Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Some travelers are even curious to “experience a Japanese earthquake once.” But when a strong quake actually happens, curiosity is not enough. What protects you is calm action and a few simple rules you already know in advance.
As a local guide from Hokkaido, my main message is simple: if an earthquake happens during your trip, focus on three things:
protect your body, turn off fire and heaters, and secure your escape route.
If you remember these three points, you can greatly reduce the risk of serious danger.
Why Are Earthquakes So Common in Japan?
Japan sits on several active tectonic plates, which is why earthquakes happen frequently here. Small tremors occur thousands of times a year, and most Japanese people are used to feeling light shaking in daily life.
- Japan experiences a significant share of the world’s earthquakes.
- Many of these are small and cause no damage.
- Modern buildings in major cities and tourist areas are designed with strict seismic standards.
For locals, a small shake is often “normal.” For a first-time visitor, however, it can be shocking. That is why knowing what to do before it happens is so important.
Earthquake Early Warning: When You Should Be Extra Careful
In Japan, there is a system called Earthquake Early Warning. On your phone, it often appears as a loud alert with a distinctive sound. Understanding this difference helps you judge how serious the situation may be.
If No Earthquake Early Warning Alert Sounds
In many cases, small earthquakes do not trigger an alert on your phone. You may feel light shaking, but:
- You can usually stand without falling.
- Furniture does not move very much.
- People around you stay calm and continue what they are doing.
In this situation, you can stay calm, look around, and simply follow the behavior of local people. It is still good practice to note exits and safe spots, but there is usually no need to panic.
If an Earthquake Early Warning Alert Sounds
If your phone suddenly makes a loud emergency sound in Japan, it is often an Earthquake Early Warning. This means a stronger quake may be about to happen within seconds.
When this alert sounds, treat it as a serious situation. You should:
- Prepare for strong shaking that could be difficult to stand through.
- Immediately protect your body.
- Turn off any fire or open flame if you can do so quickly and safely.
- Secure your escape route by making sure the door can open.
You may only have a short time, so focus on what you can do calmly and efficiently.
Three Essential Actions When an Earthquake Happens
No matter where you are staying – hotel, hostel, or vacation rental (minpaku) – these three actions are the core of staying safe.
1. Protect Your Body: Drop, Cover, Hold
First, think about your body. You cannot do anything else if you are injured.
- Drop down to your hands and knees so you do not fall.
- Cover your head and neck with your arms or a bag, or get under a sturdy table.
- Hold on to something stable until the shaking stops.
- Move away from windows and glass that might break.
- Do not use elevators. They may stop or get stuck during a quake.
These steps are common worldwide, and they are just as important in Japan.
2. Turn Off Fire and Heaters: Prevent a Secondary Disaster
In Japan, there is a very important rule: if you feel shaking, turn off any fire or heat source as soon as it is safe. This is especially critical in vacation rentals and in cold regions like Hokkaido.
- If you are cooking, turn off the gas or electric stove.
- If a heater or stove is on, switch it off right away if you can safely reach it.
- Do not let a heater continue running unattended during strong shaking.
In winter, many places in Hokkaido use powerful heaters and stoves. During an earthquake, objects on shelves or tables may shake and fall, and heaters can be knocked over. A fire caused by this can be even more dangerous than the earthquake itself.
As someone who lives in Hokkaido, I have personally turned off my heater as soon as I felt a strong quake. It is a simple action, but it can literally save lives.
3. Secure Your Escape Route: Make Sure the Door Can Open
Strong earthquakes can slightly deform buildings. When that happens, door frames may shift, and doors can become stuck. If your door cannot open, you may be trapped in your room.
There are two key timings for securing your escape route:
Before the Shaking, If You Have a Few Seconds
If an Earthquake Early Warning alert sounds on your phone, you may have a short time before the main shaking arrives. In that case:
- Calmly walk to the door.
- Open it so that it does not get jammed during the quake.
- Then return to a safe spot and protect your body.
This is the ideal pattern because your escape route is already open when the shaking begins.
After the Shaking Stops, If You Did Not Have Time
If the shaking started suddenly and you did not have time to reach the door:
- Do not move while the shaking is strong. Stay low and protect your head.
- Once the shaking clearly stops, stand up carefully.
- Go to the door and check if it opens.
- If it opens, leave it unlocked or slightly open so you can exit if needed.
If – and only if – you have enough safety margin, you can also gently steady items that look like they will fall and shatter, such as glass cups or bottles on the very edge of a table. The goal is to prevent dangerous broken glass on the floor. However, your own safety always comes first. If you feel any risk, do not touch anything.
