Canada issues urgent travel advisory for Japan over potential natural disaster

If you're heading from Canada to Japan soon, make sure to check the latest travel advisory before your trip.

On Thursday, the Government of Canada updated its Japan advisory, highlighting potential risks due to natural disasters.

"Typhoon Jangmi is expected to pass across Okinawa and the Amami Islands starting June 1, 2026," reads the update. "The storm is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds."

Canadian travellers are being warned of the possibility of flooding and landslides. In which case, essential services could be severely impacted, disrupting transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, and access to medical care.

Anyone in the affected area is urged to be cautious. It's important to monitor local news and weather reports, and to also follow local authorities' instructions, including evacuation orders.

Nippon reports that Typhoon Jangmi formed over the western Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, and it's the sixth tropical storm of the year. There's a likelihood that it could hit Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, and Amami Oshima Island, potentially bringing strong winds, high waves, and heavy rain from Monday to Tuesday.

The Japan Meteorological Agency states that it moved northwest near the Philippines on Thursday, and forecasts that the storm could develop as it continues its path north.

According to the advisory, typhoon season usually occurs in Japan between June and October, during which "small storms can quickly develop into major typhoons." Southern parts of Japan, including Okinawa and the surrounding islands, are the most vulnerable.

Tourists heading to Japan during typhoon season should be prepared for possible disruptions and be ready to adjust their plans on short notice. Travellers are advised to stay updated on local weather and keep emergency contact information for their airline or tour operator easily accessible.

Before travelling abroad, make sure to sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA), a free and confidential service that notifies Canadian citizens outside the country of an emergency abroad or at home.