A recent earthquake in northern Japan left many travelers asking the same question: Is it safe to travel to Japan?
For families traveling with young children, the idea of experiencing a natural disaster in a foreign country can be overwhelming. However, earthquakes are a normal part of life in Japan, and the country is exceptionally well prepared for them. Hotels, in particular, are designed and operated with earthquake safety in mind.
Image source: https://typhoon.yahoo.co.jp/weather/jp/earthquake/
Before canceling your trip, here’s what you should know about hotel earthquake safety in Japan, what to do during a major quake, and which resources can help you stay prepared.
How Prepared Are Hotels in Japan for Earthquakes?
Japan sits on multiple tectonic plates, making earthquake preparedness a top priority in everyday life.
All modern buildings, including hotels, are required to meet strict earthquake-resistance standards. The introduction of the shin-taishin (新耐震基準) building codes in the early 1980s further reinforced this. Buildings constructed or retrofitted under these standards are designed to withstand strong seismic activity, including major earthquakes.
Beyond construction standards, hotels take additional steps to protect guests with…
- Emergency response protocols for earthquakes and other natural disasters
- Staff training for evacuation guidance and guest safety
- Emergency food and drinking water usable without electricity
- Backup lighting and communication systems at many properties
What to Do If a Large Earthquake Hits While Staying at a Hotel?
If you experience a strong earthquake in Japan (generally shindo 5 or higher), staying calm and following the proper procedures is essential.
What You Should Do
- Check your surroundings for falling or breakable objects such as lights, shelves, and windows
- Take cover under a sturdy object (desk or table) and protect your head and neck
- Wait for hotel staff instructions after the shaking stops; many hotels are able to make building-wide announcements via built-in broadcast systems
- Watch for signs of fire, especially from gas appliances and neighboring buildings
- If instructed to remain in your room, prop the door and a window open to prevent them from jamming due to aftershocks
What You Should NOT Do
- Do not stand in a doorway, a common myth; doorways are not structurally safer
- Do not rush outside immediately unless instructed; debris, power lines, and falling objects pose serious risks
- Do not attempt to carry all your belongings during evacuation; take only essentials like passports, wallets, and phones
Additional Earthquake Safety Facts Travelers Should Know
- Elevators often stop automatically during strong earthquakes—use the stairs
- Gas supply systems frequently shut off as a fire safety measure
- Fires and secondary disasters (not the shaking itself) are often the greatest danger
- Hotel staff are trained to coordinate evacuations and local response—follow their instructions
Japan uses the Shindo Scale, which measures shaking intensity rather than magnitude. This provides clearer guidance on expected damage and safety response.
Emergency Resources for Travelers in Japan
Below I list some highly recommend resources:
- Japan Shelter App – Nationwide evacuation shelter database
- Tokyo Evacuation Maps (English PDF)
- Kyoto Evacuation Map (English PDF)
- Osaka Disaster Prevention & Evacuation Sites (Japanese Website)
Knowing where evacuation sites are located before an emergency gives you peace of mind.
So, Is Japan Safe to Visit?
Yes—Japan is one of the safest countries in the world when it comes to earthquake preparedness, especially in hotels.
A major Earthquake may occur tomorrow or decades from now. What matters is preparation. Japanese hotels do their best to protect their guests with strong building codes, trained hotel staff, and clear evacuation systems.
Don’t let the possibility of an earthquake stop you from visiting Japan. Informing yourself is the best safety measure you can take.
Have any questions or insight requests about hotels in Japan? Feel free to contact me below:
