Earthquake Safety Tips for Visitors to Japan

First of all, we would like to express our deepest sympathy to everyone affected by the recent earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture. We sincerely hope that everyone can return to their normal lives as soon as possible. 🕊️✨

Recently, we had guests from overseas who had booked a snorkeling tour with us. Unfortunately, they were staying in Kumamoto when the earthquake struck. Train services were suspended, and they were unable to travel to Yakushima. 

Even for Japanese people, this was a very frightening earthquake. I can only imagine how terrifying it must have been for visitors traveling in a foreign country, especially where English is not widely spoken. Thinking about what they must have experienced truly broke my heart. 💔

Because of this, I wanted to share some crucial information that may help international visitors if they experience a natural disaster while traveling in Japan. 👇

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🚨 What to do during an earthquake

・Stay calm.
・Protect your head and neck.
・If you are indoors, get under a sturdy table or desk if possible.
・Stay away from windows, glass, shelves, cabinets, and furniture that could fall over.
・If it is safe to do so, turn off any open flames.
・After the shaking stops, open a door if it is safe to secure an exit.
・Do not use elevators.
・If you are near the coast and a tsunami warning is issued, leave the coast immediately and move to higher ground.
・Follow the instructions of hotel staff or local authorities.

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🏝️ If You Are Traveling to Yakushima

Yakushima is generally less affected by earthquakes than many other parts of Japan because of its geological characteristics. ⛰️

However, tsunamis are a serious risk after large offshore earthquakes. If a tsunami warning is issued, do not stay near the beach or the harbor. Move to higher ground immediately without waiting.🦺🌊

Yakushima Town provides an official Disaster Preparedness Handbook & Hazard Map in English. It includes tsunami hazard maps, evacuation shelters, evacuation routes, and other important emergency information. We highly recommend checking it before your trip! 👀📖

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🌐 Official English Resources & Apps

① Yakushima Disaster Preparedness Handbook & Hazard Map (English)
👉 Official Link

② JNTO Safety Tips for Travelers
👉 Official Link

📱 Highly Recommended App: “Safety Tips” (JNTO)
A free app available for both iPhone and Android. It provides earthquake early warnings, tsunami warnings, weather alerts, evacuation information, and other emergency notifications in multiple languages. Please download it before your journey! ✨

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I hope this information will be helpful to anyone traveling in Japan. 🇯🇵🌟

As a diving guide in Yakushima, the safety of everyone visiting this beautiful island is always my top priority. I hope this information helps all travelers feel more prepared and confident during their stay. 🤿🐢

Most of all, I sincerely hope that you will never need to use any of these resources and that you can simply enjoy a safe and wonderful trip to Japan! 🥰🌈

Stay safe, and enjoy your journey! 🌏✨

📩 Safe & Fun Family Adventures in Yakushima👇

👉 https://yakushimaisland.kaiolohia.com/

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📍Yakushima Island, Japan
Marine Club Kaiolohia

Kaiolohia 屋久島ダイビングガイド マリンクラブ カイオロヒア

Web：https://kaiolohia.com/
YouTube：https://www.youtube.com/@maitan89