Quick answer
During shaking, protect your head, stay away from glass and falling objects, and follow instructions from hotel, station, shop or attraction staff. After shaking, expect transport checks, save reliable information and avoid rushing into crowded stations without a plan.
- Protect your head and move away from glass if safe.
- Do not run outside during shaking.
- Follow local staff and official instructions.
- Expect train delays or temporary service stops.
- Keep hotel, insurance and emergency contacts offline.
Prepare before something happens
Earthquake preparedness for tourists is mostly about reducing confusion. You may not know the area, the language or the transport network, so your phone and your hotel become important anchors. Save key details before you need them.
What to do during shaking
If you are indoors, avoid rushing for the exit while the shaking is happening. Move away from windows, shelves and objects that may fall if you can do so safely. Protect your head and wait until the shaking stops. In hotels, department stores, museums and stations, staff may guide people after the initial shaking.
If you are outside, move away from building walls, signs, vending machines, glass and other objects that could fall. In crowded places, avoid pushing or running. The safest action is often to pause, protect yourself and listen for instructions rather than making a sudden move.
- Indoors: protect your head and avoid glass or falling objects.
- In a train or station: follow railway staff instructions.
- In a shop or museum: listen to staff and avoid blocking exits.
- Outdoors: move away from walls, signs and unstable objects if safe.
- Near the coast: pay attention to tsunami-related instructions and move to higher ground if told.
After the shaking: expect delays
Even if the shaking is not severe where you are, trains may stop for safety checks. Elevators may pause. Attractions may temporarily close. Your plan for the day may need to change. This is normal, and forcing the original schedule can make the day harder.
Check reliable updates, message your hotel if needed and keep your group together. If you are separated, agree on a simple meeting place such as the hotel lobby or a station information desk. Avoid relying on one app or one route if mobile data is slow.
Common tourist mistakes
- Rushing outside during shaking without checking surroundings.
- Trying to continue a tight itinerary immediately after disruption.
- Having the hotel address only inside an online booking app.
- Letting the phone battery drop during a long day trip.
- Standing in crowded station areas without knowing whether trains are running.
Related Japan travel guides
FAQ
Should I worry about earthquakes every day?No. The goal is not fear; it is simple preparation so you know what to do if something happens.
Will trains stop after an earthquake?They may stop temporarily for safety checks, even if damage is not visible where you are.
What should I save offline?Hotel details, insurance, embassy or consulate information, offline maps and key route screenshots.