Overview
Japan experiences natural disasters — primarily earthquakes and typhoons — with more frequency than many other countries. While Kanagawa Prefecture has excellent infrastructure and disaster-preparedness systems, knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency is essential for a safe trip.
This guide covers the types of natural disasters you may encounter in Kanagawa, how to prepare, what to do during each type of emergency, and how to access help in English.
Natural Disasters in Kanagawa
Earthquakes
Kanagawa sits in an active seismic zone. While most earthquakes are minor tremors that pass without incident, being prepared for a major earthquake is everyone's responsibility.
Earthquake intensity scale used in Japan:
| Scale | Sensation | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Light shaking | No action needed |
| 4 | Moderate shaking, items may move | Stay alert, watch for falling objects |
| 5- (Upper 5) | Strong shaking, difficult to walk | Take cover under sturdy furniture |
| 5+ (Lower 5) | Very strong, furniture falls | Evacuate if in unsafe building |
| 6-7 | Violent shaking, buildings may collapse | Evacuate to open area immediately |
Typhoons
Typhoon season runs from June to October, with peak activity in August and September. Kanagawa's coastal location makes it vulnerable to typhoon landfalls.
Typhoon warning levels:
- Advisory (注意報): Strong winds expected — stay informed
- Warning (警報): Hazardous conditions expected — cancel outdoor plans
- Emergency Warning (特別警報): Extreme danger — evacuate immediately
Tsunamis
A tsunami can follow a large earthquake near the coast. Kanagawa's coastal areas (Shonan beaches, Miura Peninsula, Yokohama waterfront) have tsunami evacuation routes.
Tsunami warning levels:
- Advisory: Waves up to 0.5m — stay away from coast
- Warning: Waves up to 3m — evacuate coastal areas
- Major Warning: Waves over 3m — evacuate to higher ground immediately
Before Your Trip
Essential Preparations
- Download the Safety Tips app — Japan Tourism Agency's official disaster app (English)
- Register with your embassy — free emergency notification service
- Save emergency numbers — 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire)
- Know your hotel's evacuation plan — check the evacuation route map on your hotel room door
- Identify nearby evacuation shelters — use the Safety Tips app or ask your hotel
What to Pack in Your Day Bag
- Water bottle — stay hydrated during emergencies
- Snacks — energy bars or dried food
- Portable charger — keep your phone charged
- Whistle — to signal for help if trapped
- Copy of passport — keep separate from the original
- Emergency cash — ¥10,000-20,000 in small bills
- Hotel business card — shows your hotel address in Japanese
During an Earthquake
If Indoors
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get under a sturdy table or desk
- Stay away from windows — glass can shatter
- Protect your head and neck — use your arms or a cushion
- Do not use elevators — power may fail
- Stay inside — falling debris is a major danger outside
If Outdoors
- Move away from buildings — glass, signs, and bricks may fall
- Move away from utility poles and trees — they can fall
- Find an open space — parks and plazas are safest
- Follow instructions — listen to announcements and police directions
- Beware of tsunamis — if near the coast, move to higher ground immediately
After the Shaking Stops
- Check for injuries — help others if safe to do so
- Turn off gas if you smell it — open windows and evacuate
- Listen for official information — Japanese authorities issue English updates via the Safety Tips app
- Prepare for aftershocks — smaller earthquakes often follow
- Follow evacuation orders — if instructed to evacuate, go to the designated shelter
During a Typhoon
Before the Typhoon Arrives
- Stay indoors — do not go sightseeing
- Stock up on supplies — food, water, batteries (available at convenience stores)
- Charge all devices — power outages may occur
- Secure loose items — bring in anything that could blow away
- Check transportation — trains and buses may suspend service
During the Typhoon
- Stay away from windows and glass doors
- Do not go outside — flying debris is dangerous
- Listen to official information — via TV, radio, or Safety Tips app
- Be prepared for flooding — move to higher floors if water rises
- Do not use elevators — power may fail
After the Typhoon
- Check for damage — inspect your surroundings carefully
- Avoid flooded areas — water may be electrically charged or contaminated
- Check transportation status — railways resume service gradually
- Contact your hotel or embassy — let someone know you are safe
Emergency Shelters in Kanagawa
Finding a Shelter
Emergency shelters (hinanjo) are designated in every neighborhood:
- Schools (gymnasiums)
- Community centers
- Public halls
- Some temples and shrines
How to find the nearest shelter:
- Safety Tips app — shows shelters on a map
- Google Maps — search "避難所" or "evacuation shelter"
- Ask your hotel staff
- Follow signs — yellow and green signs mark shelter locations
Major Evacuation Centers
| Area | Shelter | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Yokohama | Yokohama Arena | 17,000 |
| Yokohama | Yokohama International Stadium | 72,000 |
| Kamakura | Kamakura City Hall | 2,000 |
| Fujisawa | Fujisawa City Gymnasium | 3,500 |
| Hakone | Hakone Town Hall | 1,000 |
Essential Disaster Apps
| App | Features | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Tips | Earthquake/tsunami warnings, shelter finder, weather alerts, emergency phrasebook | English, Chinese, Korean |
| NHK World | Live disaster coverage in English | English |
| Google Maps | Offline maps, shelter search | English |
| Yurekuru Call | Earthquake early warnings (push notifications) | Japanese (useful for alerts) |
🇯🇵 Emergency Japanese Phrases
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake! | 地震です！ | Jishin desu! |
| Tsunami! | 津波です！ | Tsunami desu! |
| Evacuate! | 避難してください！ | Hinan shite kudasai! |
| Is everyone safe? | みんな大丈夫ですか？ | Minna daijōbu desu ka? |
| Where is the shelter? | 避難所はどこですか？ | Hinanjo wa doko desu ka? |
| I need water | 水が必要です | Mizu ga hitsuyō desu |
| I need help | 助けてください | Tasukete kudasai |
Practical notes for visitors
Japan's earthquake early warning system sends alerts to all mobile phones in affected areas. When you hear the distinctive chime (a short, repeating beep), immediately take cover — you typically have 5-30 seconds of warning before shaking begins depending on your distance from the epicenter. The alert will display in English on most modern phones regardless of your language settings.
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) become critical supply points during disasters. They maintain stock of water, food, batteries, and basic medical supplies. After a major earthquake, convenience stores in affected areas often switch to emergency mode — limited purchases, cash only, and priority for those with immediate needs.
If you are separated from your travel companions during a disaster, designate a meeting point outside your hotel. The Tokyo metropolitan area operates a Disaster Message Board (災害用伝言板) service — you can leave and check messages through your mobile carrier's website. The service is available in English through the NTT docomo disaster message board website.
