Disasters · Tsunamis

What should I do if a tsunami strikes while I am travelling in Japan?

If you feel a strong earthquake or weak shaking that lasts a long time at the coast, evacuate immediately to high ground or a tsunami evacuation building without waiting for a tsunami warning. Do not go back just because one wave has passed. Stay in a safe evacuation location until tsunami warnings and advisories are lifted.

Official sources checked 2026-10-12

Evacuate right away if this happens at the coast

If you feel a strong earthquake or weak shaking that lasts a long time, evacuate immediately to high ground or a tsunami evacuation building without waiting for a warning.
If a major tsunami warning or tsunami warning has been issued for your area and you are near the coast or a river, evacuate immediately. You must evacuate even if you did not feel any shaking.
When a tsunami advisory is issued, get out of the water right away and move away from the coast. Follow the evacuation instructions given on site.
Stay in a safe evacuation location until warnings and advisories are lifted. Do not go back for your belongings or to look at the sea.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Tsunamis caused by earthquakes and volcanic activity (in Japanese) ↗ · Kanagawa Prefecture · How to evacuate when a tsunami comes (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Korean-language tsunami warning and advisory screen ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

How to read Japanese signs and guidance

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

Example of reading numbers and expressions

海抜 5m / Sea Level 5m

MeaningIt means the elevation of your current location is 5m.

What to doEven after checking the elevation, do not assume the place is safe. Find the tsunami evacuation site and the direction to it.

It does not mean the coast is 5m away, nor that the expected tsunami height is 5m. This is an example of reading numbers and does not show the elevation of any specific beach.

Official sources: Okinawa Prefecture · Guide to elevation and tsunami evacuation signs (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

Example of reading numbers and expressions

避難場所まで ○m →

MeaningIt is an expression telling 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’s direction. The number is the remaining distance to it. If routes are controlled on site, follow that guidance.

○ stands for the distance number written on the actual sign. This example does not reproduce the distance of any specific place or a photo of an actual sign. Note the difference: 海抜 means elevation, and まで means “up to that point”.

Official sources: Sakai City · Guide to evacuation direction and distance signs (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

津波避難場所

MeaningIt is an evacuation site for avoiding tsunamis.

What to doMove to the evacuation site the sign points to, and follow the guidance given on site.

This does not mean you can stay there or receive supplies. Do not confuse it with the shelter where you stay.

Official sources: Okinawa Prefecture · Guide to elevation and tsunami evacuation signs (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

津波避難ビル

MeaningIt is a building designated for evacuating from tsunamis.

What to doFollow the guidance showing the building’s evacuation floor and the way up.

This does not mean any building that looks tall qualifies. Follow the actual signs and staff guidance.

Official sources: Okinawa Prefecture · Guide to elevation and tsunami evacuation signs (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

Red-and-white four-square flag

MeaningIt is a signal announcing that a tsunami warning or advisory has been issued.

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

Not seeing the flag does not mean you are safe. If you feel a strong earthquake or weak shaking that lasts a long time at the coast, evacuate without waiting for a warning.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Tsunami flag guide (in English) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

Japan’s tsunami evacuation signal flag in red and white squares — If you see this flag at the beach, get out of the water and evacuate immediately. It is a visual signal that a tsunami warning or advisory has been issued. It is an illustration from the Japan Meteorological Agency, not an actual photo of any specific beach.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency ‘Tsunami flags’ · PDL1.0 · used unmodified · Terms of use
Sources and terms checked: 2026-10-12

What is good to know before heading to the coast?

Beforehand, learn where the tsunami evacuation sites are around your accommodation and the beach you plan to visit, and how to get there. Also look at the official map marking areas that could be flooded (the tsunami hazard map).

Save your accommodation’s address and contact details, and the route to your evacuation site, on your phone. If you are travelling with others, decide in advance how to contact each other if separated. If the guidance on site differs from the map you saved, follow the evacuation route being announced now.

