Japan is one of the world's most seismically active countries. Earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and volcanic events are part of life here. This guide explains Japan's disaster warning systems, evacuation procedures, and how to get help as a non-Japanese speaker.
⚠️ Typhoon season in Japan
Typhoon season runs June–October, peaking in August–September. When a typhoon warning is issued, stock up on food and water, charge all devices, and avoid going outside. Follow your prefecture's evacuation orders.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Understand Japan's alert system
Japan issues disaster alerts via J-ALERT (outdoor loudspeakers) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to all phones. Alerts arrive in Japanese. Download the "Safety tips" app by Japan Tourism Agency — it sends English-language earthquake, tsunami, and weather alerts.
💡App: "Safety tips" (Japan Tourism Agency) — available on iOS and Android, free.
- 2
When an earthquake hits: Drop, Cover, Hold
Drop to the floor. Take cover under a sturdy table or desk, or against an interior wall away from windows. Hold on until shaking stops. Do NOT run outside during shaking — falling debris is the main danger. After shaking stops, check for fire, gas leaks, and structural damage.
- 3
After shaking stops: Check and move
Turn off gas if safe. Open doors (they may jam). Listen for tsunami warnings — if near the coast, move to higher ground immediately. Head to the nearest hinan basho (避難場所) — designated evacuation site, usually schools, parks, or community centers.
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Find your local evacuation site
Locate your nearest hinan basho before any emergency. Your ward/city office website lists them. Google Maps labels many. NHK World broadcasts disaster updates in English at nhk.or.jp/nhkworld.
💡Register at your local ward office — foreigners registered can receive disaster alerts directly.
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Communicate and get supplies
During major disasters, NTT sets up free Wi-Fi hot spots with "00000JAPAN" SSID. 171 is the disaster voicemail service (record/listen to messages from family). Keep 3 days of food, water (2L/person/day), flashlight, first aid, and copies of important documents in a go-bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do in an earthquake in Japan?
Drop to the floor, take cover under a desk or against an interior wall, hold on until shaking stops. After shaking, check for gas leaks, turn off the stove, and move to your designated evacuation site if instructed.
How do I receive earthquake alerts in English in Japan?
Download the "Safety tips" app (Japan Tourism Agency) for English earthquake and tsunami alerts. NHK World (nhk.or.jp/nhkworld) also broadcasts emergency information in English.
What is the evacuation site (hinan basho) near me?
Evacuation sites (hinan basho) are listed on your local ward/city office website. They are usually schools, community centers, or large parks. Locate yours as soon as you move to a new area.
Can foreigners use disaster shelters in Japan?
Yes. Disaster shelters are open to all residents regardless of nationality. Bring your passport or residence card, and any necessary medications.
What is 171 in Japan?
171 is the NTT Disaster Message Dial — a voicemail service that lets you record and check messages when regular phone lines are jammed after a major disaster.
Gaijin Support Editorial Team
Japan Life Support Specialists
Written by a team of foreign residents in Japan with combined 50+ years of experience navigating Japanese legal, medical, and administrative systems.
Reviewed by Gaijin Support Emergency Coordinators, Emergency Response Team · Last updated June 2026