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Disasters · Tsunamis

What should I do if a tsunami hits while I'm travelling in Japan?

If you feel a strong earthquake or a weak but long-lasting tremor on the coast, evacuate immediately to high ground or a tsunami evacuation building without waiting for a tsunami warning. Don't go back just because one wave has passed. Do not return until tsunami warnings and advisories are lifted.

Official sources checked: 2026-10-12

Evacuate right away if any of these happen on the coast

  1. If you feel a strong earthquake or a weak but long-lasting tremor, evacuate immediately to high ground or a tsunami evacuation building without waiting for a warning.
  2. If a major tsunami warning or tsunami warning has been issued for your area and you're near the coast or a river, evacuate immediately. You must evacuate even if you didn't feel any shaking.
  3. If a tsunami advisory is issued, get out of the water right away and move away from the coast. Follow on-site evacuation instructions.
  4. Do not return until warnings and advisories are lifted. Don't go back for your belongings or to watch the sea.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunamis caused by earthquakes and volcanic activity ↗ · Kanagawa Prefecture · 神奈川県: how to evacuate when a tsunami comes ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warning and advisory screen (in Korean) ↗
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How to read Japanese signs and notices

When you see the Japanese below on signs or phone alerts, check what it means. Don't just read the numbers — read what danger it warns of and which area or section it applies to.

Example: reading numbers and expressions

海抜 5m / Sea Level 5m

MeaningIt means the elevation here is 5m.

What to doEven after checking the elevation, don't assume the spot is safe. Find the tsunami evacuation site and the direction to get there.

It doesn't mean the spot is 5m from the coast, nor that the expected tsunami height is 5m. This is an example of how to read numbers, not the height of any particular beach.

Official sources: Okinawa Prefecture · 沖縄県: elevation and tsunami evacuation sign guide ↗
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Example: reading numbers and expressions

避難場所まで ○m →

MeaningIt tells you how far it is to the evacuation site in the direction of the arrow.

What to doFirst find the evacuation site's name and the arrow direction. The number is the remaining distance. If roads are controlled on site, follow those instructions.

The ○ stands for the distance number written on the actual sign. This example doesn't show a real place's distance or reproduce a real sign photo. Note the difference: 海抜 means elevation, while まで means 'up to that point'.

Official sources: Sakai City · 堺市: evacuation direction and distance sign guide ↗
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津波避難場所

MeaningIt's an evacuation site for escaping tsunamis.

What to doMove to the evacuation site the sign points to, and follow on-site instructions.

It doesn't mean you can stay overnight or receive supplies there. Don't confuse it with a shelter where you stay.

Official sources: Okinawa Prefecture: elevation and tsunami evacuation sign guide ↗
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津波避難ビル

MeaningIt's a building designated for evacuating from tsunamis.

What to doFollow the signs showing the building's evacuation floors and how to get up there.

It doesn't mean any tall-looking building qualifies. Follow the actual signs and staff instructions.

Official sources: Okinawa Prefecture: elevation and tsunami evacuation sign guide ↗
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Red-and-white chequered flag

MeaningIt's a signal that a tsunami warning or advisory has been issued.

What to doGet out of the water and evacuate immediately. Don't wait until you understand the broadcast or finish translating it on your phone.

Not seeing the flag doesn't mean it's safe. If you feel a strong earthquake or a weak but long-lasting tremor on the coast, evacuate without waiting for a warning.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami flag guide ↗
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Japan's red-and-white chequered tsunami evacuation signal flag

If you see this flag on the beach, get out of the water and evacuate immediately. It's a visual signal that a tsunami warning or advisory has been issued. This is an illustration from the Japan Meteorological Agency, not a photo of any particular beach.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency 'Tsunami flags' · PDL1.0 · used unmodified · Terms of use
Source and terms checked:

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunamis caused by earthquakes and volcanic activity ↗ · Kanagawa Prefecture: how to evacuate when a tsunami comes ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warning and advisory screen (in Korean) ↗
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What should I know before heading to the coast?

Before you go, learn where the tsunami evacuation sites are around your accommodation and the coast you're visiting, and how to get there. Also look at the official map showing areas that could flood (the tsunami hazard map).

Save your accommodation's address and phone number, and the route to your evacuation site, on your phone. If you're separated from your travel companions, it's good to agree in advance how you'll contact each other. If on-site instructions differ from your saved map, follow the evacuation route being announced now.

  1. On the tsunami hazard map, find your accommodation, the beach and the port, and check whether they're in a possible flooding zone. Even away from the sea, a tsunami can travel up rivers.
  2. Find the designated tsunami evacuation sites in advance. It's also good to know other evacuation sites on even higher ground. When you arrive at your accommodation, ask staff which direction and route to take to evacuate.
  3. Before you leave, set up the Safety tips app so you can receive disaster alerts in a language you understand. Once there, don't just wait for app alerts — follow broadcasts and staff evacuation instructions too.

