by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 11:05 AM ET, Mon April 20, 2026
The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for Japan, warning Canadians of ongoing safety risks following a powerful earthquake and resulting tsunami activity along the country’s northern Pacific coast.
According to the advisory, a tsunami threat remains in effect for several regions, including Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures. Canadians in or near affected areas are being urged to follow instructions from local authorities and monitor local media for updates.
The advisory follows a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sanriku in Iwate Prefecture at approximately 4:52 p.m. local time, as reported by NHK. More than 170,000 residents were urged to evacuate in impacted regions, and bullet train service was temporarily suspended.
In Iwate Prefecture, Kuji Port recorded a tsunami wave measuring approximately 80 centimetres, while other areas saw waves of 40 centimetres or less.
“Those in affected areas should keep away from coasts and river mouths which could overflow,” reads guidance from NHK. “Continue to evacuate until all advisories are lifted.”
‘Subsequent Quake’ Risk Raised
Additional reporting from The Japan Times indicates authorities are warning of the potential for a stronger follow-up earthquake, with a special advisory now covering 182 municipalities from Hokkaido to Chiba Prefecture.
Officials from the Japan Meteorological Agency and Japan’s Cabinet Office have urged residents to be ready to evacuate at any moment and to reconfirm emergency plans, including escape routes and communication methods.
Authorities also warned that additional quakes could occur in the coming days, particularly within the next two to three days, and that secondary risks such as landslides may increase with forecasted rainfall.
Evacuations, Infrastructure Disruptions
Evacuation orders were issued to nearly 172,000 people across affected prefectures, according to NHK, citing Japan’s internal affairs ministry.
Rail disruptions were reported across northern Japan, including partial suspensions of Shinkansen services, though some lines have since resumed operations. There were also reports of minor injuries and localized power outages.
The earthquake initially triggered a full tsunami warning, with waves forecast to reach up to three metres, before being downgraded to an advisory later in the day.
Officials have also urged residents to remain vigilant, drawing comparisons to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, which caused widespread devastation and loss of life.
Advice for Canadian Travellers
The Government of Canada continues to advise travellers in Japan to stay informed, follow local guidance and avoid coastal areas and river mouths in affected regions.
Canadians travelling abroad are also encouraged to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA), a free service that provides updates and assistance in the event of an emergency.
While tsunami warnings have been lifted, advisories remain in place, and authorities caution that conditions can change quickly as seismic activity continues.
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