On the tsunami hazard map, find your accommodation, the beach and the harbour, and check whether they are in an area that could be flooded. Even away from the sea, a tsunami can travel up rivers.
Find the places designated for evacuating when a tsunami comes. It is also good to know other evacuation sites on even higher ground. When you arrive at your accommodation, ask staff which direction and which route to take to evacuate.
Before you leave, set up the Safety tips app so you can receive disaster alerts in a language you can understand. Locally, do not just wait for app alerts — also follow broadcasts and staff evacuation guidance.

Do not feel safe just because you are outside the expected flood zone on the map. An actual tsunami can be bigger than expected.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · How to prepare for and evacuate from tsunamis (in Japanese) ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan · Map of evacuation sites and shelters (in Japanese) ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan · Points to note when using the evacuation map (in Japanese) ↗ · Kanagawa Prefecture · How to evacuate when a tsunami comes (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Safety tips app and disaster alerts ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Should I evacuate before any warning if none has been issued yet?

If you feel a strong earthquake or weak shaking that lasts a long time at the coast, evacuate first without waiting for a warning. A tsunami from near the coast can arrive before any warning is issued.

Protect yourself while the shaking lasts. If you felt a strong earthquake or weak shaking that lasts a long time at the coast, do not delay evacuating to search for alerts or to watch for waves.

Do not wait for the sea to pull back first. The water may not recede, and a big wave may come straight in.

Can I just go to the nearest shelter?

To avoid a tsunami, you must go to a place designated as a tsunami evacuation site. Places for escaping immediate danger like this are called designated emergency evacuation sites. Ordinary shelters are facilities for staying after a disaster. Just because it says ‘shelter’ does not mean you can avoid a tsunami there.

Which building should I go up into?

Find a place designated as a tsunami evacuation building, and evacuate in the direction the on-site signs point. Do not just enter any building that looks tall.

Elevation is a value showing how high the ground at that point is above sea level. Do not decide you are safe or end your evacuation based only on this number or the sign’s colour. Move along the route guiding you to the evacuation site designated by the area, and stay in a safe evacuation location until warnings and advisories are lifted.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Frequently asked questions about tsunamis (in Japanese) ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan · Map of evacuation sites and shelters (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · How to prepare for and evacuate from tsunamis (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · What to do first when an earthquake strikes (in Korean) ↗ · Okinawa Prefecture · Examples of elevation and tsunami evacuation signs (in Japanese) ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan · Explaining elevation and ground height (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

What do I do when a tsunami warning or advisory is issued?

When a major tsunami warning or tsunami warning is issued, move immediately to high ground or an evacuation building if you are near the coast or a river. Even if only an advisory is issued, get out of the water and move away from the coast.

If you see the red-and-white checkered tsunami flag at the beach, start evacuating right away. It is a visual signal that a tsunami warning or advisory has been issued. Do not feel safe just because you cannot see the flag or have not received an alert.

After evacuating, check the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Korean-language screen for what warnings or advisories apply to your area. Read the affected areas together with the issuing time, and follow local broadcasts or staff if they instruct you to evacuate.

Major tsunami warning · 大津波警報

Evacuate immediately to high ground or a tsunami evacuation building if you are near the coast or a river. A bigger tsunami than expected can come. Do not assume it is enough — evacuate to even higher ground.

Tsunami warning · 津波警報

Evacuate immediately if you are near the coast or a river. Do not decide you are fine based only on the expected height number. Do not 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. Swimming and coastal fishing must stop. If you are instructed to evacuate on site, follow that instruction.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Tsunami flags and evacuation signals (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · How to prepare for and evacuate from tsunamis (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Korean-language tsunami warning and advisory screen ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I return to my accommodation once the waves have passed?

Not yet. Tsunamis come in multiple waves, and later waves can be higher. Stay in a safe evacuation location until warnings and advisories are lifted.

Do not end your evacuation even if the sea looks calm or the expected arrival time of the first wave has passed. Do not go back to look at the sea or to fetch your belongings.

A warning being downgraded to an advisory does not mean the alert has been lifted. If an advisory remains, you must stay in a safe evacuation location. Even after it is lifted, do not leave for your accommodation right away. Check whether the route to your accommodation is controlled, and ask your accommodation’s staff whether you can return and stay now.

