What to Do in an Earthquake in Japan: Traveller Guide

Japan has many earthquakes, and most of them are small. If you feel the ground shake during your trip, the most important rule is simple: protect your head, stay where you are until the shaking stops, and then follow local instructions. Buildings in Japan are built to strict standards, and the country has one of the best warning systems in the world.

This guide explains what to do before, during and after an earthquake in Japan, what the alerts on your phone mean, and how to prepare in a few minutes before your trip. I lived in Tokyo for three years, so small tremors were part of normal life.

How common are earthquakes in Japan?

Japan sits where several tectonic plates meet, so tremors happen often. Most are too weak to notice, or feel like a short wobble that locals hardly react to. Strong earthquakes are rare in any given place, but they do happen, so it makes sense to know the basics.

Japan measures shaking with its own scale called shindo, from 0 to 7. It describes how strong the shaking feels at a location, not the total energy of the quake. A shindo 1 or 2 is a slight wobble. From about shindo 5, objects fall and it becomes hard to stand.

My first earthquake in Tokyo came at night while I was at home in bed, and I simply kept sleeping. Once I felt one in an office on the 11th floor, where the shaking was much stronger, but everything stayed safe.

Before your trip: five minutes of preparation

• Install an alert app: the free Safety Tips app, supervised by the Japan Tourism Agency, sends earthquake early warnings, tsunami warnings and other alerts in several languages.
• Keep your phone charged: a small power bank is useful in any emergency. For chargers and plugs, see my guide to Japan power outlets and adapters.
• Get mobile data: a working eSIM or pocket wifi helps you read news and contact family.
• Save your embassy’s contact details and register your trip if your country offers this.
• Get travel insurance that covers natural disasters and trip interruptions.

My comparison of eSIM vs pocket wifi in Japan helps you pick the right option.

Earthquake early warnings on your phone

Japan’s Earthquake Early Warning system can send an alert seconds before strong shaking arrives. Phones bought in Japan and many foreign phones on Japanese networks receive these alerts with a loud, distinctive sound. You may also hear warnings on TV, in stations and from public speakers.

The warning can come only a few seconds before the shaking, or sometimes at the same time. When you hear it, do not wait to see what happens. Move away from windows and shelves and protect your head immediately.

On my phone the alert shouts “earthquake, earthquake”. It is quite a shock, especially in the subway when a hundred phones go off at the same time. And it does not always come: sometimes the alert arrives, sometimes it does not. That is why an extra app is a good idea.

What to do during an earthquake

The general advice is drop, cover and hold on. Here is what that means in the places travellers usually are.

Do not run outside during strong shaking. Most injuries come from falling objects and broken glass, not from buildings collapsing.

What to do after the shaking stops

• Check yourself and people around you for injuries.
• Put on shoes if there is broken glass.
• Expect aftershocks, which can be strong.
• Follow announcements from hotel staff, train staff and local authorities.
• Use stairs, not elevators, until buildings are checked.
• If you are near the coast, check for tsunami warnings and move to high ground if told.
• Let family know you are safe through messaging apps or social media.

Japan also offers a disaster message service by dialling 171, and mobile carriers run similar online message boards after big quakes. These let people leave and check safety messages.

Evacuation areas and shelters

Look for green and white signs showing evacuation areas, often parks or schools. Tsunami evacuation buildings and routes are marked near the coast. After a big disaster, local schools and community centres often become shelters. Foreigners are welcome there too. Police boxes are another good place to ask for help, and my guide to the koban police box explains how they work.

Is it safe to travel to Japan because of earthquakes?

For almost all visitors, yes. Millions of people visit Japan every year without experiencing anything more than a small tremor. Buildings, trains and infrastructure are designed for earthquakes, and warnings are fast. The best approach is to prepare a little, then enjoy your trip. Read my article on whether Tokyo is safe for tourists for a broader picture, including crime and everyday safety.

Personally, I was never afraid of earthquakes, neither before I moved to Tokyo nor while I lived there.

Other natural hazards to know

Earthquakes are not the only thing to watch. Typhoons are common in late summer and autumn, and heavy rain during the rainy season can cause landslides in mountain areas. The same apps that warn about earthquakes also send weather warnings. My guide to the rainy season and typhoons in Japan explains when they happen and how to plan around them.

Frequently Asked Questions

A little preparation is all you need. Add a power bank and a small torch to your Japan packing list, install an alert app, and then focus on enjoying your trip.