Due to its location, topography, geology, and climate, Japan is prone to a number of natural disasters such as typhoons, heavy rain and snow, floods, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Research institutes have confirmed the high frequency of these disasters through various studies and statistics.

Globally, 18.5% of earthquakes with a magnitude of 6 or higher occur in Japan. More recent examples in history include the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (M7.3) and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (M9.0).

With this in mind, people living in Japan are constantly alert to weather forecasts, and the various precautions to take in their daily lives.

Natural disasters in Japan can be classified into two types: unpredictable ones like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, and those that can be forecasted a few days in advance, such as typhoons. Should you encounter a natural disaster while traveling, knowing what to do, how to prepare, and where to find reliable disaster information can help ensure the safety of both you and your family.

Earthquakes, Aftershocks, and Tsunamis

Earthquakes are one of the most common natural disasters in Japan due to its location at the boundary between continental and oceanic tectonic plates.

When an earthquake occurs, evacuate to a safe location and check for updates from reliable sources. Be aware that large earthquakes are often followed by aftershocks (smaller quakes that occur frequently after the main event). If you are near the coast, it’s also important to stay alert for tsunamis (waves caused by underwater earthquakes displacing ocean water) may follow. If a tsunami alert is issued, follow instructions and move to higher ground immediately.

Typhoons, Heavy Rain and Snow, Floods, and Landslides

Being surrounded by the sea and with its rugged topography, Japan is prone to typhoons, torrential rains, and heavy snowfalls. Many rivers in Japan also have fast currents, increasing the risk of floods and landslides.

Typhoons, heavy rain, and heavy snowfall can be predicted to some extent through weather forecasts, so be sure to install a weather app to ensure you have the most up-to-date info on current conditions before your trip. In the event of floods or landslides, check the latest credible sources for updates, and relocate to the nearest evacuation center if necessary.

The heaviest rainfall occurs during the transition period between spring and summer, particularly during tsuyu (rainy season), while typhoons are most common from summer to autumn. However, in recent years, sudden localized downpours known as "guerrilla rainstorms" have also become more frequent, occurring outside the typical rainy season. In the winter, heavy snowfall is especially common along the Sea of Japan coast.

火Volcanic Disasters and Avalanches

Japan is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and is home to 108 active volcanoes, accounting for about 7% of the world’s total. For information on volcanic activity and avalanches, check weather reports as well as local updates from your destination or ski resort.

When searching for disaster information, it’s important to ensure your sources are reliable, such as from government agencies or official institutions.

Good examples include the Japan Meteorological Agency, the Japan Tourism Agency, and NHK (Japan’s public broadcasting), along with their respective official websites, social media accounts, and apps. Be aware that public information shared on social media and other digital platforms may not always be entirely accurate.

Useful resources for obtaining disaster information will be introduced later in this article.

During a disaster, you will frequently hear Japanese media use the term "alert level" to indicate varying degrees of danger. Japan’s alert system consists of five levels, each assigned a different color. Understanding these can help determine the appropriate course of action in an emergency. Note that alerts indicate a higher level of danger than advisories.

If an alert level of 3 (Red) or higher is issued, assess the situation based on your location and the condition of those around you, and take appropriate action, including evacuation if necessary.

KIKIKURU (Real-time Risk Maps, Multilingual Information on Disaster Risk Reduction) is a website operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency that you can check for advisories and alerts for heavy rain and flooding. By pressing the Show Current Location (現在地を表示) button, you can see the hazard level for your current location, categorized by designated color codes. You can also refer to it for evacuations, and it is available in 14 languages.

Earthquakes are one of the most common natural disasters in Japan. And after a major quake, aftershocks, tsunamis, landslides, and other disasters may still occur. The most important thing is not to panic. Most Japanese citizens undergo regular earthquake evacuation drills from a young age in school and experience similar training in workplaces as adults. Observe how those around you respond and follow their lead to move to a safe location.

After a major earthquake, secondary disasters like aftershocks, tsunamis, large-scale fires, landslides, and volcanic eruptions can follow. Below are examples of major earthquakes that took place in Japan, each of which resulted in secondary disasters that caused significant damage. While there is no need to be overly fearful, it is important to understand how to prepare for secondary disasters by learning from past examples.

When an earthquake occurs, an Earthquake Early Warning is broadcast in Japan. Just before a major quake, a siren will sound from most devices, such as cell phones, TVs, and radios. A strong tremor usually follows shortly after the alarm, so take action as follows.

