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Japan Earthquake Guide: Surviving New Year’s Quakes & Securing Holiday Support for Foreign Visitors
Traveling to Japan, especially during the festive New Year (Shogatsu) period, offers unique experiences. However, the reality of seismic activity in Japan means being prepared for an earthquake is not just recommended—it’s essential. The uncertainty of immediate actions, coupled with potential language barriers and limited services during holidays, can be a source of significant anxiety for international visitors. This comprehensive Japan earthquake guide provides actionable steps, essential tools, and critical insights to navigate an earthquake, ensuring your safety and peace of mind during your holiday.
You’re here because you want practical answers. We’ll cover what to do the moment an earthquake strikes, how to communicate post-disaster, and where to find support, even when many services are on holiday hiatus. This guide is your pragmatic companion for New Year Japan safety, designed to remove friction and equip you with confidence.
Table of Contents
Immediate Action: What to Do During a Japan Earthquake
Seconds count when an earthquake begins. Japan’s advanced systems provide crucial early warnings. Knowing how to react immediately can mitigate risks significantly.
Understanding Japan’s Early Warning System
Japan utilizes a sophisticated Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system. This system broadcasts alerts seconds before strong tremors commence. You will receive these warnings via TV, radio, and compatible smartphones. If you have a foreign SIM card on a Japanese network, ensure your phone’s emergency alert settings are enabled to receive these critical notifications.
Visual cue: On TV or phone screens, JMA earthquake alerts often display a map of Japan with affected areas highlighted and seismic intensity levels indicated by colors.
The Critical Seconds: Drop, Cover, Hold On
The moment an earthquake alert sounds, or you feel shaking, execute these three steps immediately:
- DROP: Get down on your hands and knees. This position prevents you from being knocked over.
- COVER: Seek shelter under a sturdy table, desk, or against an interior wall. Protect your head and neck with your arms. Stay away from windows, hanging objects, and tall furniture.
- HOLD ON: Hold onto your shelter. Be prepared to move with it if the shaking shifts it.
If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees. If in a car, pull over safely, stop, and stay inside until the shaking stops.
After the Shaking Stops: Your Next Steps
Once the tremors subside, assess your surroundings for hazards. Be prepared for aftershocks. Check for injuries to yourself and others. If you are safe, proceed calmly and methodically.
- Gas and Electricity: If you smell gas or see damaged electrical wiring, turn off the main gas valve and circuit breakers if safe to do so.
- Evacuation: If advised to evacuate, do so on foot. Public transportation will likely be halted, and roads may be damaged or closed for emergency vehicles. Follow instructions from emergency personnel or local authorities.
- Information: Prioritize reliable information sources. NHK World-Japan (English-language broadcast) is a primary channel for disaster information.
🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Always keep your phone charged, especially during your trip. A portable power bank is invaluable. Carry a small emergency kit with water, a whistle, a flashlight, and any essential medications.
Communication & Connection Post-Quake in Japan
One of the primary concerns for foreign travelers is confirming safety with family abroad and local communication when facing a language barrier during an emergency. Japan has systems in place, but your proactive preparation is key.
Confirming Your Safety: Anpi Kakunin & Messaging Apps
In the aftermath of a significant disaster, cellular networks may experience congestion. However, several methods are available to confirm your safety:
- Safety Confirmation Service (安否確認サービス): Major Japanese telecom providers (NTT Docomo, au, SoftBank) offer this service. It allows users to register their safety status and view messages from others. While primarily for subscribers, some versions are web-accessible and might work cross-carrier or internationally. Check your provider for specific instructions.
- International Calls & Messaging Apps: If phone lines are down, data networks may still function intermittently. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, LINE, or Facebook Messenger can be effective. Consider having an international roaming plan or a local Japanese SIM card with data.
- Wi-Fi at Shelters: Many public shelters offer free Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect and inform your family.
Before you travel, establish an emergency communication plan with your family. Designate a single point of contact who everyone can message if direct contact is difficult.
