Q and A: Traveling to Japan and the flu

(AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)

I recieved an email regarding my travel advisory on May 21st, and I would like to share it with my readers.

Hi Joshua,

I found your article on the above topic quite interesting. I am scheduled to travel to Japan on May 25th (Monday) from Canada. I will be visiting Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima.

Given the amount of publicity and the anxiety exhibited by the Japanese Government and the people regarding the spread of Swine Flu, I am wondering whether I should postpone my trip. My concerns are whether the tourist places (i.e. temples, shrines) would be closed and whether there would be anti-foreigner sentiments (as potential flu-carriers from Canada). Basically, whether I would be able to enjoy Japan in the same manner if the Swine Flu situation was not present.

Canada has several cases of Swine Flu, it hasn't become a priority for us - probably due to the low population density. It is difficult for me to form an opinion whether to proceed with my visit due to the differences in the cultures. I am hoping that you can help.

I'm glad to hear that you found my article informative.

As far as the flu goes, I do not feel that you should necessarily postpone your visit to Japan just because of it.  At this point, you are probably just as likely to catch the flu traveling anywhere as you are to traveling to Japan.  Most cases of the reported flu cases in Japan have been mild so far, and the Japanese officials are starting to relax on inspections.  At this point, the new flu is being seen as just part of the regular seasonal outbreak.   There definitely is a certainly level of high anxiety within the country about it regardless, but it is mainly because the Japanese are very concerned with public health.  The upside to this is that many public places have increased the amount of cleaning. Many of these places have also put out hand sanitizers at their entrances. 

As a traveler, I think the most important thing is to just be aware of your own actions and protect yourself.  The highest probable places you could encounter the flu are on the flight over, and at very public places such as train stations.  Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before you touch any part of your face after you go out into public areas.  Also consider wearing a face mask on the flight over and back, and around public areas.  You will likely see many Japanese doing as such, so there should be no reason you for you not to either.  I do highly suggest you bring your face masks over from Canada, as they are almost impossible to find in Japan right now. Your local drug store will probably carry them.  Also think about bring a small thermometer so you can monitor your temperature if necessary. 

About the possibility of anti-foreign sentiment, I do not feel any difference between before and after the flu outbreak.  Truthfully, most of the first cases of the flu that were reported here were of Japanese citizens who had traveled abroad, not foreigners.  There has not been any major discrimination in Japan as far as I know, like there were reports of in other countries such as China.

I think if you protect yourself, you might find your trip very worthwhile.  Currently the tourists attractions around Osaka and Kyoto are experiencing a major drop in visitors, which means that you will be able to see them more easily!  Less people means less wait, less crowds, easier shopping, more beautiful pictures, and so forth.

If you still feel a bit hesitant, you could always consider avoiding the Osaka and Kyoto areas, and try traveling to some smaller cities.  Japan has plenty of interesting and historical places that are well worthwhile to visit besides that area. 

I wish you safe travels.