Disasters · Heavy rain, floods and landslides

What if heavy rain hits during your Japan trip?

If you're in a dangerous area, evacuate by alert level 4. Don't wait for level 5. If roads are already flooded and going outside is more dangerous, don't push on to a shelter. In a flood, move to a higher part of the building where water is unlikely to reach; for landslides, move to a room away from slopes. Even moving like this can't guarantee your safety.

Official sources checked: 2026-10-12

If you're caught in heavy rain right now

Everyone in dangerous areas under an alert level 4 evacuation order (避難指示) must evacuate. People who need more time to move, and those assisting them, must start moving at level 3 (evacuation of older people and others, 高齢者等避難). Don't wait for level 5.
Don't enter flooded roads or underpasses. If you're underground, follow staff instructions and get above ground before water comes in. Get away from rivers, valleys and steep slopes too.
If roads are already flooded, or storms or landslides make going outside more dangerous, don't push yourself to reach a distant shelter. Immediately move within the building you're in — to a higher part of the building where water is unlikely to reach in a flood, or to a room away from slopes for landslides.
If you need an ambulance, fire brigade or rescue, call 119. Give the name and address of the building you're in and describe the situation. If you don't know the address, name something identifiable nearby like a large building, and answer the questions they ask on the phone.

Official sources: JNTO: who should evacuate at alert level 3 (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO: alert level 4 evacuation orders (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO: why you must not wait for alert level 5 (in Korean) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: flood risk maps and underground safety ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency Sendai District Meteorological Observatory: places to avoid in heavy rain ↗ · Japan's Cabinet Office: how to evacuate and when staying indoors is an option (revised March 2026) ↗ · Fire and Disaster Management Agency: how to call 119 and what to do if you can't get through ↗ · JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

How to read Japanese signs and notices

If you see the Japanese below on signs or phone alerts, check what it means. Don't just look at the numbers — read together what danger it warns of and which areas or sections it applies to.

避難指示

MeaningThis means everyone in dangerous areas must evacuate.

What to doIf you're in a dangerous area covered by the notice, everyone must evacuate. Don't wait for level 5.

This is a level 4 notice. Read the target area and the time of issue together with it. If roads are already flooded, don't try to cross them.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: weather information and alert levels ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

高齢者等避難

MeaningThis means people who need more time to evacuate should leave first.

What to doPeople who need more time to move, and those assisting them, should evacuate first from dangerous areas. Everyone else should also prepare to evacuate, or leave early if needed.

This is a level 3 notice. It covers not only older people but also people with disability, babies and young children — anyone who needs more time to move — and the people assisting them.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: weather information and alert levels ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

緊急安全確保

MeaningThis means disaster has already struck or is about to, and you must protect yourself right now.

What to doIf going outside is already more dangerous, protect yourself with what you can do now — move to a higher part of the building where water is unlikely to reach, or to a room away from slopes.

Level 5 means disaster has already struck or is imminent. Don't wait for this notice to be issued — evacuate by level 4. Moving to high ground doesn't guarantee safety.

Official sources: Japan's Cabinet Office: evacuation guidelines (revised March 2026) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

レベル４土砂災害危険警報

MeaningThis is the level 4 warning for landslide risk.

What to doIf you're in a landslide risk area, check the hazard map and local evacuation notices, and evacuate from dangerous places immediately.

Japan Meteorological Agency warnings and local government evacuation orders are separate. In landslide risk areas, don't wait for an order — check the risk level and conditions around you and evacuate early.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: landslide risk maps (Kikikuru) and evacuation ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

運転見合わせ

MeaningThis means train services have been temporarily suspended.

What to doCheck notices for when your line and section will resume. Ask station staff whether other transport is available.

Even after the rain stops, services may not resume immediately while tracks are inspected. Don't guess at resumption times or alternative transport.

Official sources: JR East: service suspensions in heavy rain and pre-resumption inspections ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

洪水・内水 / 土砂災害

Meaning洪水 means river flooding, 内水 means waterlogging where rainwater can't drain and pools on roads and in buildings, and 土砂災害 means landslides and related sediment disasters.

What to doFind your accommodation's address on the hazard map. Select the flood/inland-water and landslide items separately, and find evacuation sites that avoid each risk plus routes to reach them.

These words indicate the type of risk you can select on the map. They don't mean the area is flooded right now.

