What the U.S. Travel Advisory to Japan actually entails for Tourists.
A recent travel advisory issued by the U.S. State Department could be raising eyebrows, more so considering that Japan is considered one of the safest nations in the world. Although the warning might be grave, it is really a Level 1 travel alert, and it only calls on the Americans to exercise normal precautions. That is, be watchful, and not alarmed.
- What the U.S. Travel Advisory to Japan actually entails for Tourists.
- Why the Warning is still more Surprising than It Is.
- Driving Policies: The policies are tough. The blood-alcohol level is very low in Japan, and DUI may be severely punished.
- What to Do When You Are Thinking of a Trip.
- So, Should You Be Worried?
Why the Warning is still more Surprising than It Is.
The crime rate and the good infrastructure in Japan make it a great destination for tourists. Nonetheless, there are some unexpected hazards that even veterans of the destination may not consider:
Nightlife Risks: Nightlife entertainment areas – consider big nightlife areas – may be safer than most of Japan. Minor thefts, spiking drinks, and even worse cases of bar-related incidents have been reported.
Strict Drug Laws: There are prescription drugs that are legal in the U.S., but which are illegal in Japan. Persons who use or take some drugs during a journey might suffer serious repercussions.
Strict Enforcement of Drugs: Japan does not play around with possession of drugs, and even minimum quantities of certain drugs will cause a lot of legal problems.
Driving Policies: The policies are tough. The blood-alcohol level is very low in Japan, and DUI may be severely punished.
Emergency Preparedness: Natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, or tsunamis are quite real in Japan. Smart notions are travel insurance and an effective evacuation or emergency plan.
What to Do When You Are Thinking of a Trip.
When visiting Japan is on your bucket list (or you are already planning your expedition), you should do the following clever things:
Sign up on the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so that the U.S embassy is aware of your location, and you will be able to receive safety warnings.
Purchase travel insurance, including medical evacuation insurance in case anything goes wrong.
Study and respect Japanese laws, particularly in light of drugs or demeanour in nighttime areas.
Be ready: natural disaster contingency plan – what to do in the case of an earthquake or a typhoon.
Stock or maintain a list of local emergency numbers (such as U.S. consular numbers, Japanese law enforcement or fire hotlines, and so on).
So, Should You Be Worried?
Not really. The warning does not imply that Japan is unsafe; on the contrary. Level 1 is the lowest advisory level, which implies that the commonplace travel issues are involved, rather than general danger. The advice is more of a suggestion to think twice, particularly in places where the traveler can lose their watch.
Shortly put: you do not have to cancel your plans, just plan smart, be alert, and travel wisely.
