December 7 Quake Not A Help To Tourism

Above, a view of Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo Tower.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday's earthquake in Japan was centered in the general area of the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.  It registered 7.3 in magnitude and caused a one-meter tsunami.  About 13 people were injured.

The quake's epicenter was about 245 kilometers south-east of Kamiashi at a depth of about 36 kilometers.  Buildings in Tokyo reportedly swayed during the shaker.

The reports that the quake was felt as far south as Tokyo reminded me of my October 2005 vacation to Japan.  One night, a shaker struck while I was in Tokyo.  I wrote about the experience:

A 6.2 earthquake hit around 9:00 PM and shook up Tokyo pretty good. I was relaxing in my hotel room when it hit. Since the epicenter was about 60 miles away, there were no injuries or damage. It was interesting watching the news reports on the quake and seeing it recorded by cameras positioned throughout the city. Nothing like making a Californian feel right at home!

Fortunately, yesterday's quake caused no damage to the Fukushima nuclear power plant that was already damaged in 2011.

Understandably, the quake unnerved people in Japan and raised concerns on tourism to the Tohoku region.  Tourism to Tohoku has been in a slump since the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

A recent survey of Asian travelers found that they remain concerned about big earthquakes and radiation in Japan despite their desire to visit the country.  The survey was conducted by the Development Bank of Japan  The quake of yesterday certainly won't help matters.