After a major earthquake, aftershocks may also follow, including tsunamis in some locations, and even large fires. Public transportation, including trains and buses, may stop running, and taxis may not be available. Internet connections may also become unstable.

After a major earthquake has occurred and the tremors have subsided, move to a nearby shelter. For the reasons above, further sightseeing will likely not be possible.

Large areas like school gymnasiums usually serve as these evacuation centers, where you will receive food and water, as well as sleeping spaces and blankets. Note that all kinds of people tend to gather here, so it is important to be mindful and keep noise levels down, share resources, and cooperate with those around you. Evacuation centers are also reliable sources of information, so a visit to one can help you figure out what to do next.

After a major earthquake, a tsunami may follow. Tsunamis are not something that one can simply outrun, so a timely evacuation may not be possible once the tsunami is sighted on shore.

If a tsunami alert is issued, head to higher ground immediately for safety. A 1-meter tsunami can be fatal, and even a 0.3-meter tsunami has enough force to float a car. Understand these risks and evacuate as soon as possible.

The following signs are commonly used for tsunami evacuation. Familiarize yourself with these and follow instructions if an emergency occurs.

Large aftershocks can still occur within the whole week following the main quake. As seen in past cases, such as the 1997 earthquake in the Satsuma region of Kagoshima Prefecture and the 2003 earthquake off the coast of Tokachi Prefecture, some aftershocks can be just as strong as the main quake. So it’s important to remain alert for two to three days after the initial earthquake.

Be sure to check what kind of secondary disasters (landslides, tsunamis, etc.) are likely to occur in your area, and plan your evacuation accordingly.

Typhoons occur in Japan every year, often causing significant damage, such as heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides, particularly between August and September. In recent years, severe rainstorms have become more frequent even outside of typhoon season, making it even more important to stay informed in advance.

Typhoons and torrential rains are amongst the disasters that can be predicted in advance. Weather apps can be used to check the path of a typhoon and assess its potential impact. Typhoon paths are constantly updated, so be sure to check the latest information regularly. If the impact is expected to be severe, consider rescheduling your travel or sightseeing plans.

Public transportation, including flights and Shinkansen trains, is often heavily affected by typhoons. Check transportation services in advance, and if necessary, consider canceling or rescheduling your plans. It’s also advisable to contact your accommodations to confirm whether they will remain open. Taking early action can help you avoid unnecessary disruptions.

When a typhoon makes landfall, it brings heavy rainfall first. Roads may flood and turn into rivers, and water may enter hotels and stores. Train and subway services may also be suspended.

Typhoons also bring strong winds, which can be powerful enough to blow off roofs and signs and even snap trees. Standing outside may become impossible, and power outages can occur, resulting in suspended train services and highway closings.

If a typhoon hits, stay indoors in a safe building and avoid going out. If you are in a hazardous area, evacuate to a shelter before Alert Level 4 is issued. Once it exceeds that level, you will no longer be able to go outside.

In some cases, trains and buses may implement planned suspensions in preparation for typhoons, reducing or canceling train and bus operations in advance. When this happens, be sure to check public transportation updates, and if travel is necessary, try to complete your trip before the typhoon arrives.

If flood risk increases, evacuate to a shelter as soon as possible before it reaches Alert Level 4. Extra caution is needed in areas near rivers.

Hazard maps are available for each region, including flood and landslide hazard maps, amongst others types of natural disasters. If you plan to stay in an area for an extended period, it’s a good idea to check these maps in advance to familiarize yourself with local risks.

When a landslide occurs, a Landslide Disaster Warning may be issued, which equates to Alert Level 4. Once an advisory is issued, evacuate the area immediately and move to a safe location. Avoid steep slopes and cliffs at all costs.

It's important to be prepared before the first alert is even issued. Check the hazard and weather maps for your area, and keep an eye on the alerts and advisories once the rain starts to fall.

In recent years, torrential rain disasters have become more common outside of typhoon season. Pay special attention during the rainy season from June to July, when prolonged torrential rainfall occurs, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

Heavy downpours also occur frequently between June and October, which spans the rainy season and typhoon season, due to linear precipitation bands. These bands form when cumulonimbus clouds cluster in one area for an extended period, resulting in intense rainfall. Be sure to check the latest weather reports from the Japan Meteorological Agency and disaster prevention apps to stay updated on current conditions.

If you’re planning mountain and snow activities as part of your trip, you’ll also need to consider potential disaster risks like volcanic eruptions and avalanches, which will require advance research and preparation.