During earthquakes in Hokkaido, it is common for items on shelves and tables to shake and nearly fall. Knowing this in advance helps you understand why Japanese people are careful about where they place fragile objects.
If You Are Outside When an Earthquake Hits
Many visitors experience earthquakes not in their room, but while they are walking around a city or sightseeing. In that case, the priorities are slightly different.
Move Away from Things That Can Fall
In Japanese cities, there are many potential falling hazards:
- Signs and billboards
- Glass windows and store fronts
- Outer walls and tiles
- Vending machines
If you feel strong shaking outdoors, look up and around you. Then calmly move away from anything that might fall on you.
Go to an Open or Strong Location
If possible, move to:
- A park or open plaza
- An open area away from buildings
- The inside of a solid, modern station building
Train stations in major cities are generally built with strong structures. Inside, you should still watch for falling signs or ceiling panels, but the overall design is meant to withstand earthquakes.
If You Are Near the Sea: Tsunami Risk in Coastal Areas
If you are near the coast when a strong earthquake occurs, there is another danger to consider: tsunamis. This is especially important in coastal regions of Hokkaido, Tohoku, Shizuoka, and Kyushu.
The basic rule is:
if you are near the sea and feel a strong, long-lasting quake, move to higher ground or a higher floor as soon as it is safe to do so.
In Hokkaido, cities like Hakodate are very close to the sea. When tsunami warnings are issued, local people in coastal areas quickly move to higher places or upper floors of buildings. As a traveler, it is best to:
- Follow hotel or facility staff instructions immediately.
- Use stairs, not elevators, when moving to higher floors.
- Stay calm and move in an orderly way with others.
You do not need to run or push. Japanese staff are trained to guide people during emergencies, so staying calm and following their directions is the safest choice.
What to Do After the Shaking Stops
Once the main shaking is over, take a slow breath and check a few important points.
- Look for broken glass or fallen objects around your feet.
- Turn off any remaining fire or heaters if you have not already.
- Confirm that the door can open and your escape route is clear.
- Use your phone to check reliable news or official apps for information.
- Listen to announcements and follow instructions from hotel or station staff.
If Wi-Fi is unstable, go to the hotel lobby or a major station. Many of these places offer free Wi-Fi and have staff available to help you.
FAQ: Common Questions from Travelers
Will the trains stop?
Yes, they often do. When an earthquake is detected, many trains automatically stop for safety checks. Services may be paused for 10 to 60 minutes or sometimes longer after a major quake. This can be inconvenient, but it is done to keep everyone safe.
Is my hotel safe during a quake?
Most modern hotels in Japan are built with strong seismic standards. In many cases, staying inside the building is safer than rushing outside, where glass or signs could fall. Follow the instructions provided in your room and listen to staff announcements.
Will my sightseeing plans be ruined?
For small earthquakes, daily life usually returns to normal very quickly. Your plans may not change at all. For larger events, trains or flights might be delayed, and some attractions could close temporarily. In that case, check:
- Railway company websites or apps
- Airport and airline information
- Local tourism information centers
Flexibility is important, but even after big quakes, many areas reopen and recover faster than you might expect.
Simple Preparations Before Your Trip
You do not need to be afraid of earthquakes, but a few small preparations can make your trip much safer and more comfortable.
- Enable emergency alerts on your smartphone.
- Check the emergency exit route on your hotel door.
- Keep your passport, some cash, and a card in one small pouch.
- Carry a portable battery so your phone does not die.
- If you visit Hokkaido or northern regions in winter, pack warm clothes and layers.
Local Tips from Takumi in Hokkaido
In Hokkaido, winter earthquakes have an extra challenge: cold. If the heater or power stops after a quake, rooms can become very chilly, especially at night. Having a warm sweater, socks, or a light blanket can make a big difference.
Another thing I often tell visitors is this: in Japanese disasters, people tend to stay calm, line up, and help each other. If you are confused, it is okay to ask someone nearby:
“Is it safe here?” or “What should I do?”
Many people will do their best to help, even if their English is not perfect.
Final Thoughts: You Can Still Enjoy Japan Safely
Earthquakes are a natural part of life in Japan, but they do not have to ruin your trip. By remembering three key actions —
protect your body, turn off fire and heaters, and secure your escape route —
you can respond calmly and avoid the most serious dangers.
As someone who grew up in Hokkaido and has experienced many quakes, my honest advice is this: respect earthquakes, but do not be afraid of them. With a little knowledge and calm behavior, you can still enjoy Japan’s food, scenery, and culture with peace of mind.