Don't feel safe just because you're outside the expected flooding zone on the map. An actual tsunami can be bigger than expected.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: preparing for and evacuating from tsunamis ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: evacuation site and shelter map ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: points to note when using evacuation maps ↗ · Kanagawa Prefecture: how to evacuate when a tsunami comes ↗ · JNTO: Safety tips app and disaster alerts ↗
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Should I evacuate before any warning is issued?

If you feel a strong earthquake or a weak but long-lasting tremor on the coast, evacuate before waiting for a warning. A tsunami from nearby can arrive before any warning is issued.

Protect yourself while it's shaking. If you felt a strong earthquake or a weak but long-lasting tremor on the coast, don't delay evacuating to search for alerts or to check whether you can see waves.

Don't wait for the sea to recede first. A big wave could come without the water pulling back.

Can I just go to the nearest shelter?

To escape a tsunami, go to a designated tsunami evacuation site. These are called designated emergency evacuation sites — places to flee immediate danger. Ordinary shelters are facilities for staying after a disaster. Just because somewhere is labelled a shelter doesn't mean you can escape a tsunami there.

Which building should I go up?

Find a designated tsunami evacuation building and evacuate in the direction the on-site signs point. Don't just enter any tall-looking building.

Elevation is how high the ground is above sea level. Don't decide you're safe or stop evacuating based on that number or sign colours alone. Follow the route to the evacuation site designated by the area, and do not return until warnings and advisories are lifted.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami FAQs ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: evacuation site and shelter map ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: preparing for and evacuating from tsunamis ↗ · JNTO: what to do first when an earthquake hits (in Korean) ↗ · Okinawa Prefecture: elevation and tsunami evacuation sign examples ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: elevation and land height explained ↗
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What should I do if a tsunami warning or advisory is issued?

If a major tsunami warning or tsunami warning is issued, move immediately from the coast and rivers to high ground or an evacuation building. Even with only an advisory, get out of the water and move away from the coast.

If you see the red-and-white chequered tsunami flag on the beach, start evacuating right away. It's a visual signal that a tsunami warning or advisory has been issued. Don't feel safe just because you can't see the flag or didn't get an alert.

After evacuating, check the JMA warning screen for which warnings or advisories cover your area. Check the target areas and issue times together, and follow local broadcasts or staff if they guide evacuation.

Major tsunami warning · 大津波警報

Evacuate immediately from the coast and rivers to high ground or a tsunami evacuation building. The tsunami could be bigger than expected. Don't assume it's high enough — go even higher.

Tsunami warning · 津波警報

Evacuate from the coast and rivers immediately. Don't decide it's fine based on the expected height number alone. Don't go to the coast to watch the waves either.

Tsunami advisory · 津波注意報

Get out of the water immediately and move away from the coast. Stop swimming and shore fishing. If you're told to evacuate on site, follow those instructions.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami flags and evacuation signals ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: preparing for and evacuating from tsunamis ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warning and advisory screen (in Korean) ↗
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Can I go back to my accommodation once the waves have passed?

Not yet. Tsunamis come in multiple waves, and later ones can be higher. Do not return until warnings and advisories are lifted.

Even if the sea looks calm, or the expected arrival time of the first wave has passed, don't stop evacuating. Don't go back to look at the sea or to get your belongings.

A warning being downgraded to an advisory doesn't mean it's lifted. If an advisory remains, remain evacuated. Even after it's lifted, don't head straight back to your accommodation. Check whether roads to your accommodation are controlled, and ask your accommodation staff whether you can return and stay now.

Just because warnings were lifted for another coastal area doesn't mean they're lifted for yours. Check the JMA screen and on-site notices for whether warnings or advisories for your area have been lifted.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami FAQs ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance ↗ · Kanagawa Prefecture: how to evacuate when a tsunami comes ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warning and advisory screen (in Korean) ↗
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After evacuating, what should I check first to get back to my hotel or head home?

If warnings or advisories remain, remain evacuated. From where you've evacuated, contact your accommodation first. Once you're told it's OK to move, check your train or bus and your booked flight separately.

After checking whether you can stay at your accommodation and whether transport is operating, plan your next steps. If evacuation continues or accommodation and transport are hard to use, don't restart coastal sightseeing — find somewhere to stay first. If you need to change or cancel bookings, ask the airline, your accommodation and the booking site whether changes or cancellations are possible and what they cost. A disaster doesn't mean every booking can be cancelled for free.

