If an earthquake hits while you're in Japan
Japan has earthquakes often — most are small, buildings are built for them, and daily life goes on. But it helps to know the basic moves before you feel your first one.
While the ground is shaking
- Drop, cover, hold on. Get under a sturdy table and hold its legs, or protect your head with a bag or pillow.
- Do not rush outside during the shaking — falling glass and signs near buildings are a major cause of injury.
- In bed: stay there and cover your head. In a hotel, follow staff instructions and use stairs, never elevators.
Right after the shaking stops
- Expect aftershocks. Put on shoes before walking (broken glass).
- Check official information: Japan Meteorological Agency (English) or NHK WORLD.
- Near the coast, one rule overrides everything: if shaking was strong or long, move to high ground immediately. Do not wait for an official tsunami warning, and do not go to the shore to look.
Where do you evacuate to?
Japan designates official evacuation sites — but separately for each disaster type. A spot that is good for earthquakes may be unsuitable for floods or tsunami. On NIGEDOKO, tap “Use my current location” and switch tabs (Earthquake / Tsunami / Flood…) to see ✅/❌ for each site near you. Most of the time after an earthquake you will not need to evacuate at all — evacuation is for when your building is unsafe, fires spread, or officials tell you to move.
Help in English
- Japan Visitor Hotline (JNTO): 050-3816-2787 — 24 hours, English/Chinese/Korean, including emergencies.
- JNTO “Safety tips” page and app — official disaster alerts for visitors.
Check evacuation sites near you now →
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⚠️ This is reference information from an independent free tool, not an official government service. In an actual disaster, always follow instructions from the municipality, your hotel, and official alerts.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency, Cabinet Office disaster-preparedness guidance, JNTO ・ NIGEDOKO