Disasters · Heavy rain, floods and landslides

If heavy rain falls while you are travelling in Japan

If you are in a dangerous place, evacuate by alert Level 4. Do not wait until Level 5. If roads are already flooded and going outside is more dangerous, do not push on to a shelter. For flooding, move to a high place indoors where water is unlikely to reach; for landslides, move to a room away from slopes. Even so, this cannot guarantee your safety.

Official sources checked 2026-10-12

If you are caught in heavy rain now

In dangerous areas where a Level 4 evacuation order (避難指示) has been issued, everyone must evacuate. People who need more time to move, and those who assist them, should start moving at Level 3, the evacuation of older people and others (高齢者等避難). Do not wait for Level 5.
Do not enter flooded roads or underpasses. If you are underground, follow staff instructions and go above ground before water comes in. Move away from rivers, valleys and steep slopes too.
If roads are already flooded, or going outside is more dangerous because of storms or landslides, do not push on to a distant shelter. In the building you are in now, move immediately to a high place where water is unlikely to reach for flooding, or to a room away from slopes for landslides.
If you need an ambulance, firefighters or rescue, call 119. Give the name and address of the building you are in and describe the current situation. If you do not know the address, describe something that identifies the location, like a large nearby building, and answer the questions asked on the phone.

Official sources: JNTO · Who should evacuate at alert Level 3 (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO · Level 4 evacuation order (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO · Why you must not wait for Level 5 (in Korean) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Flood risk map and points to note underground (in Japanese) ↗ · Sendai Regional Headquarters, Japan Meteorological Agency · Places to avoid during heavy rain (in Japanese) ↗ · Cabinet Office · How to evacuate and conditions for staying indoors (revised March 2026) (in Japanese) ↗ · Fire and Disaster Management Agency · How to call 119 and what to do if it does not connect (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveller support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

How to read Japanese signs and notices

When you see the Japanese below on a sign or a phone alert, check what it means. Do not look at the numbers alone — read together what danger it warns of and which area or section it applies to.

避難指示

Meaning It means everyone in a dangerous place should evacuate.

What to do If you are in a dangerous place in the target area, everyone must evacuate. Do not wait for Level 5.

This is a Level 4 notice. Read the target area and the issuing time together. If roads are already flooded, do not try to cross them.

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

高齢者等避難

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

What to do People who need more time to move, and those who assist them, should evacuate first from dangerous places. Others should also prepare to evacuate or evacuate early if needed.

This is a Level 3 notice. It covers not only older people but also people with disabilities, infants and young children who need time to move, and those who assist them.

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

緊急安全確保

Meaning It means a disaster has already occurred or is imminent, and you must protect yourself right now.

What to do If going outside is already more dangerous, protect yourself with what you can do now — for example, moving to a high place indoors where water is unlikely to reach, or to a room away from slopes.

Level 5 means a disaster has already occurred or is imminent. Do not wait for this notice to be issued — evacuate by Level 4. Moving to a high place does not guarantee safety.

Official sources: Cabinet Office · Evacuation guidelines (revised March 2026) (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

レベル４土砂災害危険警報

Meaning It is a Level 4 warning for landslide risk.

What to do If you are in a landslide risk area, check the risk map and the area's evacuation information, and evacuate immediately from dangerous places.

JMA warnings and local government evacuation orders are separate. In landslide risk areas, look at the risk level and surroundings and evacuate early even if no order has been issued yet.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Landslide Kikikuru map and evacuation (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

運転見合わせ

Meaning It means train services have been temporarily suspended.

What to do Check notices for when the line and section you will use resume. Ask station staff whether you can take other transport.

Services may not resume right away even after the rain stops, because tracks need inspection. Do not guess at resumption times or alternatives.

Official sources: JR East · Service suspension in heavy rain and pre-resumption inspections (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

洪水・内水 / 土砂災害

Meaning 洪水 means flooding when rivers overflow, 内水 means inundation when rainwater cannot drain and collects on roads or in buildings, and 土砂災害 means landslides and similar sediment disasters.

What to do Find your accommodation's address on the risk map. Select flooding/inundation and landslide items separately to see the risks, and find the evacuation sites that avoid each risk and the routes to them.

These are the words for the risk types you can select on the map. They do not mean water is there now.

Official sources: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan · Hazard map portal (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

Cabinet Office and Fire and Disaster Management Agency diagram of evacuation alert levels, distinguishing Level 3 evacuation of older people and others, Level 4 evacuation orders, and Level 5 emergency safety measures — 「避難指示」 is an evacuation order. In dangerous places you must evacuate by Level 4. The numbers 1–5 are alert levels that distinguish actions — 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 unchanged · 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 will visit are at risk of flooding or landslides. Find the address on the risk-area map (hazard map), and decide in advance where to evacuate and how to get there.

On days when heavy rain is expected, it is better to drop riverside walks and valley or mountain-road visits from your plans. If you plan to move accommodation, check on the map and local information whether the new accommodation is in a risk area, and whether the route there has flooding or landslide risks, before the rain strengthens.

