Tsunami and Evacuation Shelters

If you feel a strong earthquake near the sea, or a tsunami warning or major tsunami warning is issued, immediately move away from the sea or rivers to higher, safer ground.

Sometimes you should evacuate without waiting for a warning

If you are near the coast and feel:

• A strong tremor
• Even a weak but long tremor

start evacuating without waiting for a tsunami warning.

A tsunami warning may not arrive in time right after an earthquake.

Where should you go?

Evacuate to higher, safer ground such as high land or a tsunami evacuation building.

Even if you are away from the sea, a tsunami can travel along a river.

Check your evacuation site on a hazard map beforehand, as a normal precaution.

Once you evacuate, don't go back

Tsunamis come repeatedly.

Keep evacuating until the tsunami warning or advisory is lifted.

Don't go back home to get belongings, and don't go to look at the sea.

"Evacuation site" and "evacuation shelter"

Depending on the municipality, these roles are sometimes divided as follows:

• Evacuation site: a place to temporarily protect your life from a disaster
• Evacuation shelter: a place where people who cannot live at home stay for a period of time

The suitable evacuation site can differ depending on the type of disaster.

When you get to an evacuation shelter

Follow the guidance from the reception desk or municipal staff.

Let them know if you need support, such as for medication, allergies, a disability, pregnancy, or a young child.

What you can check next

• An earthquake has happened
• Basics of disasters and disaster preparedness in Japan
• Viewing disaster information in a foreign language

Main places to check

• Japan Meteorological Agency
• Your municipality

Last checked: August 2026