukuoka or Kumamoto to Kagoshima is still not available.

Because the Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section remains suspended, check JR Kyushu’s current route and operating information on the day you travel rather than relying on the usual through Shinkansen. Highway buses are also affected, so do not assume that a bus will automatically be available when trains are suspended.

If the earthquake has made your original JR itinerary unusable, check refund conditions before purchasing a replacement. JR Kyushu is offering fee-free refunds for eligible tickets affected by the disruption, but the procedure depends on how the ticket was purchased.

For practical advice on earthquakes, emergency alerts, evacuation signs, typhoons, and traveler support, read our guide:

Natural Disasters in Japan: What Every Traveler Should Know

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Official Information

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to:

Japan Meteorological Agency: 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake Portal
Japan Meteorological Agency: 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake Portal (Japanese)
Japan Meteorological Agency: Earthquake Information
Japan Meteorological Agency: Temporary Heavy-Rain Warning Criteria Following the Earthquake (Japanese)
Japan Meteorological Agency: Temporary Storm-Surge Warning Criteria Following the Earthquake (Japanese)
JR Kyushu: Official Website and Current Important Notices
JR Kyushu: Current Kumamoto Earthquake Service and Refund Information (Japanese)
JR Kyushu: Shin-Minamata–Kagoshima-Chuo Operating Timetable (Japanese PDF)
JR Kyushu: Resumption of Shin-Minamata–Kagoshima-Chuo Service (Japanese PDF)
JR Kyushu: Partial Cancellation of Extra Kyushu Shinkansen Trains (PDF)
JR Kyushu: Station Closures and Ticketing Restrictions (Japanese PDF)
JR Kyushu: Replacement Bus Planning for Uto–Yatsushiro (Japanese PDF)
JR Kyushu Bus: Highway Bus Service Following the Kumamoto Earthquake (Japanese)
Aso Kumamoto Airport: Earthquake-Related Flight Information
Aso Kumamoto Airport: Ground Transportation Status
Kumamoto Castle: Official Website
Kumamoto Castle: Current Status of the Castle and Nearby Facilities (Japanese)
Kumamoto Castle: Free Shuttle Bus Service Resumption (Japanese)

For developments after August 9, do not rely on this monthly section as the latest earthquake update. See our current Kyushu earthquake travel guide.

2. All Nozomi Trains Require Seat Reservations During Obon

The Update

From August 7 through August 16, 2026, all Nozomi trains operating on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen between Tokyo and Hakata will operate with reserved seating only.

Nozomi trains will not have regular non-reserved seating during this period.

Hikari, Kodama, Mizuho, Sakura, and Tsubame trains will continue to have non-reserved cars. However, these trains may also become crowded as travelers look for alternatives.

JR Central and JR West recommend reserving seats as soon as your plans are confirmed.

Why Travelers Should Care

Obon is one of Japan’s busiest domestic travel periods. Many people return to their hometowns or take family trips, placing heavy demand on trains, planes, buses, and accommodation.

The rule is particularly important if you plan to travel between:

Tokyo and Nagoya
Tokyo and Kyoto
Tokyo and Osaka
Osaka and Hiroshima
Hiroshima and Fukuoka
Any combination of cities served by the Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen

A non-reserved ticket will not give you a seat on a Nozomi train during the designated period.

Travelers with certain non-reserved tickets may be directed to stand in the ordinary-car deck area, but this depends on operating conditions and staff instructions. It should not be treated as a reliable substitute for a seat reservation.

What You Should Do

Reserve your Shinkansen seat before arriving at the station.
Avoid waiting until the morning of travel during August 7–16.
Check several departure times if your preferred train is full.
Consider traveling earlier in the morning or later in the day.
Allow extra time at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, and Hakata stations.
Reserve seats together early if traveling as a family or group.

You can reserve eligible trains through SmartEX, other official JR reservation services, station ticket machines, or JR ticket offices.

Travelism Tip

If your preferred Nozomi train is full, first search for a different departure time rather than immediately switching to an unreserved Hikari or Kodama.

Non-reserved cars on alternative trains may also be crowded. A slightly earlier or later reserved train will usually provide a more comfortable journey than standing or waiting in a long platform line.

Our complete guide explains ticket types, reservations, luggage rules, and where to buy tickets:

How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets in Japan

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Official Information

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to:

3. Japan’s Visa Fees Increased on July 1

The Update

Japan revised its visa fees for applications accepted by Japanese embassies and consulates on or after July 1, 2026.