Find the addresses of your accommodation and the places you will visit on the official map. Select river flooding (洪水), inundation from undrained rainwater (内水), and landslides (土砂災害) separately to see the risks.
Check whether the place you want to evacuate to can be used for floods or for 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 departing and before going out, find your area's name and the issuing time in the JMA 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 map (in Japanese) ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan · Evacuation sites and shelters by disaster type (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Landslide risk map and when to evacuate (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Meanings of weather warnings (in Korean) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

At which level should I evacuate?

In dangerous places you must evacuate by alert Level 4. People who need more time to move should start at Level 3. Do not wait for a Level 5 special warning or emergency safety measures notice.

Local evacuation orders and JMA warnings are different notices. If the JMA has issued a Level 3 or 4 warning, also look at the Kikikuru (キキクル) map, which shows growing danger in colours. If a landslide risk area is shown in red, people who need more time to move should start evacuating by then at the latest. If it is purple, everyone else should also leave dangerous places immediately. Do not wait until it turns black.

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

At Level 1, watch the latest weather information. At Level 2, find where you are on the risk-area map, and re-check where to evacuate and how to get there.

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

People who need more time to move — older people, people with disabilities, infants and young children — and those who assist them must evacuate first from dangerous places. Others should also cut back on unnecessary outings and prepare to evacuate. Evacuate before Level 4 if needed.

Level 4 · Everyone in dangerous places must evacuate

Everyone in a dangerous area under an evacuation order must evacuate. If the JMA has already issued Level 4 information, do not wait for the local evacuation order. Look at the risk map and surroundings, and leave dangerous places.

Level 5 · Protect yourself where you are

A disaster has already occurred or is imminent. It may be hard to evacuate far, so protect yourself as best you can where you are. A Level 5 notice may not be issued at all. Do not wait until then.

What to do for each JMA warning level ↗

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

Do not enter flooded roads or underpasses, and move away from rivers, valleys and steep slopes. If you are underground, follow staff instructions and go above ground before water comes in.

Do not cross flooded roads

Do not enter on foot or by car. On flooded roads, drains, open manholes and collapsed road edges may be invisible. Do not try to pass even if the water looks shallow.

Do not go underground to escape the rain

Underground areas and underpasses can fill with water faster than the surroundings. If there is a flooding risk, do not enter. If you are already underground, follow staff instructions and go above ground before water comes in.

Move away from rivers and slopes

Do not go close to see how swollen a river is. In landslide risk areas near steep slopes and valleys, do not stay inside buildings — evacuate early to outside the risk area.

Why underground areas and underpasses are dangerous (JMA) ↗

Official sources: Sendai Regional Headquarters, Japan Meteorological Agency · Places to avoid during heavy rain (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Flood risk map and points to note underground (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Landslide risk map and when to evacuate (in Japanese) ↗ · Cabinet Office · How to evacuate and conditions for staying indoors (revised March 2026) (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

What if going outside is already more dangerous?

If roads are already flooded, or going outside is more dangerous because of landslides or storms, do not push on outside. For flooding, move immediately to a high place indoors where water is unlikely to reach; for landslides, to a room even slightly farther from slopes.

This is how to reduce risk when evacuating outside has become difficult. Water can reach high floors, and debris can enter rooms away from slopes. Moving to another part of the building does not guarantee safety — so evacuate to outside the risk area 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 enough water, food and medicine, and be able to cope without electricity, water or toilets.

Do not stay just because you are on the second floor or above of a hotel. If your room is below the expected flood height, or the building may collapse or be washed away, staying indoors is still dangerous. If there is a landslide risk, do not assume you can stay even if you meet these flood conditions. Evacuate early to outside the risk area.

Do not go back to flooded roads or dangerous buildings to collect your luggage. If you need rescue, call 119 from where you are.

Cabinet Office · Indoor evacuation vs emergency action (Japanese PDF) ↗

Official sources: Cabinet Office · How to evacuate and conditions for staying indoors (revised March 2026) (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · When you must evacuate outside buildings in floods (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Landslide risk map and when to evacuate (in Japanese) ↗ · Fire and Disaster Management Agency · How to call 119 and what to do if it does not connect (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveller support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I just go to the nearest shelter?

Do not choose one just because it is close. Check whether it can be used for floods or landslides, whether it is open now, and whether you can reach it.

On the official map or the local shelter list, check whether each site can be used for river flooding (洪水), landslides (崖崩れ · cliff collapse, 土石流 · debris flow, 地滑り · landslide), or inundation from undrained rainwater (内水氾濫). Do not assume a place you used for earthquakes works for floods too. Check separately whether it is open now and whether the route there is safe.
In the local shelter-opening notices, find the facility name, your area and the issuing time. You must also check whether the facility is open now. An evacuation site for immediate danger and a shelter for staying afterwards serve different roles.
If staff direct you elsewhere, ask where to go and which route you can take. If the route is already flooded, do not try to cross it. Protect yourself with what you can do on the spot — for example, moving to a high place indoors where water is unlikely to reach.