Official sources: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism / Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: hazard map portal ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

Cabinet Office and Fire and Disaster Management Agency diagram of evacuation alert levels — level 3 evacuation of older people and others, level 4 evacuation orders, level 5 emergency safety measures — 「避難指示」 means an evacuation order. In dangerous areas you must evacuate by level 4. Levels 1–5 distinguish actions to take — they are not rainfall amounts or water depths. This is official action guidance, not a currently issued warning.
Source: Cabinet Office (disaster management) / Fire and Disaster Management Agency · PDL1.0 · used as published · Terms of use
Sources and terms checked: 2026-10-12

What should I know before travelling if heavy rain is forecast?

First check whether your accommodation and the places you'll visit are at risk of flooding or landslides. Find the address on a hazard map showing risk areas, and decide in advance where you'll evacuate and how to get there.

On days when heavy rain is expected, it's better to drop riverside walks and visits to valleys or mountain roads from your plans. If you're planning to change accommodation, check on the map and in local information — before the rain strengthens — whether the new place is in a risk area and whether the route there has flood or landslide risks.

Find your accommodation and destination addresses on the official map. Select river flooding and inland waterlogging (洪水・内水) and landslides (土砂災害) separately to see each risk.
Check which situations each evacuation site can be used in — flooding or landslides. Also check whether the route there passes rivers, slopes or underpasses. Not every shelter shown on the map will be open that day.
Before you leave and before each outing, find your area's name and the time of issue in Japan Meteorological Agency warnings. Ask your accommodation staff where to get evacuation information, and save your accommodation's Japanese address and contact details on your phone.

Official sources: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism / Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: flood and landslide risk maps ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: evacuation sites and shelters by disaster type ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: landslide risk maps and when to evacuate ↗ · JNTO: what weather warnings mean (in Korean) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

At which level should I evacuate?

In dangerous areas you must evacuate by alert level 4. If you need more time to move, start at level 3. Don't wait for a level 5 special warning or emergency safety notice.

Local evacuation orders and Japan Meteorological Agency warnings are different notices. If the Agency has issued level 3 or 4-equivalent warnings, also check the Kikikuru (キキクル) map that colours areas by growing risk. If landslide risk areas turn red, people who need more time to move must start evacuating by then at the latest. Purple means everyone else should leave dangerous areas immediately too. Don't wait for black.

Levels 1–2 · Know where to evacuate and how to get there

At level 1, keep an eye on the latest weather information. At level 2, find where you are on the map showing risk areas, and re-check where you'll evacuate and how to get there.

Level 3 · If you need more time to move, evacuate first

Older people, people with disability, babies and young children — anyone who needs more time to move — and the people assisting them must evacuate first from dangerous areas. Everyone else should also cut back on unnecessary outings and prepare to evacuate. If needed, evacuate before level 4.

Level 4 · Everyone in dangerous areas must evacuate

Everyone must evacuate from dangerous areas under an evacuation order. If the Japan Meteorological Agency has already issued level 4-equivalent information, don't wait for the local evacuation order. Check the hazard map and conditions around you, and get out of dangerous areas.

Level 5 · Protect yourself where you are now

Disaster has already struck or is about to. It may be hard to evacuate far, so protect yourself where you are with whatever you can do. A level 5 notice is not always issued. Don't wait for it.

What to do at each Japan Meteorological Agency warning level ↗

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: what to do at each warning level ↗ · JNTO: who should evacuate at alert level 3 (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO: alert level 4 evacuation orders (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO: why you must not wait for alert level 5 (in Korean) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: landslide risk maps and when to evacuate ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Which places should I avoid if I'm caught in heavy rain outdoors?

Don't enter flooded roads or underpasses — get away from rivers, valleys and steep slopes. If you're underground, follow staff instructions and get above ground before water comes in.

Don't cross flooded roads

Don't enter on foot or by car. On flooded roads you may not be able to see drains, open manholes or collapsed road edges. Don't try to get through even if the water looks shallow.

Don't go underground to escape the rain

Underground areas and underpasses can fill with water faster than the surroundings. If there's a flood risk, don't go in. If you're already underground, follow staff instructions and get above ground before water comes in.

Get away from rivers and slopes

Don't go near to see how high the river has risen. Around steep slopes and valleys in landslide risk areas, don't stay inside buildings — evacuate early to outside the risk area.

