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TOP　>　Useful Links and Travel Deals for Japan Tourism　>　Breaking! Critical Alerts for Inbound Travelers to Japan

For the most recent updates on incidents and travel safety in Japan, please visit the NHK WORLD-JAPAN official news portal.

View Latest News on NHK WORLD

*External link to NHK World-Japan official site.

1. Tokyo Skytree: Temporary Closure for Safety Inspections

[Status: Major Sightseeing Alert]

• English: Tokyo Skytree is closed on Feb 23 and 24 following an elevator incident where 20 people were trapped for over 5 hours. The operator is conducting a full safety probe. If you have pre-booked tickets, please check the official website for refund information.
• Japanese Translation: 東京スカイツリーは、エレベーター閉じ込め事故（20人が5時間以上閉じ込め）を受けた緊急安全点検のため、2月23日と24日は臨時休業となります。予約済みチケットの払い戻しについては、公式サイトを確認してください。

official website

2. Health Alert: Heavy Pollen & Yellow Dust (Kosa)

[Status: Health Caution]

• English: We are entering the peak of the Cedar Pollen (Hay Fever) season. Additionally, Yellow Dust (Kosa) from the continent is expected to affect Western and Central Japan around Feb 23-24. This may cause itchy eyes, sneezing, and reduced visibility. Wearing a surgical mask (available at any convenience store) is highly recommended.
• Japanese Translation: スギ花粉の飛散がピークを迎えています。また、23日から24日にかけて西日本や東日本で黄砂の飛来が予想されており、目のかゆみやくしゃみ、視程の低下に注意が必要です。コンビニ等で販売されているマスクの着用を強くお勧めします。

3. Winter Festival Closures (Hokkaido & Tohoku)

[Status: Event Updates]

• English: Many major winter events, including the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Zao Snow Monster Festival, are reaching their final day today, Feb 23. If you are traveling to Hokkaido or Yamagata later this week, some ice structures may already be dismantled for safety. Be sure to check the latest status before heading to these remote areas.
• Japanese Translation: 支笏湖氷濤まつりや蔵王樹氷まつりなど、多くの主要な冬のイベントが本日2月23日で最終日を迎えます。今週後半に北海道や山形を訪れる場合、安全のため氷像が解体されている可能性があります。現地へ向かう前に最新情報を確認してください。

4. Public Holiday Crowds: Feb 23 (Observed)

[Status: Travel Planning]

• English: Today, Feb 23, is a public holiday (Emperor's Birthday observed). Popular districts like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Kyoto's Higashiyama will be extremely crowded. Public transport may follow holiday schedules, and some restaurants might be fully booked. Expect longer wait times for taxis and trains.
• Japanese Translation: 本日2月23日は天皇誕生日の振替休日です。渋谷や原宿、京都の東山エリアなどは非常に混雑します。公共交通機関は休日ダイヤとなり、飲食店も予約で満席になることが多いです。タクシーや列車の待ち時間が長くなることを想定してください。

5. Temperature Fluctuations: "The Spring Seesaw"

[Status: Packing Advice]

• English: Temperatures are fluctuating wildly this week. While days may feel like spring (15°C+), evenings remain near freezing. In Northern Japan, expect strong winds and rain/snow. Layering your clothes is essential to stay comfortable while moving between outdoor sights and heated indoor trains.
• Japanese Translation: 今週は気温の寒暖差が激しい「三寒四温」の状態です。日中は15度を超える春のような陽気でも、夜間は氷点下近くまで冷え込みます。北日本では強風や雨・雪にも注意が必要です。屋外観光と暖房の効いた車内の移動には、重ね着が欠かせません。

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