Preparedness for (natural) disasters

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In contrast to Belgium, Japan regularly experiences natural disasters. Depending on the season and the region, there is a real chance that Belgian tourists and residents will have to contend with earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and so on. It is therefore extremely important that you are well prepared to minimize the risks and be able to react as quickly as possible.

Types of natural disasters


Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions


Japan is located in a very active seismic and volcanic area. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can also cause tidal waves (tsunamis). As recent natural phenomena and earthquakes have shown, some buildings and roads in Japan are not earthquake resistant. Power cuts can also temporarily leave you without running water, and interruptions in rail and road traffic are not impossible.

Hurricanes (typhoons)


Hurricane season begins in July and lasts until early November. Depending on where you are, it can also start earlier or end later. The high wind speeds can cause significant damage to your home, but also to the infrastructure. Power cuts can also temporarily leave you without running water, and interruptions in rail and road traffic are not impossible.

Heavy rain or snowfall


Seasonally heavy rain or snowfall also sometimes occurs. Heavy rain can cause landslides and flooding, and due to the heavy snow, it is possible that there will be interruptions in rail, air, and road traffic, among others.

Disasters like this cannot be prevented, but you can minimize the risks of damage or injury by

  • keep up to date with the weather conditions at all times;
  • in the event of a (natural) disaster, follow the instructions (e.g. evacuation order) of the Japanese authorities;
  • Have a contingency plan ready and be prepared for different scenarios.


How can you stay informed?


Following the local news and weather forecast is a very good start. In addition to the usual Japanese information, NHK World's website also has a Multilingual Emergency Updates page. It is also very important that you familiarize yourself with the specific natural disasters that are more common in your area (see "Risks in your area" below).

There is also a range of apps that can provide early warnings about impending natural disasters. Some examples include Yurekuru Call for earthquakes, the Safety Tips for Travelers app, the Tokyo Disaster Preparedness app, or the NHK World app for all types of disasters, among others. You can follow the volcanic activity on this website of the JMA: Volcanic Warnings


Risks in your environment


When you move to a new region, city, or neighborhood, it is recommended to look up the most common natural disasters.

  • J-SHIS Map: a map that shows the probability of an earthquake depending on the region.
  • JMA Risk Map: a map that shows the probability of a landslide, heavy rainfall, or flooding in real time.
  • MLIT Disaster Prevention Portal: information on possible damage, hazard maps and possible natural disasters, sorted by type of natural disaster or region.
  • Municipal websites and magazines: Each municipality or city has a detailed hazard map that indicates which neighborhoods and zones are subject to which risks and where you can evacuate to. You can usually find this map on the municipality's website and/or in the magazine published by the municipality. If you have not (yet) received this magazine, you can always contact the municipality. An example of such a web page is: Hazard Map Chiyoda City


How can you prepare?


A natural disaster cannot be prevented, but proper preparation for a potential disaster can save lives. It is strongly advised to have an evacuation kit ready in case you need to evacuate, and enough potable water and food rations to get you through at least 3 days without outside help. A first aid kit is also essential. The links below can serve as a good first source to prepare you and your environment as well as possible for a (natural) disaster.

It is also strongly recommended to actively participate in the emergency drills of your neighborhood, workplace, or school. You can also make an emergency plan for your family or group. For example, discuss what you will do if each family member is elsewhere during a disaster. Does everyone stay where they are, or do you meet at a pre-arranged place? What if you can't get in touch with each other? Do you know important phone numbers and addresses from outside? Try to prepare as well as possible, and make clear plans for different scenarios.

In the event of a (natural) disaster


There was a natural disaster (or one is on the way), and you're not sure what's next. Your first and best source of information will be the local authorities. You can get updates through the (local) news, radio, twitter accounts and websites of your local government, and so on. In some cases, it is recommended to evacuate. In that case, you can use apps such as Japan Shelter Guide, or your city's website (for example: Evacuation shelters in Chiyoda City), to find a suitable evacuation shelter.


Medical assistance

Illustration d'une carte du monde avec un avion qui décolle

Travelling in Japan

All the useful information if you are travelling to Japan.