Japan Travel Safety Guide: Emergencies, Earthquakes & What Tourists Should Know

Japan is generally considered a safe destination for international travelers, but unexpected situations can happen anywhere.

You may experience an earthquake, severe weather, a medical problem, a lost passport or another situation where you need help quickly.

For first-time visitors, the biggest challenge is often not the emergency itself, but knowing what to do, where to find reliable information and who to contact.

Japan has well-developed emergency services and disaster information systems, and travelers can prepare for many situations with a few simple steps before and during their trip.

This guide explains the emergency numbers you should know, what to do during an earthquake, how to respond to tsunami warnings, where to find reliable safety information and how to get help if something goes wrong while traveling in Japan.

1. Is Japan Safe for Tourists?

Japan is generally a safe country for travelers, and many visitors feel comfortable using public transportation, walking through cities and exploring independently.

However, a low level of everyday crime does not mean that travelers should ignore normal precautions.

Keep your passport, wallet, smartphone and other valuables secure, particularly in crowded stations, nightlife areas and busy tourist districts.

If something is stolen or you need to report an incident, a nearby police station or koban — a small neighborhood police box — can often help.

Natural disasters are another important part of travel safety in Japan.

Earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rain, tsunamis and volcanic activity can affect different parts of the country, so knowing where to find reliable information is useful even if your trip is completely trouble-free.

The goal is not to worry about everything that could happen.

A little preparation can help you travel confidently and respond more calmly if you ever need assistance.

For more everyday situations that can cause problems during a trip, see our Japan Travel Mistakes guide.

JNTO similarly advises travelers to be aware of natural hazards and know how to react even though Japan has a relatively low crime rate.

2. Know Japan’s Emergency Numbers

Two emergency numbers are especially important to remember in Japan.

110 — Police

Call 110 when you need urgent police assistance.

119 — Fire or Ambulance

Call 119 for a fire or when you need an ambulance for a medical emergency.

These numbers are for situations that require urgent help.

If you are unsure where you are, look for nearby station staff, hotel staff, store employees or other people who may be able to help you explain your location.

It is also useful to save important emergency information on your phone before your trip rather than trying to search for it when you are already under stress.

JNTO operates the Japan Visitor Hotline for international travelers who need assistance with accidents, illness, natural disasters or other travel-related problems.

The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with support in English, Chinese and Korean.

As of September 2026, the number from within Japan is 050-3816-2787.

You can find the latest contact details on the official Japan Visitor Hotline page.

3. What to Do During an Earthquake in Japan

Earthquakes are a normal part of Japan’s natural environment, and many are too small to cause serious disruption.

If you feel strong shaking, stay calm and focus first on protecting yourself.

If you are indoors, protect your head and move away from objects that could fall or break.

Do not rush outside while the ground is shaking.

If you are inside a hotel, station, shopping center or other public facility, follow instructions from staff and emergency announcements.

Once the shaking stops, remain alert for aftershocks and other hazards.

Elevators may stop operating, transportation may be temporarily suspended and some buildings may need to be evacuated.

If you are staying at a hotel, it is a good idea to notice the emergency exits and evacuation routes when you first arrive.

Your smartphone can also be extremely useful after an earthquake, so keeping it reasonably charged during your trip is a simple precaution.

For current earthquake information and official safety guidance, check Japan Safe Travel Information from JNTO.

Official JNTO guidance likewise tells travelers to protect their head and secure their safety first, then follow staff instructions after the shaking stops.

4. What to Do If There Is a Tsunami Warning

A strong earthquake near the coast can sometimes create a tsunami risk.

If you are in a coastal area and experience strong shaking, pay close attention to official warnings and local instructions.

If a tsunami warning or evacuation instruction is issued, move away from the coast and toward higher ground or an appropriate evacuation area as quickly as it is safe to do so.

Do not go to the shoreline to watch the ocean or take photographs.

Follow evacuation signs, local authorities and instructions from hotel or facility staff.

Do not assume the danger is over simply because the first wave has passed.

Continue following official information and remain in a safe location until authorities indicate that it is safe to leave.

You can check current warnings and official response guidance on JNTO’s Tsunami Warning / Advisory page.

Japan’s official safety guidance for travelers specifically advises people to leave coastal areas and move to higher ground when a tsunami warning or advisory is issued.

5. Typhoons, Heavy Rain and Severe Weather

Japan can experience typhoons, heavy rain, strong winds and other severe weather.

These conditions can affect trains, flights, ferries, attractions and roads even when the area where you are staying is not experiencing a major emergency.

Check the weather forecast regularly when severe weather is expected.

Do not rely only on the weather conditions you can see from your hotel window.

Train services may be reduced or suspended before conditions become dangerous, and flights or other transportation can also change with relatively little notice.

If local authorities issue evacuation information or your hotel tells guests to remain indoors or move to another location, follow those instructions.

Avoid unnecessary travel during dangerous weather, particularly in areas at risk of flooding, landslides or strong coastal conditions.

