Disasters · Typhoon

If a typhoon is approaching while you're travelling in Japan

First, check whether an evacuation notice has been issued for the area where you're staying. If you're somewhere dangerous, evacuate before the wind and rain get worse. If the streets are already flooded or the wind and rain are too strong to go outside, don't force your way to the airport or a distant shelter. Move somewhere less dangerous from where you are now, and follow the instructions of hotel staff or on-site announcements. You also need to check whether your booked flights and trains are running.

Official sources checked: 2026-10-12

If the wind and rain are severe right now

Stop sightseeing and keep away from coasts and swollen rivers. Stay away from glass windows when you're inside a building.
If an evacuation order has been issued where you are, leave dangerous places immediately. People who need more time to evacuate, and those who assist them, should move from level 3 if they're in a dangerous place.
If the streets are flooded or moving is dangerous because of severe wind and rain, don't try to reach a distant shelter. If you can, move somewhere less dangerous from where you are now, such as an upper floor of a sturdy building away from rivers and slopes.
Don't go outside just because the wind and rain suddenly calm down. Strong winds can return after the eye of the typhoon passes.

Official sources: Fukuoka City · What to do as a typhoon approaches (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · When to evacuate based on weather information (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Who should evacuate at level 3 (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when a level 4 evacuation order is issued (in Korean) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Typhoon winds and the eye (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

How to read Japanese signs and notices

If you see the Japanese terms below on signs or phone alerts, check what they mean. Don't just look at the numbers — read what kind of danger they describe and which areas or routes they apply to.

計画運休

Meaning This notice says train services will be suspended in advance ahead of a typhoon.

What to do Find your travel date and line in the notice, plus the section and times being suspended. Choose where to stay before that, and change your travel plans.

It doesn't mean all trains run until the suspension starts, or that they resume immediately the next day. Check separately whether you can take other trains or buses.

Official sources: JR West · Planned service suspensions (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

高齢者等避難

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

What to do Seniors, people with disabilities, and infants in dangerous places in the target area — as well as those who assist them — should evacuate from level 3.

This is a level 3 notice. Everyone else should also prepare to evacuate, and leave early if needed. It applies to anyone who needs more time to move, regardless of age.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Weather information and evacuation alert levels (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

避難指示

Meaning It means everyone in a dangerous place must evacuate.

What to do Evacuate immediately if you're in a dangerous place in the area the notice covers. If the streets are already flooded or moving is dangerous, don't try to reach a distant shelter.

This is a level 4 notice. It applies to the areas named in the notice, so read the place names too.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Weather information and evacuation alert levels (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

緊急安全確保

Meaning It means a disaster has already happened or is about to, and you must protect yourself right now.

What to do Move immediately to somewhere less dangerous, within what's possible. If going outside is more dangerous, don't try to reach a distant shelter.

This is level 5. You must not put off evacuating until this point. Even upper floors and sturdy buildings are not always safe.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Weather information and evacuation alert levels (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

レベル４危険警報

Meaning This is a level 4 danger warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

What to do Check the hazard map around your accommodation and the area's evacuation notices. If you're in a dangerous place, evacuate early instead of just waiting for the municipality's instructions.

Flood risk information from the Meteorological Agency and evacuation orders from the municipality serve different purposes. Not every warning, including storm warnings (暴風警報), matches these five levels.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Weather information and evacuation alert levels (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

Should I cancel my trip if a typhoon is forecast?

Start by checking when the wind and rain will get worse in the areas you're visiting, whether you can stay at your accommodation, and whether your outbound and return transport will run. You can't decide to cancel your whole Japan trip — or to keep going — just because a typhoon exists.

If you were planning to visit the coast or travel to another city while the wind and rain are at their worst, it's best to shorten or postpone those plans. If you might not be able to reach your accommodation because transport is cut off, contact your accommodation and the companies you booked with before you leave. Just ask whether you can change the dates or cancel, and whether it will cost anything.

If you're already in Japan, ask the hotel staff where you'll get evacuation notices and where to go inside the building. Charge your phone and portable battery, and get the water and food you'll need before it becomes hard to go outside.

Check the Japan Meteorological Agency forecast for your accommodation and the areas you'll travel through. First check when the forecast was issued, and don't apply an old saved track map to today's plans.
Look up your accommodation's address on the area's hazard map. Check for flooding risk, landslide risk on slopes, and storm surge risk when a typhoon hits. Decide where you'll evacuate and the route there before the wind and rain get worse.
On the airline's website or app, enter your booking date and flight number to check whether your flight will operate. For trains, check the railway company's website to see if the line and section you need are running. Also look for notices of planned suspensions ahead of the typhoon.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · How to read typhoon track maps (in Japanese) ↗ · Fukuoka City · What to do as a typhoon approaches (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency (Miyakojima) · Typhoon preparedness guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · JR West · Planned train suspensions (in Japanese) ↗ · JAL · How to change or get a refund when international flights are delayed or cancelled (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

What should I look at on a typhoon track map?

Look at the white dotted circle together with the forecast for your accommodation's area. The white dotted circle shows the area the typhoon's centre is expected to enter. It doesn't show the size of the typhoon or the area getting rain.

