What to Do During an Earthquake in Japan: Tourist Safety Guide

What to do when an earthquake warning sounds

Japan’s Earthquake Early Warning system may send an alert to phones, television, radio and public announcement systems shortly before strong shaking arrives. The warning may provide only a few seconds, and sometimes the shaking may begin before you can react.

Do not try to leave the building or finish packing. Immediately identify the safest nearby position and protect your head and neck.

• Move away from windows, mirrors, shelves and hanging objects.
• Get beneath a strong table if one is within immediate reach.
• If there is no table, crouch beside an interior wall or stable furniture.
• Cover your head with your arms, bag, cushion or coat.
• Do not stand in a doorway unless you know it is structurally safe.
• Do not run outside while glass, signs or roof materials may be falling.

Learn more about the system through the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Earthquake Early Warning guide .

What to do during an earthquake in a hotel or ryokan

At a railway station or on a train

On a station platform

• Move away from the platform edge without pushing other passengers.
• Crouch and protect your head from signs, lights and ceiling materials.
• Do not rush toward stairs or ticket gates with the crowd.
• Follow station staff announcements.
• Do not enter the railway tracks.

Inside a train

• Hold a handrail or strap firmly if you are standing.
• Lower your body and protect your head.
• Stay inside unless railway staff instruct passengers to evacuate.
• Do not force train doors open.
• Expect the train to stop for safety inspections.

Even when the shaking is not severe at your location, railways may suspend services to inspect tracks, bridges and electrical equipment. Check the operator’s official website before changing stations or buying replacement tickets.

Outside in a city or sightseeing area

Falling glass, signs, roof tiles and exterior walls can be more dangerous than the movement of the ground itself.

• Move away from buildings, walls, vending machines and utility poles.
• Protect your head with a bag or other available item.
• Do not shelter directly beneath a building entrance or large sign.
• Watch for broken glass, unstable walls and damaged power lines.
• Move toward an open space only if the route is immediately safe.

Inside a shop, museum or restaurant

Stay away from display cases, shelves and hanging equipment. Protect your head and follow staff instructions. Do not rush to the exit while other visitors are moving in the same direction.

What to do if you are inside an elevator

If the earthquake begins while you are in an elevator, press the buttons for nearby floors if it is safe to do so and leave at the first floor where the doors open normally.

If the elevator stops and the doors do not open, use the emergency call button or intercom. Do not force the doors open, climb through a hatch or attempt to move between floors without professional assistance.

What to do while driving

• Do not brake suddenly unless required to avoid an immediate hazard.
• Reduce speed and move toward the left side of the road.
• Stop away from bridges, tunnels, slopes and damaged structures when possible.
• Remain aware that emergency vehicles may need the road.
• Follow police, road authority and navigation warnings.

If you must leave the vehicle because the area is dangerous, do not block the road or take actions that prevent emergency access. Conditions vary, so follow local instructions rather than relying on a universal rule.

Near the sea, beach, harbour or river

A tsunami can arrive before a warning in areas close to the earthquake source. Waves may also travel into rivers and arrive repeatedly.

• Evacuate on foot if roads are congested or local instructions recommend it.
• Follow tsunami evacuation signs rather than walking back toward your hotel.
• Continue to a safer location even if the first wave appears small.
• Do not return until the warning or advisory has officially been lifted.

Review the JMA tsunami warning and evacuation guidance before visiting coastal or island destinations.

What to do after the shaking stops

1. Check for injuries. Help others only when it is safe and within your ability.
2. Put on shoes. Floors and streets may contain glass, tiles and sharp debris.
3. Look for fire and structural damage. Leave the immediate area if there is smoke, a gas smell or visible collapse risk.
4. Prepare for aftershocks. Move away from damaged buildings and continue protecting your head.
5. Check for tsunami information. This is essential if you are near a coast or river.
6. Follow official sources. Use JMA, local government, railway, airline and accommodation information.
7. Avoid unnecessary movement. Transportation may be suspended and roads may be needed by emergency services.
8. Preserve your phone battery. Use short messages and avoid repeatedly refreshing unofficial social media.

Should you evacuate?

Evacuation depends on the condition of the building, local hazards and official instructions. Staying inside an undamaged building may be safer than entering streets with falling glass, fire or heavy congestion. Evacuate immediately if instructed, if there is a fire or collapse risk, or if tsunami evacuation is required.

How tourists can prepare before an earthquake

For official visitor-oriented emergency information, check JNTO Japan Safe Travel Information .

Recent earthquake travel update

For current information about the July 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, aftershock risk and Kyushu transportation, read our Kumamoto Earthquake 2026 travel and safety update .

Frequently asked questions