Urgent travel advisory warns Canadians travelling to popular Asian tourist spot
Canadians planning to travel to Japan are being urged to exercise extra caution in a travel advisory update issued due to a typhoon.
The Government of Canada recently shared an update to its travel advisory for Japan due to Typhoon Saudel.
“Typhoon Saudel is expected to affect southern Japan, including Okinawa and Amami Islands, between Aug. 24 and 27, 2026,” reads the statement. “The storm is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds.”
Hundreds of flights in and out of Okinawa Prefecture have already been cancelled due to the impending storm, impacting thousands of travellers, reports The Japan Times. The island is a popular tourist destination due to its beach resorts, attracting over 10 million visitors annually. Ferry services to and from the island have also been cancelled.
Travellers are warned that the storm could bring “excessive rainfall and violent winds.” There’s also the risk of flash flooding and landslides that could affect access to essential services, disrupting transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, and medical care.
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Canadians travelling in the area are urged to be cautious, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Typhoons are common in Japan, with storms occurring between June and October, mostly impacting southern areas including Okinawa and surrounding islands.
“Typhoons can bring torrential rainfall, strong winds, storm surges, flooding, and landslides,” states the advisory. “Transportation networks, including flights, ferries, rail services and road travel, may be disrupted with little notice.”
Tourists travelling to Japan during typhoon season should be aware of the safety risks and be prepared to change their travel plans on short notice by cancelling or cutting their trip short. It’s also important to carry your airline or tour operator’s emergency contact information and follow advice from authorities, including evacuation orders.