Do this now

Follow these steps in order.

  1. 01

    Move away from the sea, harbor, beach and river mouth as soon as you can move safely.

  2. 02

    Go uphill or to a designated tsunami evacuation building using posted routes; prioritize height and distance over collecting luggage.

  3. 03

    Follow JMA, local sirens, public announcements and staff instructions without waiting for visual confirmation.

  4. 04

    Remain in the safe location because later waves can arrive and may be larger than the first.

What to know

Strong or long shaking is itself a warning near the coast

A tsunami can arrive before a translated notification. If you are beside the Pacific, Sea of Japan, Seto Inland Sea, an island coast or a river connected to the sea, treat strong shaking or weak but long-lasting shaking as a reason to evacuate.

What to know

A high-rise hotel is not automatically the correct destination

Use an officially designated tsunami evacuation building or the route directed by local authorities when available. A locked building, low floor or structure outside the designated plan may not be safe. Follow signs and staff instead of choosing only by appearance.

What to know

Do not use a car unless authorities direct it

Roads can jam, bridges may be closed and emergency vehicles need access. Walk or use the locally designated method when it is safe and practical. Assist children or companions without blocking the evacuation flow.

What to know

The first wave does not end the danger

Tsunamis consist of multiple waves and the water can continue changing for hours. Do not return for photos, luggage or a vehicle. Wait for an official cancellation, not a quiet-looking shoreline.

If that does not work

Use the fallback.

  • If you cannot identify a route, move inland and upward while following people, signs, sirens and staff toward an announced safe place.
  • If stairs are difficult, alert staff or nearby people immediately and use the facility's accessible evacuation plan.
  • If mobile service fails, continue evacuating; connectivity is secondary to reaching safety.

Before you need it

Save this offline.

  • Whether each hotel is in a coastal or tsunami-inundation area
  • Nearest posted high-ground route or designated evacuation building
  • Safety tips app and JMA tsunami guidance
  • Small grab bag with medication, water and power bank

Primary evidence

Official sources used

Open these pages again before travel. External links lead to the responsible Japanese authority or transport organization.

Japan Meteorological Agency — Earthquake and tsunami safety guidanceOfficial multilingual safety card covering shaking, tsunami warnings and Japan's seismic intensity scale.
Japan Meteorological Agency — Emergency WarningsOfficial action guidance for major tsunami warnings and other emergency warnings.
Japan Meteorological Agency — Earthquake and tsunami monitoringOfficial explanation of earthquake observation, seismic intensity information, early warnings and tsunami warnings.
JNTO — Staying safe in JapanOfficial visitor guidance for earthquakes, coastal evacuation, emergency information and preparation.