🇯🇵 Point & Speak: Essential Japanese Phrases for Emergencies
Show this section to staff or locals if you’re stuck. They can read the Japanese.
English: Is everyone safe?
皆さんご無事ですか？
(Minasan go-buji desu ka?)
English: Where is the evacuation shelter?
避難所はどこですか？
(Hinanjo wa doko desu ka?)
English: I need help.
助けてください。
(Tasukete kudasai.)
English: Is there a doctor/hospital nearby?
近くに医者/病院はありますか？
(Chikaku ni isha/byōin wa arimasu ka?)
English: I don’t understand Japanese.
日本語が分かりません。
(Nihongo ga wakarimasen.)
English: Emergency / Disaster
緊急事態 / 災害
(Kinkyū jitai / Saigai)
🚨 Emergency Contacts in Japan
These numbers are free and work from any phone in Japan.
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance/Fire | 119 |
| Japan Tourist Hotline (JNTO) | 050-3816-2787 |
For non-emergency information, the Japan Tourist Hotline offers multilingual support.
Finding Shelter & Support During Japan’s New Year Holidays
Knowing where to go for safety and understanding the limitations of holiday services are crucial aspects of emergency Japan travel preparedness.
Locating Public Evacuation Shelters (Hinanjo)
Public shelters (避難所, hinanjo) are designated safe locations established by local municipalities. These are typically schools, community centers, and public parks.
- Pre-Trip Check: Before or upon arrival, use your accommodation’s information or a local map to identify the nearest designated shelters.
- On the Ground: Look for specific signage.
Visual Step-by-Step: Recognizing Evacuation Signs
Japanese disaster signage is often universal, using pictograms that overcome language barriers.
-
Step 1: Identify Emergency Exits
Visual cue: Look for green signs with white pictograms of a person running through a doorway. These indicate emergency exits (非常口, Hijōguchi).
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Step 2: Locate Evacuation Routes/Shelters
Visual cue: Signs featuring a person running from a building or a person holding an umbrella (for tsunami evacuation) often indicate evacuation routes or shelters (避難場所, Hinan basho / 避難所, Hinanjo).
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Step 3: Follow Directional Arrows
Visual cue: Directional arrows on these signs will point towards the nearest safe area or shelter.
Local government websites provide maps of shelters, often in multiple languages. The ‘Safety tips’ app also features a shelter search function.
Navigating Holiday Service Limitations
The New Year (Shogatsu) period (roughly December 29th to January 3rd) is a peak travel season but also a time when many public services, businesses, and clinics operate on reduced hours or close entirely. This impacts emergency response and recovery support.
- Medical Access: Access to non-emergency medical services can be limited. Carry any essential prescription medications in sufficient quantities. Know the location of the nearest major hospital that may have emergency services open 24/7.
- Transportation: Public transportation (trains, buses) will likely halt immediately after an earthquake. During New Year’s, resumption of service may be slower due to holiday staffing. Be prepared to evacuate on foot.
- Tourist Information: Tourist information centers might be closed or have limited staff, making real-time assistance challenging. Pre-planning and reliance on digital tools become even more critical.
Essential Tools & Pro-Tips for Foreign Visitors
Leveraging technology and adopting smart habits can significantly enhance your earthquake preparedness for tourists.
Must-Have Emergency Apps for Japan Travel
Download these apps before your trip. They provide multi-language support and real-time information.
- Safety tips app (JNTO): This official app from the Japan National Tourism Organization provides Earthquake Early Warnings, Tsunami Warnings, volcanic eruption notices, and other weather warnings. It also includes a list of emergency contact numbers and a guide to communication phrases. This is your primary resource for real-time alerts.
➡️ Download Safety tips app - NHK World-Japan: The international service of Japan’s public broadcaster. Their app and website provide disaster information in multiple languages, including English.
➡️ NHK World-Japan Disaster Info - Google Maps/Japan Transit Planner: Essential for navigating to shelters or alternative routes if public transport is down. Download offline maps for your planned areas.