The typhoon doesn't follow the line drawn on the map exactly. When you read the map, separate the time the forecast was issued from the time the typhoon is expected to arrive. The track can change, so check the latest forecast again.

Rain clouds also exist outside the typhoon. Moist air flowing from the typhoon can strengthen rain clouds along nearby fronts — a front being the boundary where different air masses meet. So heavy rain can fall far from the typhoon's centre. Don't relax just because your accommodation is off the track line.

The Meteorological Agency tells you how dangerous the rain and wind will become. City and ward offices tell you who should evacuate, from where, and when. Don't rely only on the Meteorological Agency forecast — also read the evacuation notices for your accommodation's area.

Japan Meteorological Agency diagram showing the typhoon's eye, eye wall, and inner and outer rain bands — In the diagram, 眼 is the eye of the typhoon and 眼の壁 is the wall surrounding the eye. 内側降雨帯 and 外側降雨帯 are the inner and outer rain bands. Rain clouds extend beyond the centre. This is not a map of the current typhoon's position or size.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency, 「台風に伴う雨の特性」 · PDL1.0 · Used unchanged · Terms of use
Sources and terms of use checked: 2026-10-12

When should I evacuate from my accommodation?

If you're in a dangerous place, evacuate before the wind and rain get worse. When a level 4 evacuation order is issued, everyone in a dangerous place must evacuate. Don't wait until level 5.

Check whether your accommodation is in the area named in the evacuation notice. If it's somewhere low that could flood, or near a slope, ask the staff where and how to evacuate. A tall building doesn't mean you can stay put.

If the streets are already flooded or the strong wind makes moving dangerous, don't cross them to get to a shelter. Move to somewhere less dangerous among the places you can reach right now, such as an upper floor of a sturdy building away from rivers and slopes. Protecting yourself indoors like this is what you do once it's hard to go outside. It doesn't mean you should wait until going outside becomes hard.

A shelter marked on a map isn't necessarily open right now. Check city or ward notices to see whether it avoids the current danger — such as flooding or storm surge — and whether it's currently open. You can also ask your hotel staff or the staff directing evacuation on-site.

Level 3 · Evacuate early / 高齢者等避難

Seniors, people with disabilities, and infants — anyone who needs more time to evacuate — and their helpers should evacuate early if they're in a dangerous place. Everyone else should cut non-urgent outings and get ready to evacuate.

Level 4 · Everyone in dangerous places evacuates / 避難指示

Everyone in a dangerous place in the target area must evacuate immediately. If the Meteorological Agency has already issued information corresponding to level 4, don't just wait for the city or ward's order. Look at the danger where you are and your evacuation route, and move early.

Level 5 · Protect yourself right now / 緊急安全確保

This is the stage where a disaster has already happened or could happen at any moment, and lives are at risk. You may not be able to evacuate far, so move immediately to somewhere less dangerous among the places you can reach right now.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · When to evacuate based on weather information (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Who should evacuate at level 3 (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when a level 4 evacuation order is issued (in Korean) ↗ · Fukuoka City · What to do as a typhoon approaches (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency (Miyakojima) · Typhoon preparedness guidance (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Which places should I avoid when the wind and rain are severe?

Stop any non-urgent outings. Inside buildings, stay away from glass windows; outside, avoid coasts, swollen rivers, and slopes. If the streets aren't flooded and it's safe to pass, take shelter in a nearby sturdy building.

If you're inside your accommodation or a shop

Move away from glass windows to where the staff direct you. Don't go outside to collect things from the balcony or film what's happening. If water could get in, or an evacuation order has been issued, don't assume you can stay just because you're indoors.

If you're in an underground shopping area or station

Move early if water might get in or staff direct you to evacuate. Follow staff guidance and move somewhere that avoids flooding, like above ground, before water comes in. Don't go underground to escape the wind and rain. Once water starts flowing down the stairs, climbing back up may be hard.

If you're at the coast, a river, or on a mountain path

Don't go close to watch high waves or swollen water. Also avoid mountain slopes and cliffs. High waves can continue along the coast even after the typhoon has passed.

Don't go outside just because the wind and rain ease briefly or the sky clears. Inside the typhoon's eye the wind can be weak, but strong winds can return from the opposite direction after the eye passes.

Official sources: Fukuoka City · What to do as a typhoon approaches (in Japanese) ↗ · Osaka City · Points of caution underground during heavy rain (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency (Miyakojima) · Typhoon preparedness guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Typhoon winds and the eye (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · When to evacuate based on weather information (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Who should I ask if flights or trains stop running?

For flights, ask the airline and wherever you bought your ticket; for trains, ask the railway company or station staff. Even if your flight is operating, the trains or buses to the airport may be stopped.

If you're already at a station or the airport, follow the announcements, display boards, and staff guidance. When you ask, have your booking number, flight or train name, and where you're staying ready.

If a planned suspension has been announced, first ask whether you can keep staying at your accommodation. It's better to postpone plans to move to the next city until the railway company's guidance changes. You also need to check separately whether other transport is available, and whether trains will run the next day.

