What Travellers Should Know During an Earthquake in Japan: A Comprehensive Safety Guide for Visitors to Japan

Published on December 10, 2025

Japan has long been recognised as a destination where ancient traditions blend harmoniously with cutting-edge innovation, creating an environment that fascinates countless travellers each year. Visitors are drawn to its rich cultural heritage, serene temples, bustling urban districts, seasonal landscapes and well-organised transportation systems. At the same time, the country lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region shaped by constant geological movement. As a result, earthquake preparedness, travel safety, emergency alerts, and tsunami awareness form an essential layer of responsible travel in Japan. Recent seismic activity, including the 7.5-magnitude earthquake reported late Monday night off the coast of Aomori, served as a reminder of the natural forces that shape the archipelago. Although brief tsunami warnings and disruptions occurred and at least 33 people were reported injured by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Japan’s advanced systems and efficient public response helped stabilise the situation. For travellers, understanding how to navigate such circumstances is vital. With the right information and awareness, journeys across Japan can remain smooth, enjoyable and safe, even when nature becomes unpredictable. This guide outlines practical steps to help visitors respond responsibly if an earthquake occurs during a Japan trip.

Understanding Why Japan Experiences Frequent Earthquakes

Japan’s unique geographical position has placed it at the convergence point of several tectonic plates, where the Pacific Plate continuously shifts beneath the plate supporting Japan. This geological interaction has contributed to recurrent seismic activity across the region. Over many decades, extensive investment has been made in earthquake-resistant architecture, advanced engineering and early detection systems. Buildings in major cities have been constructed with flexible frames, shock-absorbing bases and deep foundations, allowing structures to sway safely when tremors occur. Emergency alert systems deliver rapid notifications in multiple languages, ensuring that both residents and tourists receive timely warnings. Because of these innovations, Japan has earned a reputation as one of the safest earthquake-prone destinations for global travellers.

Should Travellers to Japan Be Concerned?

Tourism in Japan has continued to flourish, with 10.54 million foreign arrivals reported during the first quarter of 2025. Most earthquakes recorded across the country remain minor and pass without disruption. Even during stronger events, nationwide safety protocols, public discipline and widely practised evacuation routines help reduce risk significantly. For visitors, heightened awareness generally proves more important than genuine fear. Being informed, prepared and calm ensures that travel remains both enjoyable and secure throughout the journey.

Earthquake Preparedness: Essential Guidance for Every Traveller

1. Activating Earthquake Alerts Upon Arrival

Many international travellers, including those from India, land in Japan with roaming enabled but overlook the activation of emergency notifications. Japan’s earthquake warning system sends automatic alerts in English when emergency settings and location services are turned on. This feature provides a few valuable seconds of advance notice before intense shaking begins. The step is best completed at the airport to avoid oversight during busy travel schedules.

2. Carrying the Hotel Key Card and Passport at All Times

During even mild tremors, temporary evacuations or automatic shutdowns of lifts and corridors may occur. Passengers who leave their hotel rooms without key cards or essential identification frequently encounter difficulty re-entering their rooms until safety inspections are completed. By keeping the passport and access card readily available, long waits outside the hotel can be avoided.

3. Expecting Immediate Halts in Public Transportation

Japanese trains, including metros and the Shinkansen, have been equipped with seismic sensors that trigger an instant halt when shaking is detected. Visitors unfamiliar with such systems may initially feel alarmed. However, this process has been designed to prevent accidents. After evaluations are completed, services are typically restored faster than expected. Travellers are advised to remain patient at stations and rely on official announcements or hotel desk updates.

4. Identifying the Local Evacuation Point

Every neighbourhood across Japan maintains a designated evacuation area, often located near parks, schools or open public spaces. Hotel staff routinely explain these locations during check-in, and this information becomes crucial if power interruptions affect GPS signals. Moving calmly toward the assigned area ensures safety and aligns with community procedures.

5. Understanding the Role of Convenience Stores

Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart have consistently remained operational through various natural disruptions. These stores often function as reliable access points for food, beverages, first-aid supplies, mobile chargers and Wi-Fi connectivity. In certain affected regions, vending machines temporarily distribute free drinking water as part of emergency response protocols. Visitors typically find these outlets to be comforting resources during periods of transit interruption.

6. Following Tsunami Signage in Coastal Regions

Coastal zones throughout Japan display distinct yellow and blue tsunami evacuation signs featuring directional arrows and elevation details. When tremors are strong, travellers are advised to avoid beaches and promptly move toward elevated buildings or hillside structures. The signage forms part of an intricately planned nationwide safety network. By following these indicators precisely, visitors maximise their protection during potential tsunami risks.

7. Learning Basic Japanese Emergency Phrases

Although local residents are extremely cooperative during emergencies, some may hesitate to speak English. Familiarity with key phrases supports smoother interactions. Even simple attempts at communication encourage locals to assist actively, particularly in crowded hubs such as Kyoto Station, Osaka Umeda or Shibuya.

Possible Travel Disruptions After a Major Earthquake

After notable seismic activity, Shinkansen routes may operate at reduced speeds or face temporary suspension. Electricity or water supplies in select hotels may experience short disruptions. Domestic flights sometimes undergo delays while runway safety inspections are completed. Local train lines conduct thorough system checks before resuming operations. Prior to travel, visitors are encouraged to review advisories provided by the Japan National Tourism Organisation and updates from JR (Japan Railways). Travel insurance should also be assessed for natural disaster coverage. Flexible itineraries allow travellers to reroute temporarily to unaffected regions when required.

Japan’s Strength: Preparedness, Reliability and Calm Response

Despite regular seismic movement, Japan has consistently demonstrated exceptional disaster preparedness. Public cooperation, government planning, engineering excellence and rapid response systems all contribute to the country’s resilience. Tourism rarely faces extended disruption, and normalcy often returns swiftly after inspections and safety confirmations are completed. For travellers, staying informed, following local guidance and remaining adaptable ensures a secure and rewarding experience across the Japan archipelago.