Travelers from Hong Kong undeterred by apprehensions of a 'megaquake' on July 5, continue their journeys to Japan
In defiance of widespread concerns about a predicted megaquake in Japan, Hong Kong travelers like 40-year-old teacher Bonnie Lei and 73-year-old Ho Wan-chan are venturing to the Land of the Rising Sun. Despite the potential seismic activity, Hong Kong travel agencies have not reported any significant changes in their Japan-bound tour bookings.
On Saturday morning, a family including Ho Wan-chan was among the dozens of Hongkongers waiting to check in at the airport, bound for Nagoya. Their travel arrangements were made at a lower cost than usual, with round-trip tickets costing around HK$1,000 (US$127), including one piece of luggage for each person.
The family's decision to travel to Japan, like that of Bonnie Lei who is heading to Tokyo, is not due to a lack of awareness about the July 5 prediction. In fact, both travelers are paying more attention to local news in Japan. However, they have chosen to proceed with their trips, albeit with a sense of apprehension.
"I'm slightly worried about the potential earthquake," Bonnie Lei admitted, "but I believe in the power of preparation and staying informed."
Ho Wan-chan, too, felt a little uncomfortable due to the earthquake concerns, but his son and his wife had already purchased the tickets for the trip. The family is traveling to Japan despite being unprepared for potential earthquakes.
Japan is introducing new tourism rules in 2025, one of which is the likely requirement for all incoming tourists to have private travel insurance that covers medical care. This is to address issues with visitors receiving medical treatment and leaving without paying. Tourists without proof of insurance may be denied entry, and those with unpaid medical bills may be barred from returning.
Travelers to Japan are encouraged to stay updated on official travel policies and consider travel insurance as a key precaution. However, no specific additional earthquake-related travel advisories have been issued for Hongkongers going to Japan based on current available information.
Despite the earthquake prediction, it appears that the fear of missing out on a summer holiday or the allure of Japan's cultural offerings is proving stronger than the tremors of uncertainty.
- Bonnie Lei, while expressing a sense of apprehension about the potential earthquake, has chosen to proceed with her trip to Tokyo, acknowledging the importance of preparation and staying informed.
- Ho Wan-chan's family is traveling to Japan despite being unprepared for potential earthquakes, their decision influenced by the allure of Japan's cultural offerings, although they feel a little uncomfortable due to the seismic activity concerns.
