Disasters · Typhoon

If a Typhoon Approaches During Your Japan Trip

First check whether evacuation guidance has been issued for your lodging's area. If you're in a dangerous place, evacuate before the wind and rain strengthen. If roads are already flooded or fierce wind and rain make going outside hard, don't push on to the airport or a distant shelter. Move to a less dangerous spot where you are now, and follow your lodging staff's guidance and on-site announcements. Check separately whether your booked flights and trains are running.

Official sources checked: 2026-10-12

If the wind and rain are strong right now

Stop sightseeing and stay away from the coast and swollen rivers. Inside a building, stay away from glass windows.
If an evacuation order has been issued for your area, evacuate immediately from dangerous places. People who need more time to evacuate, and those assisting them, must start moving at level 3 if they're in a dangerous place.
If roads are flooded or moving is dangerous in fierce wind and rain, don't try to reach a distant shelter. If you can, move to a less dangerous place than where you are now — for example, an upper floor of a sturdy building away from rivers and slopes.
Don't go outside just because the wind and rain suddenly calm. Strong winds can return after the typhoon's eye passes.

Official sources: Fukuoka City · What to do when a typhoon approaches (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Weather information and when to evacuate (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Who should evacuate at level 3 and what to do (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) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

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 is being announced and which areas or zones it covers.

計画運休

Meaning A notice that train operations will be suspended in advance for a typhoon or similar.

What to do Find your travel date and line in the notice, plus the suspended sections and times. Secure lodging before then and change your travel plans.

This does not mean all trains run before the suspension, or that they resume the next morning. 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 People who need more time to evacuate should evacuate first.

What to do At level 3, older adults, people with disabilities, infants and small children, and those assisting them should evacuate if they're in dangerous places in the target area.

This is a level 3 notice. Others should also prepare to evacuate, and evacuate 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 Everyone in dangerous places must evacuate.

What to do If where you are is a dangerous place in the target area, evacuate immediately. If roads 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 area names together with it.

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

緊急安全確保

Meaning A disaster has already happened or is imminent — protect yourself right now.

What to do Move immediately to a less dangerous place within your reach. If going outside is more dangerous, don't try to move to a distant shelter.

This is level 5. Don't wait until now to evacuate. Upper floors and sturdy buildings are not always safe either.

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 A level 4 danger warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

What to do Check the hazard map around your lodging and local evacuation guidance. If you're in a dangerous place, evacuate early without waiting only for the municipality's order.

The JMA's flood risk information and the municipality's evacuation orders serve different roles. Not every warning — including 暴風警報 (storm warning) — belongs to 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?

First look at when wind and rain will strengthen in your area, whether you can stay at your lodging, and whether your round-trip transportation is operating. A typhoon alone is no basis for canceling your whole Japan trip — or for deciding it's fine to continue.

If you planned to visit the beach or move to another city when wind and rain strengthen, it's better to cut or postpone those plans. If stopped transportation could keep you from reaching your lodging, contact your lodging and booking providers before departure. Ask whether you can change dates or cancel, and what it costs.

If you're already in Japan, ask your lodging's staff where to get evacuation guidance and where to go inside the building. Charge your phone and portable battery, and prepare water and food before going outside gets difficult.

Check the Japan Meteorological Agency's forecast for your lodging and travel areas. Check when the forecast was issued first, and don't apply a saved track image to today's plans as-is.
Use your lodging's address to find the hazard map showing local disaster risks. Check for flooding risk, landslide risk on slopes, and storm-surge risk during a typhoon. Decide where to evacuate and the route there before wind and rain strengthen.
Check the airline's website or app with your travel date and flight number to see if your flight departs. For trains, check the railway company's website for whether your line and section are running. Also look for planned service-suspension notices issued in advance for the typhoon.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · How to read a typhoon track map (in Japanese) ↗ · Fukuoka City · What to do when a typhoon approaches (in Japanese) ↗ · JMA Miyakojima Local Meteorological Office · Points to note when preparing for a typhoon (in Japanese) ↗ · JR West · Planned train service suspensions (in Japanese) ↗ · JAL · How to change or refund international flights when schedules change or flights are canceled (in Japanese) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

What Should I Look for in a Typhoon Track Map?

Read the white dotted circle together with your lodging area's forecast. The white dotted circle is the expected range the typhoon's center may enter. It does not show the typhoon's size or how far rain will reach.

A typhoon doesn't follow the drawn line exactly. When reading the map, distinguish the forecast's issued time from the expected arrival time. Tracks can change, so recheck the latest forecast.