If your itinerary is flexible, changing your plans for one day is usually better than trying to force your original schedule during severe weather.

Japan’s official safety information directs travelers to follow local evacuation information and facility staff instructions when emergency weather warnings are issued.

6. What to Do If You Get Sick or Injured in Japan

Getting sick or injured while traveling can be stressful, especially when you are in a country where you do not speak the language.

If you have a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, call 119 for an ambulance.

For a non-emergency medical problem, your hotel or accommodation may be able to help you find a nearby clinic or hospital.

Not every medical facility in Japan provides the same level of foreign-language support, so checking whether English or another language is available before visiting can make the process easier.

JNTO also provides information for international visitors who need medical assistance in Japan, including guidance on finding appropriate medical care.

If you are unsure what to do after becoming ill or injured, you can also contact the Japan Visitor Hotline mentioned earlier in this guide.

Travel insurance can be extremely useful when unexpected medical treatment is required. Before leaving home, check what your policy covers, how to contact your insurer and whether you need to pay medical costs first and claim reimbursement later.

JNTO recommends that travelers arrange adequate travel insurance and understand their coverage before traveling to Japan.

7. What to Do If You Lose Your Passport or Belongings

Losing a passport, wallet, smartphone or other important item can disrupt your trip, but there are several places where you can ask for help.

If you believe an item was lost rather than stolen, first check with the station, hotel, restaurant, store or other facility where you last remember having it.

Japan has extensive lost-and-found systems, particularly at railway stations and other transportation facilities.

If you need police assistance, visit a nearby police station or koban.

For a lost or stolen passport, contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Japan as soon as possible to find out what is required for a replacement or emergency travel document.

A police report may also be required when replacing a stolen passport or making certain insurance claims.

Keep a secure digital or paper copy of important travel documents separately from the originals so that you can access essential information if something goes missing.

JNTO’s official safety guidance also recommends contacting the police and your embassy when important documents such as a passport are lost or stolen.

8. Download Safety Information Before Your Trip

Your smartphone can become one of your most useful safety tools while traveling in Japan.

Before your trip, make sure you can receive reliable information about earthquakes, tsunamis, severe weather and other emergencies.

The Safety tips app provides disaster information for travelers, including earthquake early warnings, tsunami warnings, volcanic information and severe weather information.

JNTO’s Japan Safe Travel Information website is another useful source for current disaster information and safety guidance.

Keep your phone charged when you are out sightseeing, and consider carrying a small portable battery if you expect to spend a full day away from your accommodation.

Internet access is also important because emergency information, transportation updates and evacuation instructions may be published online.

For help choosing a mobile connection, our Japan eSIM, SIM Card & Pocket Wi-Fi guide explains the main internet options available to travelers.

It is also worth downloading useful travel tools before departure. Our Japan Travel Apps guide covers navigation, transportation, translation, weather and other apps that can make traveling in Japan easier.

JNTO currently lists the Safety tips app as a tool for receiving earthquake, tsunami, volcanic and severe-weather information.

9. Transportation May Stop During an Emergency

Earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rain and other emergencies can temporarily disrupt transportation in Japan.

Train services may be delayed, suspended or stopped for safety inspections, and flights or ferries can also be affected.

Do not assume that transportation will restart immediately after the weather improves or the shaking stops.

Check information from the railway company, airline or other transportation operator before heading to the station or airport.

If you are already at a station, pay attention to announcements and follow instructions from station staff.

Route-planning apps can be useful, but during a major disruption it is also worth checking information directly from the transportation operator.

Our Getting Around Japan guide explains the basics of trains, IC cards and the Shinkansen, which can make unexpected transportation changes easier to manage during your trip.

If your plans change, avoid rushing to another station simply because an alternative route appears on your phone. Conditions can change quickly during a major disruption.

10. Keep Important Information Available Offline

Internet access is extremely useful in an emergency, but you should not assume that your phone connection will always work perfectly.

Before traveling, save important information that you could still access without a reliable connection.

Useful information may include your hotel name and address, travel insurance details, emergency contacts, passport information, flight details and the contact information for your embassy or consulate.

You can also save screenshots of important reservations, transportation details and maps.

Keep your passport and other important documents secure, and avoid storing every copy of your travel information in the same bag or device.

If you are traveling with someone else, make sure both of you know the name and location of your accommodation rather than relying on only one person’s phone.

Our Japan Packing List includes travel documents, electronics and other practical items worth preparing before departure.

11. Know Where to Go If You Need Help

When something goes wrong during your trip, you do not always need to solve the problem alone.

Hotel staff, station employees, tourist information centers and police officers can often help you understand what to do next.

A koban, or neighborhood police box, can be particularly useful if you have lost something, need directions or need to report an incident.

If you are dealing with an accident, illness, natural disaster or another urgent travel problem, the Japan Visitor Hotline can also provide assistance to international visitors.

JNTO operates the hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with support in English, Chinese and Korean.

Save the number 050-3816-2787 in your phone before your trip so that you do not need to search for it during an emergency.