Visual cue: The ‘Safety tips’ app icon typically features a stylized human figure or a life preserver against a blue or green background.
Common Mistakes: What to Avoid
Understanding common pitfalls can prevent unnecessary risk:
- Ignoring Early Warnings: Even a few seconds of warning are vital. Do not wait to see if the shaking is severe. React immediately.
- Panicking: While unsettling, maintaining calm helps you think clearly and follow instructions. Public order is highly valued in Japanese emergency responses.
- Trying to Call Family Immediately: This can overload networks. Use messaging apps or wait until congestion clears, and ensure your family knows your pre-arranged contact plan.
- Assuming Services are Normal During Holidays: Always double-check operating hours for medical facilities, transport, and stores, especially during New Year’s.
📋 Quick Reference Card: Your Japan Earthquake Safety Checklist
Screenshot or print this section for easy access:
- ✅ Download & Set Up: “Safety tips” app and NHK World-Japan.
- ✅ Know Your Emergency Plan: “Drop, Cover, Hold On.”
- ✅ Identify Shelters: Know your nearest Hinanjo.
- ✅ Pre-Charge Devices: Keep phone and power bank charged.
- ✅ Carry Essentials: Water, medications, cash, whistle.
- ✅ Communicate: Use messaging apps or Safety Confirmation Service.
- ✅ Stay Informed: NHK World-Japan for disaster updates.
- ✅ Learn Key Phrases: Use the “Point & Speak” section.
Frequently Asked Questions about Japan Earthquakes
What is the “Shindo” scale, and how does it relate to earthquake intensity?
The Shindo (震度) scale is Japan’s seismic intensity scale, measuring the degree of shaking at a specific location. It ranges from 0 to 7, with 7 being the strongest. Unlike magnitude, which measures the earthquake’s total energy, Shindo describes how much shaking you actually feel and the potential damage, varying by location.
For more detailed information, consult the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Will my foreign SIM card receive earthquake alerts in Japan?
Generally, yes, if your phone supports the Japanese network’s emergency broadcast system (J-Alert) and you are connected to a Japanese carrier (via roaming or a local SIM). However, performance can vary by phone model and carrier settings. It’s best to also install the official “Safety tips” app for reliable alerts.
What should I do if I am in a tall building during an earthquake?
In modern tall buildings in Japan, seismic isolation technology means you might experience swaying rather than violent shaking. Follow “Drop, Cover, Hold On.” Do not use elevators during or immediately after an earthquake. Stay inside until the shaking stops, then proceed to the nearest emergency stairs and evacuate if the building is compromised or an alarm sounds. High-rise buildings are generally very safe due to stringent building codes.
Are there specific evacuation procedures for coastal areas due to tsunami risk?
Yes. If you are in a coastal area and feel a strong earthquake, or if an earthquake early warning mentions tsunami risk, immediately move to higher ground. Do not wait for an official tsunami warning. Follow designated tsunami evacuation routes (often marked with blue or red signs showing a person running uphill). The “Safety tips” app will also issue tsunami warnings. Always prioritize moving away from the coast.
Conclusion
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, largely due to its robust disaster preparedness. As an international visitor, particularly during the New Year holidays, your awareness and preparation are your strongest assets. By understanding immediate actions, utilizing essential apps, and knowing how to communicate, you equip yourself to handle unexpected situations with confidence.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and allow yourself to enjoy the rich experiences Japan offers, knowing you have practical steps for safety. Your proactive approach not only protects you but also contributes to a smoother overall response during challenging times.
Further Resources:
- Japan Safe Travel (JNTO)
- NHK World-Japan (Disaster Info)
- Guide to Evacuation (Cabinet Office, Japan)
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information based on current best practices and available data. Emergency situations are dynamic and local conditions can vary. Always prioritize and follow instructions from local authorities, emergency personnel, and official warning systems. This information is not a substitute for professional advice. Last updated: January 2026.
