Do you know what to do in the event of an earthquake?

Japan is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and you’ll likely feel very small ones during your travels, however occasionally, earthquakes of higher magnitudes do occur. The country has well-prepared infrastructure and protocols for handling such events, but there are some things you should know, and precautions you should take in order to be prepared for the unlikely event that you’re caught in a large magnitude quake.

Download The Safety Tips app by JNTO. It’s a useful resource for travelers as it provides real-time earthquake information and safety alerts in English, and offering guidance on what to do during and after an earthquake. It's particularly beneficial for tourists without a Japanese phone number to receive early warnings and stay updated on safety measures during their stay in Japan.

If indoors, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, protect your head, and hold on until the shaking stops. If outside, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines, protect your head and neck from falling debris. If in a public place, follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services. Be prepared to evacuate if necessary. If near the coast, immediately find higher ground after the shaking has stopped and remain there until you have been notified that there is no tsunami risk.

Since earthquakes are a regular occurrence in Japan, you’ll commonly find flashlights in case of a power outage, and sometimes even small first aid or emergency kits in your hotel rooms. It’s a good idea to know where they are in case of emergency.