Why underground areas and underpasses are dangerous (Japan Meteorological Agency) ↗

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency Sendai District Meteorological Observatory: places to avoid in heavy rain ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: flood risk maps and underground safety ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: landslide risk maps and when to evacuate ↗ · Japan's Cabinet Office: how to evacuate and when staying indoors is an option (revised March 2026) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

What if going outside is already more dangerous?

If roads are already flooded, or landslides or storms make going outside more dangerous, don't push yourself to go out. In a flood, immediately move to a higher part of the building where water is unlikely to reach; for landslides, move to a room even a little further from slopes.

This is how to reduce risk once evacuating outside has become difficult. Water can still reach upper floors, and sediment can still enter rooms away from slopes. Moving inside the building doesn't make you safe, so evacuate outside risk areas before it comes to this.

If you want to stay in your accommodation from the start when flooding is forecast, check three things in advance. Ask your accommodation and the local government whether the building is outside zones expected to collapse or be washed away, whether your room is above the expected flood height, and whether you can stay until the water recedes. Secure plenty of water, food and medicine, and be ready to cope without power, water or toilets.

Don't stay just because you're on the second floor or higher. If your room is below the expected water level, or the building could collapse or be washed away, it's dangerous even indoors. If there's a landslide risk, don't assume you can stay even if you meet all three flood conditions. Evacuate outside risk areas early.

Don't go back to flooded roads or dangerous buildings to get your luggage. If you need rescue, call 119 from where you are.

Cabinet Office: indoor evacuation vs emergency action (Japanese PDF) ↗

Official sources: Japan's Cabinet Office: how to evacuate and when staying indoors is an option (revised March 2026) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: when flooding means evacuating from buildings ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: landslide risk maps and when to evacuate ↗ · Fire and Disaster Management Agency: how to call 119 and what to do if you can't get through ↗ · JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Can I just go to the nearest shelter?

Don't choose one just because it's close. Check whether it can be used in a flood or landslide, whether it's open now, and whether you can get there.

On the official map or local shelter list, check which situations each site can be used in — flooding (洪水), landslides (崖崩れ・土石流・地滑り), or inland waterlogging (内水氾濫). Don't assume somewhere you went for an earthquake will work for floods too.
In local shelter-opening notices, find the facility name, your area and the time of issue. You also need to check whether the facility is open now. Emergency evacuation sites for immediate danger and shelters for staying afterwards play different roles.
If staff direct you somewhere else, ask where to go and which route you can take. If the route is already flooded, don't try to cross it. Protect yourself where you are with what you can do — for example, moving to a higher part of the building where water is unlikely to reach.

Official sources: Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: evacuation sites and shelters by disaster type ↗ · Japan's Cabinet Office: how to evacuate and when staying indoors is an option (revised March 2026) ↗ · JNTO: alert level 4 evacuation orders (in Korean) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Once the rain eases, can I go back to my accommodation or keep travelling?

Don't head straight for your accommodation or the station just because the rain eases. First check whether evacuation notices are still in place and whether your route back is blocked. Check separately whether your accommodation is available and your trains and buses are operating.

Even if the rain eases where you are, heavy rain upstream can increase flood risk later. Trains can also stay suspended until tracks and slopes are inspected after the rain stops. Don't assume the danger is gone or transport is running again just because the rain stopped.

First check whether evacuation notices or warnings are still in place for your area and where you're headed, and whether roads are closed. If your route back is flooded or landslide risk remains, don't rush.
Call the hotel to ask whether your room is available and whether the route there is closed. If you can't stay at your accommodation, tell shelter staff you're travelling and have nowhere to stay.
If you're heading home, check your booked flight and the trains and buses to the airport separately. Find your line and section in the operator's official notices and check when they were issued. If there's no notice that services have resumed, it's better not to rush to the station or airport.
If you need to change or cancel bookings, ask the airline, accommodation and place of purchase how to apply and whether it costs you. A disaster doesn't mean every booking is cancelled for free or that alternative accommodation is provided.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: linear rainbands and flood risk ↗ · JR East: why trains stop in heavy rain and pre-resumption inspections ↗ · JR East: train operating and suspension notices ↗ · JNTO: official disaster and transport information ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Who do I contact if I'm hurt or need help?

If you need an ambulance, fire brigade or rescue, call 119. If a disaster has caused you trouble while travelling, you can contact the JNTO traveller support hotline on 050-3816-2787.

Tell 119 the name and address of the building you're in and the current situation. If you don't know the address, name something identifiable nearby like a large building or intersection, and answer the questions they ask on the phone. If you can't get through, ask nearby staff or people around you to call for you. Don't cross flooded roads trying to find somewhere to call from.

