Earthquakes Are Normal in Japan
Japan experiences roughly 1,500 noticeable earthquakes per year — about 4 per day. Most are minor tremors you will barely feel. Buildings in Japan are engineered to the world's strictest seismic codes — skyscrapers sway rather than collapse, and modern structures survived the massive 2011 Tohoku earthquake largely intact. Your hotel, train, and any building built after 1981 (New Earthquake-Resistance Standards) is designed to withstand severe shaking. Understanding the basics of what to do makes the experience manageable rather than frightening.
Tip: Download the Safety Tips app by NHK — it sends earthquake alerts in English seconds before shaking arrives, with magnitude and expected intensity for your location.
What to Do During an Earthquake
Indoors: Drop, cover, and hold on. Get under a sturdy table or desk. Stay away from windows, shelves, and heavy objects. Do NOT run outside during shaking — falling debris from buildings is the biggest danger. Outdoors: Move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and walls. Cover your head with your bag. In a train: Hold onto straps or rails. Trains stop automatically during strong quakes via the UrEDAS system. Follow crew instructions. In an elevator: Press every floor button. Exit at the first floor that opens. Modern elevators auto-stop during quakes.
Tsunami Warnings and Coastal Safety
If you are near the coast and feel a strong earthquake lasting more than 30 seconds, move to high ground immediately — do not wait for official warnings. Tsunami can arrive within minutes on Pacific coast areas. Official warnings come via sirens, smartphone alerts, and NHK television/radio. Evacuation signs (blue and white, showing a wave and running figure) point to designated high ground. Never go to the beach to watch a tsunami. Move at least 30 meters above sea level or 2+ kilometers inland. After the all-clear, monitor NHK World for English updates.
Emergency Resources and Contacts
Emergency number: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance). JNTO Tourist Hotline: 050-3816-2787 (24/7, English). NHK World: nhk.or.jp/nhkworld (English earthquake/tsunami updates). Embassy contacts: save your country's embassy number in Tokyo. Designated evacuation areas are marked on city maps with green signs (hinanjo) — schools, parks, and community centers serve as shelters. Hotels keep emergency supplies and staff are trained in evacuation procedures. Keep your passport and phone in an easily grabbable location.
