Safety tips: the disaster alert app for visitors to Japan

What the app does

Safety tips is a disaster information app for foreign visitors to Japan. The Japan Tourism Agency supervises it.

• It sends push notifications for earthquake early warnings, tsunami warnings and special weather warnings.
• It supports 15 languages.
• It includes links to disaster-related information, such as flowcharts that show what to do and communication cards.

Set it up before you need it

• Download it before your trip, or on your first day, while you have Wi-Fi. Check the app store for the current price.
• Choose your language and allow notifications on your phone.
• Keep it on your phone during the whole trip.

When an alert comes

A loud alert can come even when you are in a train or hotel. Stay calm and follow the instructions in the app, and the instructions of hotel staff or local officials.

For emergency calls, see our page on emergency numbers (110 for police, 119 for ambulance and fire).

Good habits

• Learn where the exits are when you arrive in a hotel.
• Keep your phone charged.
• Save your hotel name and address in Japanese on your phone.

FAQ

Sources

• Japan Tourism Agency: Disaster tools for foreign visitors (Safety tips)

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.
• 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.
• Suica and IC cards: how visitors can pay for trains and shopsA Suica is a rechargeable IC card for trains, buses, vending machines and many shops. Visitors can get a Welcome Suica card or use Welcome Suica Mobile on a phone.
• 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.