Rain clouds exist outside the typhoon too. Moist air from the typhoon can further develop rain clouds along nearby fronts — a front is the boundary where different air masses meet. So heavy rain can fall far from the typhoon's center. Don't feel safe just because your lodging is off the track line.

The JMA tells you how dangerous rain and wind will get. Cities and wards tell you who in which area should evacuate and when. Don't read only the JMA forecast — read your lodging area's evacuation guidance too.

JMA diagram of a typhoon's eye, eyewall, and inner/outer rain bands — In the diagram, 眼 is the typhoon's eye, and 眼の壁 is the wall around it. 内側降雨帯 and 外側降雨帯 are the inner and outer rain bands. Rain clouds extend beyond the center. This is not a map of any current typhoon's position or size.
Credit: Japan Meteorological Agency, "台風に伴う雨の特性" · PDL1.0 · used unmodified · Terms of use
Source & terms checked: 2026-10-12

When Should I Evacuate from My Lodging?

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

Check whether your lodging is in an area named in the evacuation guidance. If your lodging is in a low-lying flood-prone spot or near a slope, ask staff where and how to evacuate. A tall building doesn't mean you can simply stay put.

If roads are already flooded or moving is dangerous in strong wind, don't cross them to reach a shelter. Move to a less dangerous place you can reach now, like an upper floor of a sturdy building away from rivers and slopes. Sheltering indoors like this is what to do once going outside gets hard — not a reason to wait until it does.

A shelter being on the map doesn't mean it's open now. Check city or ward notices for whether it's a place that avoids the current danger — like flooding or storm surge — and whether it's currently open. You can also ask your lodging staff or on-site evacuation staff.

Level 3 · People who should evacuate early / 高齢者等避難

Older adults, people with disabilities, infants and small children — anyone who needs more time to evacuate — and those assisting them should evacuate early if they're in a dangerous place. Others should cut non-urgent outings and prepare to evacuate.

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

Everyone in dangerous places in the target area must evacuate immediately. If the JMA has already issued level-4-equivalent information, don't just wait for the city or ward 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

A disaster has already happened or may happen soon — lives are at risk. It may be hard to evacuate far, so move immediately to a less dangerous place you can reach now.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Weather information and when to evacuate (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Who should evacuate at level 3 and what to do (in Korean) ↗ · JNTO · What to do when a level 4 evacuation order is issued (in Korean) ↗ · Fukuoka City · What to do when a typhoon approaches (in Japanese) ↗ · JMA Miyakojima Local Meteorological Office · Points to note when preparing for a typhoon (in Japanese) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Which Places Should I Avoid When Wind and Rain Are Strong?

Stop non-urgent outings. Inside a building, stay away from glass windows; outside, avoid the coast, swollen rivers, and slopes. If roads aren't flooded and crossing is safe, take shelter in a nearby sturdy building.

If you're at your lodging or in a shop

Stay away from glass windows and move where staff direct you. Don't go out to secure balcony items or film outside. If there's flooding risk or an evacuation order is issued, don't just stay inside the building.

If you're in an underground mall or subway station

Move early if water may enter or staff direct you to evacuate. Follow staff guidance to move above ground — a place where you can avoid flooding — before water comes in. Don't go underground to escape wind and rain. Once water starts flowing down the stairs, climbing up gets hard.

If you're at the beach, a river, or on a mountain road

Don't go close to watch big waves or swollen water. Avoid slopes and cliff areas too. High waves can continue at the coast even after the typhoon passes.

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

Official sources: Fukuoka City · What to do when a typhoon approaches (in Japanese) ↗ · Osaka City · What to watch for underground in heavy rain (in Japanese) ↗ · JMA Miyakojima Local Meteorological Office · Points to note when preparing for a typhoon (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Typhoon winds and the eye (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Weather information and when to evacuate (in Japanese) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Who Do I Ask If Flights or Trains Stop?

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

If you're already at a station or the airport, follow announcements, departure boards, and staff guidance. When asking, give your reservation number and flight or train name plus where you're staying.

If a planned service suspension is announced, ask first whether you can keep staying at your lodging. It's better to postpone onward travel until the railway company's guidance changes. Check separately whether you can take other transportation, and whether trains will run the next day.

Check whether your booked flight departs

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

Check when trains start stopping

If a planned service suspension (計画運休) notice is out, check the date, line, suspended sections, and scheduled start time. It's advance notice for major expected typhoon disruption. Don't plan to sightsee until then and catch the last train back.