The standard fee, converted into Japanese yen, is now approximately:

¥15,000 for a single-entry visa
¥30,000 for a multiple-entry visa

Payment is generally made in the local currency of the country or region where the visa is issued.

The final amount may differ depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, bilateral arrangements, and local currency conversion. Some applicants may be exempt.

Travelers applying through an approved agency may also need to pay a separate agency handling fee.

Why Travelers Should Care

This change only affects travelers who need to apply for a Japanese visa.

Travelers from visa-exempt countries do not pay a visa fee simply to enter Japan for an eligible short stay. However, visa exemption depends on nationality, passport type, purpose of travel, and permitted length of stay.

The higher cost may be significant for families or travelers applying for multiple-entry visas.

What You Should Do

Before applying:

Check whether your nationality requires a visa.
Use the website of the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence.
Confirm the fee in local currency.
Check whether an approved application agency is required.
Budget separately for agency or service charges.
Apply early enough to allow for processing and any additional document requests.

Do not rely on an older blog post or saved screenshot showing the previous fee.

Travelism Tip

Visit Japan Web and a Japanese visa are different things.

Visit Japan Web can help you complete immigration and customs procedures, but registering on the platform does not give you permission to enter Japan. Check your visa status first, then prepare your arrival procedures.

For help preparing your immigration and customs information, read:

How to Use Visit Japan Web: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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Official Information

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to:

4. Japan’s Departure Tax Is Now ¥3,000

The Update

Japan’s International Tourist Tax is now ¥3,000 for each departure from Japan by aircraft or ship.

Airlines and cruise operators generally collect the tax from passengers. In most cases, it is included within the total ticket price rather than paid separately at the airport.

A transitional measure allows the previous ¥1,000 rate to apply to certain eligible transportation contracts concluded before July 1, 2026.

The tax applies regardless of nationality or whether the trip was for tourism, business, or another purpose.

Exemptions include:

Children under two
Certain transit passengers leaving Japan within 24 hours
Aircraft and ship crew members
Travelers departing on certain government aircraft or ships
Several other limited categories

Why Travelers Should Care

You may notice a slightly higher total when purchasing an international flight or cruise departing from Japan.

For one traveler, the increase may seem modest. For a family or group, the combined difference can become more noticeable.

Travelers who purchased tickets before July may see the previous rate, depending on whether the booking qualifies under the transitional rules.

What You Should Do

Check the taxes and fees section of your international ticket.
Do not expect to pay the tax at an immigration counter.
Allow for the higher charge when comparing airfares.
Contact your airline or travel agency if you are unsure which rate applies to an older booking.
Remember that the tax is charged when departing Japan, including on a return journey from Japan to your home country.

Travelism Tip

When comparing airfares, compare the final price rather than the advertised base fare.

The cheapest-looking ticket may become more expensive after airport charges, fuel surcharges, baggage fees, seat selection, and the International Tourist Tax are added.

For a broader overview of transportation, payments, accommodation, and trip preparation, see:

A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors to Japan

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Official Information

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to:

National Tax Agency: International Tourist Tax

5. Mount Fuji Climbers Must Follow Route-Specific Entry Rules

The Update

August is part of the official Mount Fuji climbing season, but you can no longer arrive at the mountain without checking the entry rules for your chosen trail.

For the Yoshida Trail in 2026:

The official climbing season runs from July 1 to September 10.
The hiking fee is ¥4,000 per person per climb.
The gate is closed from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. the following day.
Climbers staying at a mountain hut are exempt from the gate-closing restriction.
Entry is generally limited to 4,000 climbers per day.
Required equipment is checked at the fifth station.

The required equipment includes cold-weather clothing, separate waterproof jacket and pants, and footwear suitable for mountain climbing.

The Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya routes on the Shizuoka side have their own registration and entry procedures. Travelers should confirm the rules for the specific trail they plan to use.

Why Travelers Should Care

Climbing Mount Fuji is not the same as visiting a normal sightseeing attraction.

Arriving without the correct registration, equipment, clothing, or route information could prevent you from entering the trail.

Poor planning can also place you at risk from:

Cold summit temperatures
Sudden weather changes
Altitude sickness
Darkness
Exhaustion
Inadequate equipment

Temperatures near the summit are much lower than in Tokyo or at the fifth station, even when Japan is experiencing extreme summer heat.

What You Should Do

Before traveling to Mount Fuji:

Choose your trail before reserving transportation.
Check the official opening dates and current weather.
Complete any required registration or online learning.
Pay the hiking fee through the official system.
Reserve a mountain hut if your plan requires one.
Carry suitable hiking shoes, warm clothing, and proper rain gear.
Save screenshots of your reservation and payment information before arriving.
Do not attempt to climb through the night without rest.
Leave enough flexibility to cancel the climb in unsafe weather.

