Japan experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes per year — most imperceptible, some noticeable, and occasionally major. Understanding what to expect and what to do removes anxiety and prepares you for the (unlikely) scenario of experiencing a significant one.
How Common Are Earthquakes?
Japan sits at the intersection of four tectonic plates and accounts for 20% of the world's major earthquakes. Small tremors (magnitude 2–4) occur several times per week in Tokyo and Osaka — most are felt as a brief swaying sensation lasting a few seconds. Magnitude 5–6 earthquakes occur several times per year in populated areas. These can feel dramatic but rarely cause structural damage to modern buildings. Major earthquakes (M7+) are statistically uncommon but not rare — the last major ones: Great East Japan Earthquake (2011, M9.0) and Kobe (1995, M6.9).
Japan's Safety Infrastructure
Japan has the world's most earthquake-resilient building standards. Modern buildings (post-1981, when codes were significantly strengthened) use base isolation and damping systems that absorb seismic energy. Hotels and most tourist infrastructure were built under these strict modern codes. The shinkansen automatically stops before shaking reaches the tracks — no derailments have ever occurred from earthquakes since the system opened in 1964. Emergency alert system: your phone will receive a loud Japanese-language warning approximately 10–30 seconds before shaking arrives — this is Japan's excellent early warning system.
What to Do During an Earthquake
Indoors: Get under a sturdy table or desk. Move away from windows and tall furniture that could topple. In a hotel room: get low, cover your head. Do NOT run outside during shaking — falling glass from buildings is the main risk. Outdoors: Move away from buildings, utility poles, and walls. Crouch and cover your head. Elevator: Most elevators automatically stop at the nearest floor during seismic activity — exit and take stairs. Do not use elevators after a significant earthquake until inspected. Coastal areas: If a major earthquake is felt near the coast, move inland and to higher ground immediately — don't wait for an official tsunami warning.
After an Earthquake
If you feel a significant earthquake: check for structural damage before moving (cracks, shifted walls). Gas leaks: turn off the stove, don't light flames, open windows. Follow instructions from hotel staff — they train for these scenarios. NHK World (English-language TV/app) provides immediate updates on earthquake intensity and any tsunami alerts.
Practical Preparation
Keep phone charged (phone battery matters for alerts and communication). Know your hotel's emergency exits. Download the Safety Tips app (JNTO official app) — provides earthquake, tsunami, and weather alerts in English. Keep ¥5,000 in cash separate from your wallet — ATMs and payment systems can go offline briefly after major quakes.