JNTO offers advice in Korean, English and Chinese, 24 hours a day. From outside Japan, call +81-50-3816-2787. If you need urgent rescue, contact 119 before JNTO.

When you reach a shelter, tell staff you're travelling and can't stay at your accommodation, and ask for the help you need. If you've run out of medicine or need to see a doctor, tell them that too. Ask on site whether you can receive medicine or supplies, request interpreting, and whether there's space to stay.

Official sources: Fire and Disaster Management Agency: how to call 119 and what to do if you can't get through ↗ · JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Also useful to know

Frequently asked questions

Can I start evacuating once a level 5 special warning is issued?

Don't wait for level 5. In dangerous areas, evacuate by level 4; if you need more time to move, start at level 3. Level 5 is issued when disaster has already struck or is imminent. Local governments may not be able to issue it, so don't wait for the announcement.

Official sources: JNTO: who should evacuate at alert level 3 (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO: why you must not wait for alert level 5 (in Korean) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

There's no evacuation order yet but Kikikuru is purple — what should I do?

If you're in a risk area, don't wait for an evacuation order. Purple corresponds to alert level 4. In landslide risk areas, start evacuating from dangerous places immediately. If roads are already flooded and going outside is more dangerous, don't push yourself to move — protect yourself where you are with what you can do.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: what to do at each warning level ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: landslide risk maps and when to evacuate ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Can I stay put in a flood if I'm on the hotel's second floor?

Being on the second floor alone isn't reason enough to stay. Check in advance whether the building is outside zones expected to collapse or be washed away, whether your room is above the expected flood height, and whether you can stay until the water recedes. You need enough water, food and medicine, and to cope without power, water or toilets. If there's a landslide risk, don't assume you can stay even if you meet these flood conditions.

What if the road to the shelter is already flooded?

Don't cross flooded roads on foot or by car. If going outside is more dangerous, move to a higher part of the building you're in where water is unlikely to reach. If you need rescue, call 119. Moving to an upper floor doesn't make you safe.

Official sources: Japan's Cabinet Office: how to evacuate and when staying indoors is an option (revised March 2026) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency Sendai District Meteorological Observatory: places to avoid in heavy rain ↗ · JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Can I use the same evacuation site for floods that I used for earthquakes?

First check on the official map and in local information whether the site can be used in floods. Evacuation sites are designated separately by disaster type. Don't assume an earthquake site works for floods or landslides too. Check separately whether it's open now and whether the route there is safe.

Why are trains still suspended even though the rain has stopped?

Rainwater remains in the ground and slopes can still collapse after the rain stops, and tracks and facilities must be inspected before trains run again. JR East says these inspections can take time. Check the operator's latest notices for whether your line is running again and how far you can go.

Official sources: JR East: why trains stop in heavy rain and pre-resumption inspections ↗ · JR East: train operating and suspension notices ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Can I get a free refund if I cancel my trip because of heavy rain?

Heavy rain doesn't mean every booking is refunded for free. Ask the airline, accommodation and place of purchase whether changing or cancelling this booking costs you and where to apply. If you need to evacuate, don't delay evacuating to ask about cancellations.

Official sources: JNTO: official disaster and transport information ↗ · JNTO: alert level 4 evacuation orders (in Korean) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Official sources for this guide

Check local notices for current warnings and access restrictions. For whether trains and flights are running, check the transport operators' latest notices.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: what to do at each warning level ↗ · JNTO: who should evacuate at alert level 3 (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO: alert level 4 evacuation orders (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO: why you must not wait for alert level 5 (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO: what weather warnings mean (in Korean) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: flood risk maps and underground safety ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency Sendai District Meteorological Observatory: places to avoid in heavy rain ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: landslide risk maps and when to evacuate ↗ · Japan's Cabinet Office: how to evacuate and when staying indoors is an option (revised March 2026) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: when flooding means evacuating from buildings ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: linear rainbands and flood risk ↗ · Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism / Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: flood and landslide risk maps ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: evacuation sites and shelters by disaster type ↗ · JR East: why trains stop in heavy rain and pre-resumption inspections ↗ · JR East: train operating and suspension notices ↗ · JNTO: official disaster and transport information ↗ · Fire and Disaster Management Agency: how to call 119 and what to do if you can't get through ↗ · JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12