Image Credits: www.asahi.com
Travelers across Japan are heading to their hometowns and vacation spots under the shadow of a Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake advisory issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The advisory, prompted by a significant earthquake off Miyazaki Prefecture on Thursday, has heightened safety concerns without major disruptions to public transportation systems.
At JR Tokyo Station, the Tokaido Shinkansen platforms were bustling with families and young people embarking on their journeys. Among them was a 21-year-old university student from Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, traveling to Osaka. “My hometown is near the sea. I don’t know the evacuation sites and routes, so I want to look those up,” he noted, reflecting a broader sense of caution among travelers.
The Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal in Minato Ward, Tokyo, also experienced a surge of holidaymakers heading to the islands of Tokyo. Despite the potential tsunami threat posed by a Nankai Trough earthquake, passenger ships remain operational and are nearly fully booked, according to Tokai Kisen Co. A 28-year-old Tokyo resident heading to Niijima Island expressed his family’s preparedness plan, saying, “If there’s a tsunami risk, we’ll use the evacuation stairs and move to higher ground.”
In Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Katase Nishihama Kugenuma Beach saw a significant influx of swimmers, with lifeguards advising quick exits from the water in the event of an earthquake. Conversely, Shonan Bellmare Hiratsuka Beach Park has imposed a swimming ban until Thursday to address potential evacuation delays.
Beaches in Atami and Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, have remained open but are flying yellow flags to caution swimmers. The city of Ito, which had anticipated a rebound in visitor numbers after a sluggish July, now faces diminished hopes due to the earthquake advisory. Mitsuyasu Murata, an executive with the Ito Tourist Association, emphasized the need for collaboration with the city government to enforce comprehensive safety measures and evacuation guidance.
As the Bon holiday unfolds, the dual challenge of enjoying the festivities while staying vigilant against potential seismic threats underscores the complex interplay of travel and safety in Japan’s current landscape.