Just because a warning was lifted in another coastal area does not mean it is lifted where you are. Check the Japan Meteorological Agency screen and on-site guidance for whether the warning or advisory for your area has been lifted.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Frequently asked questions about tsunamis (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · Kanagawa Prefecture · How to evacuate when a tsunami comes (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Korean-language tsunami warning and advisory screen ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

After evacuating, what should I check first to return to my hotel or travel home?

If a warning or advisory remains, you must stay in a safe evacuation location. From where you evacuated, contact your accommodation first. Once you are told it is alright to move, check the train or bus you will take and your booked flight separately.

Decide your next plans after checking whether you can stay at your accommodation and whether you can use transport. If evacuation continues or accommodation and transport are hard to use, find somewhere to stay first instead of restarting coastal sightseeing. If you need to change or cancel bookings, ask the airline, accommodation or booking site whether changes or cancellations are possible and what they cost. A disaster does not mean every booking can be cancelled free of charge.

Ask your accommodation’s staff whether you can enter your room and stay today, whether the road to your accommodation is blocked, and whether they are giving guests separate evacuation guidance. Do not stop evacuating to fetch your belongings or to make a reservation time.
If you cannot stay at your accommodation, ask the staff where you evacuated whether you can stay somewhere today. Even if it is marked on the map, check separately whether it is currently open. Find somewhere you can go now in the area’s shelter-opening notices or staff guidance.
Once movement is allowed, check separately on the operator’s website or app whether the train, bus or ferry you will take is running, and on the airline’s website or app whether your booked flight is departing. Even if the flight departs, transport to the airport may be stopped.

Official sources: Kanagawa Prefecture · How to evacuate when a tsunami comes (in Japanese) ↗ · Geospatial Information Authority of Japan · Points to note when using the evacuation map (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Collection of railway, airport and airline websites (in English) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

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

If you need emergency help from an ambulance or the fire service, call 119. If you find it hard to understand disaster guidance or want help because you cannot return to your accommodation, contact the JNTO traveller support hotline.

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

The JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline is 050-3816-2787 within Japan and +81-50-3816-2787 from abroad. It takes calls about accidents, illness and disasters while travelling, 24 hours a day in Korean, English and Chinese. If you need an ambulance or the fire service, call 119 first, not JNTO.

Tell the staff at your accommodation or where you evacuated: “I am travelling and cannot return to my accommodation. Where can I stay?” Ask together for supplies, medicine or interpreting if you need them. What help you can receive depends on the situation on site.

Official sources: JNTO · 119 and the traveller support hotline (in English) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

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Frequently asked questions

If I did not feel any shaking but a tsunami warning is issued, must I evacuate?

Yes. If a major tsunami warning or tsunami warning has been issued for your area and you are near the coast or a river, evacuate immediately to high ground or an evacuation building. A tsunami can reach Japan without you feeling any shaking, from a distant earthquake or volcanic activity.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Tsunamis caused by earthquakes and volcanic activity (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Tsunami warnings, advisories and evacuation guidance (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I stay at the beach if the expected tsunami height is low?

No. Even at about 20–30cm, fast currents can sweep you away. When 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 weak shaking that lasts a long time at the coast, evacuate to high ground without waiting for the expected height to be announced or a warning to be issued.

Can I go to the nearest shelter on the map?

To avoid a tsunami, you must go to a place designated as a tsunami evacuation site. Do not head there just because an ordinary shelter is nearby. Before travelling, 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 · Map of evacuation sites and shelters (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · How to prepare for and evacuate from tsunamis (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I go back for my belongings once the warning is downgraded to an advisory?

Not yet. Being downgraded to an advisory does not mean the alert has been lifted. Tsunamis come multiple times and later waves can be higher, so stay in a safe evacuation location until warnings and advisories are lifted. Even after the alert is lifted, do not enter areas with restricted access, and follow your accommodation staff’s guidance.

Official sources for this guide

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