Official sources: Geospatial Information Authority of Japan · Evacuation sites and shelters by disaster type (in Japanese) ↗ · Cabinet Office · How to evacuate and conditions for staying indoors (revised March 2026) (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Level 4 evacuation order (in Korean) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I return to my accommodation or continue travelling once the rain eases?

Do not head straight for your accommodation or the station just because the rain eases. First check whether evacuation notices remain and whether your route back is blocked. Check separately whether you can enter your accommodation and whether your trains and buses are running.

Even if the rain eases where you are, heavy rain upstream can raise flood risk later. Trains can also stay stopped until track and slope inspections finish after the rain stops. Do not assume the danger is gone or transport has resumed just because the rain stopped.

First check whether evacuation notices or warnings remain for your area and where you are heading, and whether roads are closed. If your route back is flooded or landslide risk remains, do not hurry.
Call the hotel to ask whether you can enter your room and whether the route to the hotel is restricted. If you cannot stay there, tell the shelter staff that you are travelling and have nowhere to stay.
If you plan to fly home, check your booked flight and the trains and buses to the airport separately. Find the line and section you will use in the operator's official information, and check when it was issued. If there is no notice of resumption, it is better not to rush to the station or airport.
If you need to change or cancel bookings, ask the airline, accommodation or seller how to apply and whether it costs you. A disaster does not mean every booking is cancelled for free or that you get other accommodation.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Linear rainbands and flood risk (in Japanese) ↗ · JR East · Why trains stop in heavy rain and pre-resumption inspections (in Japanese) ↗ · JR East · Train operating and suspension information (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Official disaster and transport information (in English) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Who do I contact if I am hurt or need help?

If you need an ambulance, firefighters or rescue, call 119. If travel difficulties arise from the disaster and you need advice, you can contact the JNTO traveller support hotline on 050-3816-2787.

Tell 119 the name and address of the building you are in and the current situation. If you do not know the address, describe something that identifies the location, like a large nearby building or intersection, and answer the questions asked on the phone. If it does not connect, ask nearby staff or people to call for you. Do not cross flooded roads 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 arrive at a shelter, tell the staff that you are travelling and cannot stay at your accommodation, and ask for the help you need. If you have run out of medicine or need to consult a doctor, explain that too. Ask on site whether you can receive medicine or supplies, ask for interpretation, and whether there is space to stay.

Official sources: Fire and Disaster Management Agency · How to call 119 and what to do if it does not connect (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveller support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Can I start evacuating when a Level 5 special warning is issued?

Do not wait until Level 5. In dangerous places, evacuate by Level 4; people who need more time to move should start at Level 3. Level 5 is issued when a disaster has already occurred or is imminent. The local government may be unable to issue it, so do not wait for the announcement.

Official sources: JNTO · Who should evacuate at alert Level 3 (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO · Why you must not wait for Level 5 (in Korean) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

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

If you are in a risk area, do not 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, do not push on — protect yourself as best you can where you are.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · What to do for each warning level (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Landslide risk map and when to evacuate (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

If I am on the second floor of a hotel, can I stay there in a flood?

Being on the second floor alone is not a reason 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 electricity, water or toilets. If there is a landslide risk, do not assume you can stay even if you meet these flood conditions.

What if the road to the shelter is already flooded?

Do not cross flooded roads on foot or by car. If going outside is more dangerous, move to a high place indoors where water is unlikely to reach. If you need rescue, call 119. Moving to a high floor does not make you safe.

Official sources: Cabinet Office · How to evacuate and conditions for staying indoors (revised March 2026) (in Japanese) ↗ · Sendai Regional Headquarters, Japan Meteorological Agency · Places to avoid during heavy rain (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveller support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I use the evacuation site I used for earthquakes during floods too?

First check on the official map and local information whether that site can be used for floods. Evacuation sites are designated separately by disaster type. Do not assume an earthquake site suits floods or landslides. Check separately whether it is open now and whether the route there is safe.

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

Even after the rain stops, rainwater remains underground and slopes can collapse, and tracks and facilities must be inspected before trains run again. JR East notes these inspections can take time. Check the operator's latest information for whether your line has resumed and how far it goes.

Official sources: JR East · Why trains stop in heavy rain and pre-resumption inspections (in Japanese) ↗ · JR East · Train operating and suspension information (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

If I cancel my trip because of heavy rain, can I get a free refund?

Heavy rain does not mean every booking is refunded for free. Ask the airline, accommodation or seller whether changing or cancelling this booking costs you and where to apply. If you need to evacuate, do not delay evacuating to ask about cancellation.

Official sources: JNTO · Official disaster and transport information (in English) ↗ · JNTO · Level 4 evacuation order (in Korean) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Official sources for this guide

Check current warnings and access restrictions in the notices for each area. For whether trains and flights are running, see the latest notices from the transport operators.