When planning mountain and snow activities, be sure to check the weather forecast and local conditions in advance, and be ready to change your plans if necessary. In volcanic areas, we recommend using the Kikikuru (Real-time Risk Maps) to assess eruption risk, and prepare safety gear like helmets and dust masks if you must visit the area.

If visiting snow-covered mountains, be sure to check avalanche risk levels and ski slope conditions, as well as the weather, for the days before and after your visit, and always prioritize your safety when making plans.

Japan is one of the world’s most volcanic countries, with 111 active volcanoes. Recently, many people were affected by the 2014 eruption of Mt. Ontake, which straddles Nagano and Gifu prefectures. Volcanic hazards include large volcanic rocks, pyroclastic flows, lava flows, volcanic ash, and toxic gases.

To prepare for volcanic disasters, check volcano hazard maps and volcano disaster prevention maps provided by local authorities to identify high-risk areas. Then, locate evacuation routes and shelters in advance. Volcanic disasters require proactive preparation, as once an eruption occurs, it will be too late. Always check these safety conditions before visiting.

Before heading to a volcanic mountain, check the Eruption Alert and Eruption Alert Levels issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Using Kikikuru (Real-time Risk Maps) can also help assess risk levels.

Japan experiences some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, with more than half of its land designated as heavy snowfall zones (areas that receive massive amounts of snow in winter). The Sea of Japan side is particularly prone, experiencing disaster-level snowfall every year. Avalanches can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and can quickly engulf visitors engaged in skiing, snowboarding, hiking, trekking, or visiting hot springs.

Avalanches frequently occur on steep slopes, including ski slopes, and are more likely after heavy snowfall over a short period. Warning signs such as cracks (fissures) in the snow or surface ripples (snow wrinkles) may indicate an impending avalanche.

To avoid getting caught up in one, check the hazard maps and avalanche advisories issued in weather reports, and be sure to follow the guidance of local guides and facility staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Heavy snowfall may indeed transform the scenery into a breathtaking winter wonderland. However, it is important to remember that this snow can also be dangerous and bring disaster.

Snow-covered roads become extremely slippery, increasing the risk of falls and accidents. Trains and buses may also be suspended, so always check traffic updates and avoid going outside as much as possible. You should also refrain from riding bicycles, motorcycles, or other 2-wheeled vehicles in the snow. If driving becomes absolutely unavoidable, use tire chains and drive cautiously on snowy or icy roads.

In any case, the best course of action is to stay indoors in a safe place, and do not go out without good reason.

When traveling, the safety of your companions is just as important as your own. If traveling with elderly family members, children, or individuals requiring special care, it’s especially important to be well-prepared in advance.

Babies, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities require special consideration during a disaster. Prepare essential items in advance, such as prescription medication, diapers, baby formula, and caregiving supplies, and organize them so they can be easily carried in case of an emergency. You should avoid traveling to areas or during seasons that are prone to disasters to make sure your trip is safe and fun for everyone.

Regardless, the possibility of encountering a natural disaster while traveling is never zero. It’s recommended to check evacuation routes and shelters, as well as understand the accessibility, of your destination in advance. As previously mentioned, Japan is prone to natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, which can occur without warning, so make sure your travel companions are also informed about potential hazards and safety measures.

During your trip to Japan, the following items can be useful in the event of a disaster. It is recommended to have them in your travel bag.

Disaster preparedness goods can also be purchased in Japan during your trip, so check out local stores for these items as well.

We also recommend bookmarking the LIVE JAPAN Disaster Portal on your phone for easy access to the latest updates and information.

If an earthquake, typhoon, or other natural disaster occurs, or if severe weather is expected, you should consider changing your travel plans instead of pushing through. Change or cancel any flight or other transportation reservations and accommodations if this happens. See the article below for details.

As you have seen, Japan is prone to a variety of natural disasters, so being informed and prepared in advance can help prevent panic during an emergency. As part of your preparation, check out the useful disaster preparedness apps and resources listed below. Keeping these handy will help you respond swiftly and appropriately in the event of an emergency.

Japan is a country prone to natural disasters, but with the right preparation, you can travel safely and comfortably. Take advantage of the recommended apps and resources to stay informed about weather conditions and disaster alerts, and review essential safety measures before your trip. And should the unexpected occur, remember that a little bit of preparation goes a long way.

So stay safe, stay informed, and make the most of your time exploring Japan!

*Information as of January 2025. Please see official websites for the latest updates and information.