  1. Ask your accommodation staff whether you can enter your room and stay tonight, whether the road to your accommodation is blocked, and whether they're giving guests separate evacuation instructions. Don't stop evacuating to get your luggage or to make a booking time.
  2. If you can't stay at your accommodation, ask the staff at the place you've evacuated to where you can stay tonight. Even if it's marked on the map, check separately whether it's actually open now. Find somewhere you can go now in the area's shelter-opening notices or staff guidance.
  3. Once movement is allowed, check on the operator's website or app whether your train, bus or ferry is running, and on the airline's website or app whether your booked flight is departing. Even if your flight is departing, transport to the airport may be stopped.

Official sources: Kanagawa Prefecture: how to evacuate when a tsunami comes ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: points to note when using evacuation maps ↗ · JNTO: rail, airport and airline websites ↗
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Who should I call if I'm hurt or need help?

If you need emergency help from an ambulance or the fire service, call 119. If you can't understand disaster guidance or want help because you can't get back to your accommodation, contact the JNTO traveller support hotline.

When you call 119, say where you are and what help you need. If it's hard to explain by phone, ask nearby staff to help you make the report.

The JNTO traveller support hotline (Japan Visitor Hotline) is 050-3816-2787 within Japan and +81-50-3816-2787 from overseas. It takes calls about accidents, illness and disasters during travel 24 hours a day in Korean, English and Chinese. If you need emergency help from an ambulance or the fire service, call 119 first instead of JNTO.

Tell staff at your accommodation or where you've evacuated: 'I'm travelling and can't get back to my accommodation. Where can I stay?' If you need supplies, medication or interpreting, ask for those too. What help you can get depends on the situation on the ground.

Official sources: JNTO: 119 and traveller support hotline info ↗
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Related guides

Shelters and help →Find a shelter that's open now, and ask staff for the help you need.Before you travel →Pack extra yen, your passport and your usual medication, and save the information you'll need on your phone.Earthquake guide →What to do after the shaking stops and what to do by location

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to evacuate if a tsunami warning is issued even though I didn't feel any shaking?

Yes. If a major tsunami warning or tsunami warning has been issued for your area and you're near the coast or a river, evacuate immediately to high ground or an evacuation building. A distant earthquake or volcanic activity can bring a tsunami to Japan even if you didn't feel any shaking there.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunamis caused by earthquakes and volcanic activity ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance ↗
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Can I stay on the beach if the expected tsunami height is low?

No. Even a height of around 20–30cm can sweep you away in a fast current. If a tsunami advisory is issued, get out of the water right away and move away from the coast. If you felt a strong earthquake or a weak but long-lasting tremor on the coast, evacuate to high ground without waiting for the expected height to be announced or a warning to be issued.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami FAQs ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance ↗
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Should I go to the nearest shelter on the map?

To escape a tsunami, go to a designated tsunami evacuation site. Don't head for an ordinary shelter just because it's nearby. Before your trip, learn where the tsunami evacuation sites are and how to get there. If you face tsunami danger, evacuate immediately to high ground or a designated tsunami evacuation building.

Official sources: Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: evacuation site and shelter map ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: preparing for and evacuating from tsunamis ↗
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Can I go back for my belongings if the warning is downgraded to an advisory?

Not yet. Being downgraded to an advisory doesn't mean it's lifted. Tsunamis come in multiple waves and later ones can be higher, so do not return until warnings and advisories are lifted. Even after they're lifted, don't enter areas with restricted access and follow your accommodation staff's guidance.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami FAQs ↗ · Kanagawa Prefecture: how to evacuate when a tsunami comes ↗
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Official sources for this guide

Check the area's notices for current warnings and access restrictions. Check transport operators' latest notices for whether trains and flights are running.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: preparing for and evacuating from tsunamis ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami FAQs ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunamis caused by earthquakes and volcanic activity ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami flags and evacuation signals ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: tsunami warning and advisory screen (in Korean) ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: evacuation site and shelter map ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: points to note when using evacuation maps ↗ · Kanagawa Prefecture: how to evacuate when a tsunami comes ↗ · JNTO: Safety tips app and disaster alerts ↗ · JNTO: what to do first when an earthquake hits (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO: 119 and traveller support hotline info ↗ · JNTO: rail, airport and airline websites ↗ · Okinawa Prefecture: elevation and tsunami evacuation sign examples ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan: elevation and land height explained ↗ · Ishigaki City · 石垣市: tsunami hazard zone and evacuation site map ↗
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The 'source checked' date is when we verified the official sources. When checking current alerts, open shelters and transport, also check when each notice was issued. If you're told to evacuate on site, follow those instructions first.