Situation of Setouchi tourist destinations -West Japan heavy rain, July 2018
Heavy rainfall has caused flooding and mudslides in western Japan, including the Setouchi Inland Sea region, resulting in casualties, household and transport infrastructure damages, roadblocks and suspensions to train services in parts of Ehime, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Kagawa, Okayama, Tokushima and Yamaguchi prefectures. Our thoughts are with those whose lives and homes have been affected and the servicemen and volunteers involved in the rescue and recovery efforts.
The main tourist destinations within the Setouchi region are unaffected. All world-heritage sites, including Himeji Castle, Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima A-bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park, as well as Kobe city, Naoshima Island, Dogo Hot Springs, Ritsurin Park and the Naruto Whirlpool remaining open as usual. The recovery process is progressing at a rapid pace.
The Setouchi region continues to welcome travellers.
Travellers in the region are advised to check the most up-to-date information on the below websites before visiting affected locations, in addition to travel advice from the foreign office and Japan National Tourism Office.
【Local Disaster Prevention Websites 】 Hyogo Prefecture http://web.bosai.pref.hyogo.lg.jp/ Okayama Prefecture http://www.bousai.pref.okayama.jp/bousai/ Hiroshima Prefecture http://www.bousai.pref.hiroshima.jp/ Yamaguchi Prefecture http://origin.bousai.pref.yamaguchi.lg.jp/pub_web/portal-top/ Tokushima Prefecture https://anshin.pref.tokushima.jp/ Kagawa Prefecture http://www.bousai-kagawa.jp/kinkyu-rireki.html Ehime Prefecture http://ehime.force.com/ 【Airport Information】 Kobe Airport https://www.kairport.co.jp/ Okayama Airport https://www.okayama-airport.org/ Hiroshima Airport http://www.hij.airport.jp/ Yamaguchi Ube Airport http://www.yamaguchiube-airport.jp/ Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, Yamaguchi Prefecture(English)
http://www.iwakuni-airport.jp/en/ Tokushima Awa Odori Airport http://www.tokushima-airport.co.jp/ Takamatsu Airport, Kagawa Prefecture https://www.takamatsu-airport.com/flight-info.php Matsuyama Airport, Ehime Prefecture https://www.ehime-np.co.jp/online/life/traffic_infomation/ 【Railway Information】 JR West: Information including Shinkansen (Bullet train) and local train including Hyogo Hiroshima, Okayama, Yamaguchi Prefecture.(English). Can also search train routes in entire Setouchi Region. http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ JR Shikoku: Prefectures including Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime Prefecture. http://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/info/