When traveling in Japan, many people may feel concerned about earthquakes. Japan is known as an earthquake-prone country, and large earthquakes occur frequently. Tragically, many lives have been lost due to these earthquakes.
While the chance of experiencing an earthquake during your trip is not zero, it is impossible to predict exactly when one will occur. Unfortunately, we cannot prevent an earthquake from happening.
However, by knowing how to respond properly during an earthquake, you can significantly reduce the risk of harm and increase your chances of staying safe. In fact, with the right actions, you can avoid injuries and even save your life.
In this article, we will share what to do if you experience an earthquake while in Japan. We hope this information will be helpful during your travels.
Japan and Earthquakes: Why They Happen So Often
Japan experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location on multiple tectonic plate boundaries. When these plates shift and collide, they create intense seismic activity. One of these major fault lines runs directly through Japan, making the country highly prone to earthquakes.
Over the past 15 years, Japan has experienced several major earthquakes, some of which have resulted in significant loss of life. Smaller earthquakes occur even more frequently—in 2024 alone, over 3,000 tremors strong enough to be felt were recorded.
(At the end of this article, you’ll find a list of major earthquakes that have occurred in Japan over the past 15 years.)
Scientists continuously study future earthquake risks, and in March 2025, new predictions were released. One major concern is the Nankai Trough Earthquake, which has an estimated 80% chance of occurring within the next 30 years. In the worst-case scenario, this disaster could claim up to 300,000 lives.
Because of these ongoing risks, Japan has developed extensive disaster preparedness measures to minimize damage and protect lives.
What to Do If You Experience an Earthquake Indoors in Japan
(Note: This advice is based on Japan’s earthquake-resistant buildings. In some countries, staying inside during an earthquake may be dangerous due to weaker structures.)
Immediate Actions to Take:
- Take cover under a sturdy table.
- Protect your head and move near a wall if no cover is available.
- Open a door to ensure an escape route.
- Stay put and wait for the shaking to stop.
- Never use an elevator.
Why These Steps Are Important:
During an earthquake, furniture can topple over, and ceiling fixtures may fall. If possible, take cover under a table to shield yourself from falling debris. If there’s no table nearby, use a bag or your arms to protect your head and move close to a wall.
If you’re in a hotel room, open the door once the shaking subsides. Earthquakes can sometimes warp door frames, making them difficult to open, which could trap you inside.
Major earthquakes can last for several minutes. For instance, during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, strong shaking persisted for about three minutes in many areas. Do not run outside immediately. Instead, stay in a safe spot inside until the shaking stops. Many injuries occur due to falling lights, broken glass, or collapsing furniture.
Never Use an Elevator During an Earthquake
Most elevators in Japan are designed to stop automatically when they detect an earthquake. Even if an elevator is still moving, it could suddenly halt, trapping you inside. In the worst-case scenario, fires or other hazards could make it life-threatening. Always take the stairs when evacuating.
What to Do If You Experience an Earthquake Near the Coast in Japan
Tsunamis Are the Real Danger
- 90% of fatalities in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake were caused by the tsunami, not the earthquake itself.
- Tsunamis can arrive as soon as 10 minutes after an earthquake.
- The highest recorded tsunami during the 2011 disaster reached approximately 40 meters (131 feet)—the height of a 15-story building.
Immediate Actions to Take
If you’re near the coast when an earthquake strikes, assume a tsunami is coming and evacuate immediately to higher ground.
In the 2011 disaster, the tsunami took 30–40 minutes to reach some areas. However, during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the tsunami arrived in just 10–15 minutes. Since tsunami arrival times vary depending on the earthquake’s location and strength, do not wait for official warnings—evacuate as quickly as possible.
How High Should You Go?
The 2011 tsunami reached 40 meters (131 feet) in some areas, proving that small buildings near the shore are not safe. While the exact height of a tsunami depends on many factors, avoid assuming a second-floor building will provide sufficient protection. Always move to the highest ground possible.
What to Do If You Experience an Earthquake in the Mountains of Japan
Landslides Are a Major Hazard
- Even after the shaking stops, unstable slopes can still collapse.
- Over 2,000 landslides occurred during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, resulting in multiple fatalities.
- 40 out of approximately 500 deaths in that disaster were caused by landslides.
Immediate Actions to Take
Unlike coastal areas, mountain regions are not at risk of tsunamis. However, earthquakes in these areas can trigger landslides and rockfalls. The shaking can loosen soil and cause hillsides to collapse, putting anyone nearby in danger.
If you’re in a mountainous area during an earthquake, move away from cliffs, steep slopes, and loose rocks immediately. If it’s raining or has rained in the past few days, the risk of landslides increases significantly.
Even after the earthquake ends, landslides can still occur. If the ground is already saturated with water, slopes may continue to weaken and collapse. Stay away from cliffs and steep areas, even after the shaking stops.
Useful Resources for Earthquake Information in Japan
- Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
The JMA provides real-time earthquake updates in English and other languages.
Visit the JMA Website - Safety Tips App
The Japan Tourism Agency offers a smartphone app with emergency alerts and disaster preparedness information.
Download Safety Tips - NHK World Japan
NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, provides 24-hour English-language news coverage, including disaster updates.
Visit NHK World Japan
Earthquakes in Japan with Fatalities Since 2010
(The Number of fatalities includes individuals who passed away due to worsening injuries or illnesses caused by physical strain related to the earthquake.)
| Date | Affected Area | Magnitude | Number of Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 11, 2011 | Miyagi, Fukushima, Aomori, Iwate, etc | 9.0 | 19,775 |
| March 12, 2011 | Nagano, Niigata | 6.7 | 3 |
| April 7, 2011 | Miyagi | 7.2 | 4 |
| April 11, 2011 | Fukushima | 7.0 | 4 |
| June 30, 2011 | Nagano | 5.4 | 1 |
| March 14, 2012 | Chiba | 6.1 | 1 |
| December 7, 2012 | Miyagi, Fukushima, Aomori, Iwate | 7.3 | 1 |
| April 14, 2016 | Kumamoto | 7.3 | 273 |
| June 18, 2018 | Osaka | 6.1 | 6 |
| September 6, 2018 | Hokkaido | 6.7 | 43 |
| February 13, 2021 | Fukushima | 7.3 | 1 |
| March 16, 2022 | Fukushima | 7.4 | 4 |
| May 5, 2023 | Ishikawa | 6.5 | 1 |
| January 1, 2024 | Ishikawa | 7.6 | 515 |