What to do in an earthquake in Japan: official advice for visitors

When the shaking starts

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) says: do not panic, and first make sure you are safe.

• Protect your head and get under a sturdy desk or table.
• Do not run outside in a hurry.
• Do not try hard to put out a fire.

On the street, in lifts and on trains

• Outside, watch for falling signs, broken glass and block walls.
• In an elevator, stop at the nearest floor and get out right away.
• On a train or bus, hold firmly onto the straps or handrails.

If you are near the sea

JMA advises that if you see or hear a tsunami warning, feel strong shaking at the coast, or feel long, slow shaking, you should leave the sea side and go to higher, safer ground.

• A tsunami can come many times. Stay away until the warning is lifted.
• Do not go back to the coast while a warning is in force.

Get alerts in your language

The Japan Tourism Agency also gives information for foreign visitors in disasters, including multilingual tools. See our page on the Safety tips app, and save the emergency numbers from our emergency page.

• Ask your hotel about the nearest evacuation place when you check in.
• Evacuation orders and places are decided by each city, so follow local announcements.

FAQ

Sources

• Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA): Earthquakes (Q&A)
• JMA: What to do when you see or hear an Earthquake Early Warning

Related tips

• Safety tips: the disaster alert app for visitors to JapanSafety tips is an app supervised by the Japan Tourism Agency. It sends push alerts for earthquakes, tsunami and severe weather, in 15 languages.
• Emergency numbers in Japan: 110, 119 and the visitor hotlineWho to call in Japan: 110 for the police, 119 for an ambulance or fire, and a 24-hour English hotline for visitors.
• Lost something in Japan? What to do at a koban (police box)Go to the nearest koban or police station and file a Lost Property Report in person. An English form is available, and an interpreter can help over the phone.