Travelism Tip

Avoid planning a “bullet climb,” where you travel directly to the mountain, climb overnight without sleeping, watch the sunrise, and immediately descend.

A mountain hut reservation and a slower schedule may cost more, but they provide time to rest, adjust to the altitude, and respond to changing weather.

Save your registration, payment confirmation, and mountain hut details on your phone before traveling so you can still access them if connectivity is limited.

Official Information

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to:

6. Dangerous Summer Heat Is Affecting Travel Across Japan

The Update

As of 5:00 a.m. on August 1, Heat Stroke Alerts were in effect across 29 forecast regions in Japan.

A Heat Stroke Alert is issued when the predicted heat stress level indicates an extremely high risk of heat illness.

Official guidance recommends avoiding unnecessary outdoor activity, using air conditioning, taking frequent breaks, and drinking fluids regularly.

Heatstroke can occur indoors as well as outdoors. Severe symptoms may include vomiting, confusion, impaired judgment, or an inability to drink without assistance.

Because Heat Stroke Alerts are updated daily, check the latest official information each morning rather than relying on the August 1 figure throughout your trip.

Why Travelers Should Care

Visitors often underestimate Japan’s combination of high temperatures and humidity.

A sightseeing schedule that feels reasonable in spring or autumn may be exhausting in August.

The following situations can increase the risk:

Walking long distances between attractions
Waiting in outdoor theme park or attraction lines
Visiting exposed temples, gardens, or observation areas
Carrying suitcases or heavy backpacks
Spending long periods without an air-conditioned break
Drinking alcohol without replacing water

Children, older travelers, people with health conditions, and travelers who are not accustomed to humid weather need to take particular care.

What You Should Do

Check the Heat Stroke Alert and weather forecast each morning.
Visit outdoor attractions early in the day.
Move indoor sightseeing to the hottest part of the afternoon.
Carry water and drink before you feel thirsty.
Replace salt as well as fluids when sweating heavily.
Use a hat, parasol, sunscreen, and breathable clothing.
Take regular air-conditioned breaks.
Avoid carrying heavy luggage around the city.
Return to your accommodation if you begin to feel dizzy, unusually tired, nauseated, or confused.

If someone cannot drink independently or is not responding normally, call an ambulance on 119.

Travelism Tip

Build cooling stops into your itinerary before you leave your hotel.

Large railway stations, department stores, museums, shopping centers, cafés, and convenience stores can provide reliable places to cool down.

A 15-minute air-conditioned break can make a full sightseeing day much safer and more comfortable.

Official Information

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to:

August Travel Checklist

If your itinerary includes Kyushu earthquake-affected areas, use our dedicated current travel update and check the relevant official sources on the day you travel.
Reserve Shinkansen seats before the Obon period begins.
Confirm whether you need a visa and budget for the revised fee.
Compare the total price of international flights, including taxes and surcharges.
Register and prepare properly before climbing Mount Fuji.
Plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning.
Keep at least one flexible day in your itinerary in case of extreme weather or transportation disruption.
Download or bookmark official disaster and transportation information before arriving in Japan.
Avoid planning tightly timed connections during periods of disruption.
Save important reservations and travel documents for offline access.

Looking Ahead to September

Mount Fuji’s official climbing season ends on September 10, although access may close earlier because of weather, remaining snow, or trail conditions.

September also remains part of Japan’s main typhoon season. A typhoon does not automatically require canceling your entire trip, but it can cause temporary flight, railway, ferry, and attraction closures.

Earthquake recovery and transportation conditions in Kyushu may continue to change after this monthly article’s August 9 snapshot. We are no longer updating those developments here. For current railway, road, bus, destination, safety, and alternative-route information, see our dedicated Kyushu earthquake travel guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the latest Kumamoto earthquake travel information?

The Kumamoto earthquake information in this August monthly update reflects conditions checked through August 9, 2026, and is no longer being actively updated.

For the latest information about earthquake activity, destination conditions, railways, highways, buses, airports, attractions, and alternative routes across Kyushu, see:

Kyushu Travel After the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake: What’s Open, What’s Disrupted, and What Travelers Should Check

Do all foreign visitors have to pay the new visa fee?

No. The fee applies to travelers who submit a visa application.

Visa-exempt travelers do not pay a visa fee for an eligible visa-free visit. Requirements and exemptions depend on nationality, passport type, and travel purpose.