Check whether your booked flight will operate

Look it up on the airline's website or app with your booking date and flight number. Check whether the departure time has changed or a cancellation has been decided. If you need to change or cancel, ask whether this flight has different change and refund rules than usual. If you bought through a travel agency, contact them too.

Check when trains will stop running

If a notice of planned suspension (計画運休) has been issued, check the date and line, and the section and scheduled start time. It's announced in advance when major typhoon disruption is expected. Don't plan to sightsee until that time and catch the last train back.

Check whether you can get to the airport

Check each operator's website to see whether the trains and buses from your accommodation to the airport are running. Just because trains are stopped doesn't mean you can immediately take a taxi or travel safely by road. If travelling is dangerous, first tell the airline and wherever you bought your ticket about your situation.

Official sources: JR West · Planned train suspensions (in Japanese) ↗ · JAL · How to change or get a refund when international flights are delayed or cancelled (in Japanese) ↗ · Fukuoka City · What to do as a typhoon approaches (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I keep travelling right after the typhoon passes?

Don't set out just because it's calm outside. First check the area's weather information and evacuation notices, then confirm you can stay at your accommodation and that your flights, trains, and buses are running, before deciding what to do next.

If you need to change or cancel bookings, contact your accommodation and the companies you booked with. Ask each one: can you cancel for free, are there seats on another flight, can extra accommodation costs be covered. A typhoon doesn't guarantee any of these. Keep your changed booking records and the messages they send you. If you plan to use travel insurance, ask your insurer what documents you need and how to file a claim.

First check how the area's evacuation notices have changed. Even when the typhoon's centre has moved away, danger can remain from high waves or rain. Don't go sightseeing on coasts, rivers, or slopes.
Ask the hotel staff whether you can keep staying, whether water and electricity are available, and whether there are any problems getting in and out. If you can't stay there, ask local staff to point you to a shelter or somewhere to stay.
Check again whether your booked flight and the trains and buses to the airport are running. Trains don't restart as soon as the rain stops. Don't head for the station just because a notice says when service is expected to resume — move based on actual operating updates.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Why it rains far from the typhoon's centre (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency (Miyakojima) · Typhoon preparedness guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · When to evacuate based on weather information (in Japanese) ↗ · JR West · Planned train suspensions (in Japanese) ↗ · JAL · How to change or get a refund when international flights are delayed or cancelled (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveller support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Who should I call if I'm hurt or need help?

If you urgently need an ambulance or firefighters, call 119 in Japan. If you're having trouble on your trip because of a disaster, you can call the JNTO traveller support hotline.

The JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline is 050-3816-2787 within Japan and +81-50-3816-2787 from abroad. It handles accident, illness, and disaster enquiries in Korean, English, and Chinese, 24 hours a day. If you need emergency dispatch, call 119 before calling here.

When your call connects, give your accommodation's name and address, where you are now, and what help you need. The shelter guide below explains how to find a shelter and ask staff for water, medicine, or interpretation. Supplies and interpreters are not always available.

Official sources: JNTO · Traveller support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when a level 4 evacuation order is issued (in Korean) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Am I safe if my accommodation is off the typhoon's track?

Don't relax just because you're off the track line. The circles on the forecast map show the area the typhoon's centre is expected to enter, not the area getting rain. Heavy rain can fall far from the centre. Check your accommodation area's weather information together with the city or ward's evacuation notices.

Can I go outside if the wind suddenly dies down?

Don't go outside just because things calm down briefly. Inside the typhoon's eye the wind can be weak and the sky clear, but strong winds can return from the opposite direction after the eye passes. Act on the latest weather information and evacuation notices for your area.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Typhoon winds and the eye (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · When to evacuate based on weather information (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I stay at my accommodation until an evacuation order is issued?

If you're in a dangerous place, don't just wait for an evacuation order. If the Meteorological Agency has issued information corresponding to level 3 or 4, look at the danger where you are and your evacuation route, and move early. Seniors, people with disabilities, and infants — anyone who needs more time to evacuate — and their helpers should evacuate from level 3 if they're in a dangerous place.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · When to evacuate based on weather information (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Who should evacuate at level 3 (in Korean) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I go to an underground shopping area or station to escape the wind and rain?

Don't take shelter in underground spaces where water could come in. If water pours down the stairs, climbing back to the surface can be hard. If you're already underground, evacuate early following staff guidance, before water gets in.

Official sources: Osaka City · Points of caution underground during heavy rain (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

If my flight is operating, can I go to the airport?

Check whether the trains or buses to the airport are running, and whether the route there is safe. Even if your flight is operating, transport to the airport may be stopped. If travelling is dangerous or transport is cut off, don't force your way there — tell the airline and wherever you bought your ticket about your situation and ask how to change your booking.

Can I cancel flights and hotels for free just because a typhoon is forecast?

Not every booking can be cancelled for free. Ask the airline whether your booked flight has different change and refund rules than usual, and ask wherever you bought the ticket about the process. Accommodation booking conditions differ, so contact the hotel separately. If a cancellation has been decided, ask the airline and the place you bought from how to change or refund that flight.

Official sources: JAL · How to change or get a refund when international flights are delayed or cancelled (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Official sources for this guide

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