Safety in Fukushima

Plan your trip and travel to Fukushima with peace of mind by understanding the latest situation in the eastern parts of Fukushima affected by the 2011 disaster.

Learn about how the whole of Fukushima has recovered over time and has become a thriving tourist destination in its own right.

Table of Contents

Quick Facts about Fukushima

 

202,660+14.91%

2019 nights spent by international guests (increase on previous year) Source: Japan Tourism Agency

 

No.3 out of 47 

Fukushima is Japan’s 3rd largest prefecture.

 

432 Tons+51.5%

Agricultural produce exported overseas in FY2021 (increase from the previous year) Source: Fukushima Prefecture Government

 

9 Consecutive Times 

Consecutive times that Fukushima Prefecture has won the most Gold Medals at the Annual Sake Awards, as of 2022.

Background to the disaster

At 2:46 pm on March 11, 2011, a magnitude-9 earthquake struck off the Pacific Coast of Japan's Tohoku region, causing a powerful and deadly tsunami that inflicted widespread damage and caused meltdowns at three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station complex.

This nuclear disaster led to the evacuation of over 150,000 people and has had a long-lasting impact on many industries, including agriculture and tourism.

Aftermath & Revitalization

Fukushima was one of the worst-affected prefectures, but over the intervening years, it has managed to take bold steps toward prefecture-wide revitalization.

Thanks to decontamination efforts and a gradual decline in airborne radiation dose rates, among other factors, the area of Fukushima under evacuation orders was reduced from 12% of the prefecture in 2011 to 2.2% in 2024.

Nowadays, atmospheric radiation levels in most areas of Fukushima Prefecture are similar to those of other major cities around the world, making it safe for visitors and residents.

People in Fukushima continue to work tirelessly to revitalize their hometown, despite harmful rumors and misinformation. The prefectre is now thriving thanks to the resilience and courage of its people, as well as its visitors - both domestic and from overseas - who flock to experience the natural beauty, history, and culture of Fukushima.

Map of the Restricted Entry Zone

Tracking the change over time

See how the restricted entry zone to the east of Fukushima Prefecture has evolved over time.

Legend

  • Restricted Entry Zone
  • Evacuation Zone
  • Planned Evacuation Zone
  • Emergency Evacuation Preparation Zone
  • Evacuation Order Cancellation Preparation Zone
  • Restricted Residence Zone
  • Difficult-to-Return Zone

FAQs

Fukushima Timeline

The landscape in eastern Fukushima has changed remarkably over time since the original disaster. The outline here serves to highlight the prefecture's efforts to date and how things have changed since 2011.

The Disaster & Immediate Aftermath (2011)

More than 150,000 people evacuated or were evacuated following the disasters of March 2011

Mar 11

Mar 12 to 15

Apr 22

Immediate Response (2011—2012)

Strict monitoring being conducted on bags of rice

Removing soil as part of decontamination efforts

2011

2012

Apr 22

Efforts over the years (2013—2019)

Barriers along the side of National Route 6

J-Village soccer training facility, which reopened in 2019

2014

2016

2018

2019

Moving forward (2020 onward)

The reopened JR Joban Line improves the accessibility of coastal Fukushima from Tokyo

2020

2021

2022

From now

Recovery of visitors

Fukushima's revitalization can be seen in the increasing number of visitors to the region over the years. Since 2011, the number of international overnight visitors has been rising steadily year on year, reflecting the fact that Fukushima is open for business and welcoming to all.
Source: JTA (Japan Tourism Agency)

 

What the experts say

Gov UK logo ”The Japanese authorities are carrying out comprehensive checks to monitor radiation in the area surrounding Fukushima" UK Travel Advice WIRED logo "Extensive decontamination, monitoring, and regulations have made food from around Fukushima perfectly safe." WIRED (Interview with Dr Sae Ochi), Mar 2015

 

“The no-entry zone around the nuclear plant makes up less than 3% of the prefecture's area, and even inside most of the no-entry zone, radiation levels have declined far below the levels that airplane passengers are exposed to at cruising altitude. Needless to say, Fukushima is perfectly safe for tourists to visit.” Japan-guide.com

“Fukushima’s agriculture suffered drastically after the earthquake and the nuclear power accident that followed, but as a result of thorough safety measures implemented through national efforts, foods produced in Fukushima have been recognized as safe by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), as well as by many individual countries, and the prefecture’s exports are increasing. Japan hopes that more and more people will enjoy the safe and delicious foods from Fukushima in the years to come”. The Government of Japan

“Controlled water discharges into the sea are routinely used by operational nuclear power plants in the world. The method Japan has chosen is both technically feasible and in line with international practice.” Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency

Official resources

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