Typhoons and heavy rain in Japan: how to read the warning levels
Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) uses warning levels from 1 to 5. At Level 3 people who need more time should start to evacuate, at Level 4 everyone in the danger area should evacuate, and Level 5 is an emergency.
Where to get warnings
- JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) publishes warnings and advisories in English on its website.
- JNTO's Japan Safe Travel page shows Level 5 Emergency Warnings on a map and sends you to JMA for the others.
- JNTO's Safety tips app also gives you weather and disaster alerts (see our Safety tips app page).
What the levels mean
JMA explains the alert levels for heavy rain, floods, landslides and storm surges like this:
- Level 2, Advisory: stay informed and act early.
- Level 3, Warning: older people, people with disabilities and others who need more time should start to evacuate from dangerous areas.
- Level 4, Urgent Warning: everyone in the area should evacuate from dangerous places.
- Level 5, Emergency Warning: a disaster may already be happening. Take every step to protect your life, and follow the evacuation information from the city.
What to do on your trip
- Check the forecast and your train, flight and bus operators the day before. Heavy rain and strong wind can slow or stop services.
- Follow the instructions of your hotel or other nearby facility staff. JNTO asks visitors to follow local evacuation information and staff instructions.
- If an evacuation order comes, do not wait for the weather to get worse. Leave early, and avoid rivers and steep slopes.
- Be flexible with your plans. Keep a plan B, such as a museum or an indoor area, for days with a typhoon warning.
Do not wait for "just one more" warning
JMA says to take action even if your area has not had a disaster for decades. Emergency Warnings are for events that are far bigger than normal.
FAQ
Where can I see the warnings in English?
On the JMA website and in JNTO's Safety tips app. JNTO's Japan Safe Travel page also shows Level 5 Emergency Warnings.
What is the difference between Level 3 and Level 4?
At Level 3, people who need more time start to evacuate. At Level 4, everyone in the danger area should evacuate.
Where do I go when there is an evacuation order?
Follow the instructions of your accommodation and local officials. The best place depends on your location, so ask staff in advance where the nearest shelter is.
Sources
Related tips
- 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.
- What to do in an earthquake in Japan: official advice for visitorsProtect your head and get under something sturdy. Do not run outside, and do not try to put out a fire. If you are near the sea and feel strong shaking, move to higher ground.
- 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.
- If you feel sick in Japan: how to find a clinic that helps foreign visitorsCall the Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787, 24 hours) or use the JNTO list of medical institutions that accept foreign visitors. Medical costs can be very high, so travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- Japan's Heat Stroke Alert: what it is and what to do in summerJapan has an official Heat Stroke Alert, issued when heat illness risk is extremely high. It runs from late April to late October. When one is issued, avoid going out if you can, stay cool and drink water.
Last checked: 2026-11-01. Rules and prices can change, so please confirm with the official sources above.