Check whether you can reach the airport

Check each operator's website for whether the trains and buses from your lodging to the airport are running. Stopped trains don't mean you can immediately catch a taxi or travel safely by road. If moving is dangerous, first tell the airline and where you bought your ticket about your situation.

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

Can I resume traveling right after the typhoon passes?

Don't leave right away just because it's calm outside. Read local weather information and evacuation guidance first, then decide your next plans after checking whether you can stay at your lodging and whether your flights, trains, and buses are operating.

If you need to change or cancel reservations, contact your lodging and booking providers. Ask separately whether you can cancel for free, whether seats are available on other flights, and whether extra lodging costs are covered. A typhoon doesn't guarantee everything. Keep your updated reservation records and guidance messages. For travel insurance, ask your insurer what documents you need and how to file.

First check how local evacuation guidance has changed. Danger can remain from high waves or rain even after the typhoon's center moves away. Don't go sightseeing at the coast, rivers, or slopes.
Ask your lodging's staff whether you can keep staying, whether water and electricity work, and whether coming and going is a problem. If you can't stay at your lodging, ask local staff to direct you to a shelter or a place to stay.
Recheck whether your booked flights and the trains and buses to the airport are running. Trains don't resume just because the rain stops. Don't head to the station based only on a planned-resumption notice — move according to actual operating guidance.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Why it rains far from the typhoon's center (in Japanese) ↗ · JMA Miyakojima Local Meteorological Office · Points to note when preparing for a typhoon (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Weather information and when to evacuate (in Japanese) ↗ · JR West · Planned train service suspensions (in Japanese) ↗ · JAL · How to change or refund international flights when schedules change or flights are canceled (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Visitor hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Who Do I Call If I'm Hurt or Need Help?

Call 119 in Japan if you urgently need an ambulance or the fire department. If disaster-related trouble comes up during your trip and you'd like assistance in English, you can contact the JNTO Visitor Hotline.

The JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline is 050-3816-2787 within Japan and +81-50-3816-2787 from abroad. It's open 24 hours every day in Korean, English, and Chinese for questions about accidents, illness, and disasters. If you need an emergency response, call 119 first, not here.

Once connected, say your lodging's name and address, where you are now, and what help you need. The shelter guide below shows how to find a shelter and ask staff for water, medication, or an interpreter. Supplies and interpreters aren't always available.

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

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Is it fine if my lodging is off the typhoon's track?

Don't feel safe just because you're off the track line. The circles on the forecast map show the expected range of the typhoon's center — not how far rain reaches. Heavy rain can fall far from the center. Read your lodging area's weather information together with city or ward evacuation guidance.

Can I go outside if the wind suddenly dies down?

Don't go outside just because it calms briefly. Inside the typhoon's eye the wind can weaken and the sky can clear, but strong winds can return from the opposite direction after the eye passes. Move according to your area's latest weather information and evacuation guidance.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Typhoon winds and the eye (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Weather information and when to evacuate (in Japanese) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

Can I stay at my lodging until an evacuation order comes out?

If you're in a dangerous place, don't just wait for an evacuation order. If the JMA has issued level 3 or 4 equivalent information, look at the danger where you are and your evacuation route, and move early. People who need more time to evacuate — older adults, people with disabilities, infants and small children — and those assisting them should start evacuating at level 3 if they're in a dangerous place.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Weather information and when to evacuate (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Who should evacuate at level 3 and what to do (in Korean) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

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

Don't take shelter in underground spaces where water may enter. If water pours down the stairs, getting back above ground gets hard. If you're already underground, follow staff guidance and evacuate early before water comes in.

Official sources: Osaka City · What to watch for underground in heavy rain (in Japanese) ↗
Source checked: 2026-10-12

If my flight is said to depart, can I head to the airport?

Check whether trains and buses to the airport are running and whether the route is safe. Even if your flight departs, transportation to the airport may be stopped. If moving is dangerous or transportation is cut, don't force your way out — tell the airline and where you bought your ticket about your situation and ask how to change your booking.

Can I cancel flights and lodging for free with just a typhoon forecast?

Not every reservation can be canceled for free. Ask the airline whether different change/refund rules apply to your booked flight, and ask where you bought your ticket about the procedure. Lodging has different booking terms, so contact them separately. If your flight is canceled, ask the airline and the seller how to change or refund that flight.

Official sources: JAL · How to change or refund international flights when schedules change or flights are canceled (in Japanese) ↗
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 transportation operators' latest notices.