If the situation requires immediate police, fire or ambulance assistance, use 110 or 119 instead.

12. Follow Local Evacuation Instructions

During a serious natural disaster, local authorities may issue evacuation information for the area where you are staying.

Do not ignore an evacuation instruction simply because the situation outside your hotel does not appear dangerous.

Flooding, landslides, tsunami risks and other hazards may affect areas differently, and local authorities may have information that is not obvious from your immediate surroundings.

If an evacuation instruction is issued, follow official information and directions from local authorities, hotel staff or other facility staff.

Your hotel may direct guests to remain inside, move to another part of the building or evacuate to a designated location depending on the situation.

If you are outside when an emergency occurs, pay attention to announcements, signs and the actions of people around you while checking reliable official information.

JNTO’s Japan Safe Travel Information provides emergency information for international visitors, including earthquake, tsunami, volcanic, severe-weather and evacuation-related information.

Do not return to an evacuated area until authorities indicate that it is safe to do so.

JNTO’s current emergency guidance specifically tells travelers to remain alert and follow local evacuation information and instructions from nearby facility staff.

13. Use Normal Safety Precautions in Cities and Nightlife Areas

Japan has a relatively low crime rate, but normal travel precautions still matter.

Keep an eye on your wallet, phone, passport and bags in crowded stations, entertainment districts and other busy places.

Be cautious if a stranger pressures you to enter a particular bar, club or other establishment.

Check prices and payment conditions before ordering in unfamiliar nightlife venues, and avoid handing your credit card to someone when you do not understand what you are being charged for.

If a situation feels uncomfortable, leave rather than allowing yourself to be pressured into staying.

Traveling respectfully also helps prevent unnecessary problems. Our Japan Travel Etiquette guide explains useful manners for trains, restaurants, temples, onsen and other everyday situations.

If you believe a crime has occurred or you need urgent police assistance, call 110 or ask a nearby koban for help.

JNTO advises travelers that Japan has a low crime rate but that ordinary precautions and awareness are still appropriate.

14. Prepare a Simple Emergency Plan Before Your Trip

You do not need a complicated disaster plan to travel safely in Japan.

A few simple preparations before departure can make a major difference if something unexpected happens.

Save Japan’s emergency numbers and the Japan Visitor Hotline on your phone.

Make sure you know the name, address and telephone number of each accommodation where you will stay.

Keep copies of your passport, travel insurance information and important reservations somewhere separate from the originals.

If you are traveling with family or friends, agree on what you will do if you become separated and mobile communication is temporarily unavailable.

When you arrive at a hotel, notice the emergency exits and evacuation information rather than waiting until an emergency occurs.

Keep your phone reasonably charged, and consider carrying a portable battery during long sightseeing days.

Our First Time in Japan guide covers additional preparation that can make your first trip easier, including entry information, internet access, transportation, money and everyday travel basics.

Preparation should make you feel more confident, not more worried.

15. What to Do If an Emergency Changes Your Travel Plans

An emergency does not always mean that your entire trip needs to be canceled.

A typhoon may delay a train for several hours. An earthquake may temporarily close a railway line. Heavy rain may make one destination unsafe while other areas remain unaffected.

Focus first on your immediate safety rather than trying to preserve the original itinerary.

Check reliable official information before deciding whether to stay where you are, change transportation or travel to another destination.

Avoid making major decisions based only on social media posts, rumors or dramatic images without checking when and where the information was recorded.

Japan’s Safe Travel Information website is a useful place to check current emergency information affecting travelers.

If transportation is disrupted, confirm the latest information directly with the railway company, airline or other operator before leaving for the station or airport.

Give yourself permission to change your itinerary.

Our Japan Travel Mistakes guide explains other common first-time travel problems and how to avoid turning small issues into bigger ones.

Missing one attraction or changing one hotel night is far less important than putting yourself at unnecessary risk.

Conclusion: Stay Prepared and Travel Japan With Confidence

Japan is generally a safe and comfortable country to explore, but knowing what to do when something unexpected happens can make your trip much easier.

Remember the two most important emergency numbers: 110 for the police and 119 for fire or ambulance services.

If you experience an earthquake, severe weather or another natural disaster, focus first on your immediate safety and follow instructions from local authorities, transportation staff and your accommodation.

Keep reliable safety information available on your phone, but also save important details offline in case your internet connection becomes unavailable.

Before your trip, make sure you have travel insurance information, emergency contacts, accommodation details and copies of important travel documents somewhere you can access them easily.

You do not need to spend your vacation worrying about earthquakes, typhoons or other emergencies.

A small amount of preparation is usually enough to help you respond more calmly if your plans suddenly change.

For more essential preparation before your first visit, our First Time in Japan guide covers transportation, money, internet access, cultural basics and other practical things worth knowing before you arrive.

Japan rewards travelers who stay flexible, pay attention to reliable information and are willing to adjust their plans when necessary.

Prepare the essentials, know where to find help and enjoy your trip with confidence.