Essential Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness for Your Trip to Japan

Q: What should I do if an earthquake happens while I’m indoors?

Remember: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Get under a sturdy table, protect your head, and stay inside until the shaking completely stops.

japansophy
Jul 4
5 min read

Back in 1994, I was getting ready to move to Kobe as a student. I distinctly remember my Japanese history professor telling me, "Don't worry. Kobe doesn't get earthquakes."

Fast-forward just a few months, and I was literally shaken out of my bed at 5:46 AM. Kobe was on fire, elevated motorways had collapsed, and thousands of people tragically lost their lives. I’m not sharing this to scare you off. In fact, if you’re going to experience an earthquake anywhere, Japan is the safest place to be thanks to its incredibly strict building codes and world-class emergency responses. But having seen firsthand what nature can throw at you (check out our post on Japan's typhoon season, too!), I want to share some practical, stress-free steps to keep you safe and give you total peace of mind.

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Damage to buildings caused by the Great Hanshin Earthquake in Kobe in 1995 — The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 devastated the city of Kobe ©japansophy.com

Before Your Trip: Get Prepped

A little bit of preparation before you leave home acts as a massive safety net. Here is what you should do before you land:

Prep Your Phone: Japan has a brilliant early warning system that broadcasts alerts directly to phones. Make sure emergency alerts are turned on in your settings.
Download the NERV App: The "NERV Disaster Prevention" app is highly popular in Japan. It can give you a few precious seconds of advance notice before a tremor hits—plenty of time to duck under a table.
Fill Out an Emergency Card: Don't rely 100% on your phone in case the battery dies. Write down your embassy’s number and your accommodation details on paper. You can download and print the free emergency card from our "Resources" page and slip it into your wallet.
Register with Your Embassy: Many countries let you log your travel plans with your local embassy or consulate online, making it easy for them to reach or assist you if a major disaster happens.
Look for "Shin-taishin" Accommodations: When booking hotels or Airbnbs, try to choose properties built after 1981. That’s when Japan introduced its modern earthquake-resistant building standards (Shin-taishin). Older buildings (Kyu-taishin) are much more vulnerable to shaking and fire. If you’re looking at booking an older Airbnb in Japan, don't be shy about messaging the host to ask if it has been seismically retrofitted.
Check Your Insurance Fine Print: Make sure your travel insurance covers natural disasters. A moderate quake can easily cause train delays, flight cancellations, or hotel closures. Ensure your policy doesn't exclude these under a sneaky "force majeure" clause.

While in Japan: Quick Daily Checks

Once you’re on the ground, these quick habits will keep you safe without getting in the way of your vacation:

Keep Charged: Always keep your phone, pocket Wi-Fi, and power banks topped up. If the power goes out, your phone is your lifeline.
Stash Cash and Water: Keep a bottle of water in your hotel room, and always carry some physical cash. Japan loves digital payments, but if the electricity goes down, ATMs and card readers won't work.
Scan Your Room with an "Earthquake Eye": When you check in, look around. Don’t place heavy bags or breakable glasses on shelves right above your bed where they could fall on you in your sleep.
Know Your Exits: Check the evacuation route map on the back of your hotel room door. Find the room's flashlight (usually mounted near the door or in a bedside drawer) so you aren't scrambling in the dark.
Keep Paths Clear: Don't block your hotel door with large suitcases. If you need to leave in a hurry, you don't want an obstacle course. At night, keep your passport, wallet, shoes, and phone in one easy-to-grab spot.
Airbnb Tip: If you're staying in a residential Airbnb, ask your host where the main gas shut-off valve is. Turning off the gas after a quake is the best way to prevent fires.

By the way, if you're interested in learning more about the Kobe earthquake, the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum is definitely worth a visit. It has interactive exhibits, including a full-scale diorama of a Kobe street right after the earthquake. Tickets available on Klook.

During the Shaking: What to Do

If the ground starts moving, keep your cool and follow these rules:

Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop to the floor, get under a sturdy table or desk, and protect your head and neck with your arms. Hold onto the table leg so it doesn't bounce away from you. If there’s no furniture, protect your head in an inside corner of the room away from windows.
Pop the Door Open: If you are near a door and can do so safely, pop it open. Earthquakes can warp doorframes, jamming them shut and trapping you inside.
Don't Run Outside: Your instinct will be to run, but staying inside is usually much safer. You are far more likely to be hit by falling glass, roof tiles, or shop signs out on the street.
If You Are Outdoors: Move to an open area away from buildings, brick walls, utility poles, and streetlights.
If You Are on Transport: Sit down, hold on tight, and follow the staff's instructions. Trains in Japan automatically trigger emergency brakes the second a quake is detected, so expect a sudden halt.

Heavily damaged buildings after the 1995 Great hanshin-Awaji earthquake in Kobe. — Older buildings are especially susceptible to damage during an earthquake ©japansophy.com

After the Shaking: Next Steps

Take the Stairs: Never use elevators after an earthquake, as aftershocks can cause power failures or trap you between floors.
Watch for Aftershocks: Be alert for smaller tremors that can follow the main quake. Watch out for falling debris as you exit buildings.
Head High If Near the Coast: If you feel a long, rolling quake or get a tsunami warning while near the ocean, don’t wait for official orders. Head straight for higher ground or a designated tsunami evacuation building immediately.

Japan Earthquake FAQs

How common are earthquakes in Japan, and should I be worried?

They happen constantly, but the vast majority are so small you won’t even feel them. Because of its incredible engineering, Japan is one of the safest places on earth to experience seismic activity. Think of it as situational awareness, not anxiety!

What should I do if an earthquake happens while I’m indoors?

Remember: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Get under a sturdy table, protect your head, and stay inside until the shaking completely stops.

Will my phone automatically alert me to earthquakes?

Yes, most modern smartphones will automatically scream out an emergency alert if a major quake is imminent. For extra peace of mind, download the free NERV Disaster Prevention app to get real-time alerts.

How can I tell if my accommodation is earthquake-safe?

Look for hotels or apartments built after 1981 to ensure they meet modern Shin-taishin safety rules. You can always message your host or hotel directly to double-check.

Is it safe to travel to Japan right after an earthquake?

It depends entirely on where it happened. Japan is incredibly resilient; a magnitude 6 quake in Hokkaido might cause minor train delays for a few hours but won't affect your trip to Osaka at all. However, if a major quake causes structural damage or triggers landslides in the exact area you plan to visit, it’s best to use your travel insurance and postpone.