Japan consistently ranks among the safest places in the world, and millions of travelers visit each year with complete peace of mind. Still, even in a country known for its reliability and hospitality, being prepared makes every trip smoother. Japan takes traveler safety seriously, so visitors have plenty of tools to rely on.
This article walks you through two of the most important resources for staying safe and prepared in Japan: the Safety tips app—supervised and informed by The Japan Tourism Agency—and travel insurance options to ensure a safe and worry-free trip in Japan. You’ll also find seasonal advice, disaster-preparedness basics, and practical tools that make exploring Japan easier and safer.
Use Safety tips App
One of the most useful digital tools for visitors is Safety tips, a disaster-information app created under the supervision of the Japan Tourism Agency. Its purpose is simple but vital: to provide reliable, real-time disaster and emergency information to international visitors.
Japan is a country where natural events—such as earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic activity—can occur, and this app ensures travelers never feel uninformed or overwhelmed.
What the app provides…
The Safety tips app delivers real-time notifications and alerts for:
- Earthquakes
- Tsunamis
- Volcanic eruptions
- Typhoons and severe weather
- Heatstroke risk levels
- Civil protection information
- Evacuation notices
The app is designed so that even first-time visitors can quickly understand alert levels, recommended actions, and evacuation procedures. This is especially helpful because emergency broadcasts in Japan are often delivered in Japanese first. The app bridges that language gap, instantly.
Multiple language support
To make information accessible to travelers from many regions, the Safety tips app is available in 15 languages, including English, Japanese, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, and Korean.
Coverage continues to expand, making it one of the most traveler-friendly safety tools available anywhere in Asia.
Easy and free to download
You can download the app on smartphones or tablets before or after arriving in Japan, available on:
Whether you’re exploring neon-lit districts in Tokyo or hiking through the serene mountains of Kyushu, having this app in your pocket provides constant reassurance.
Do you need travel insurance?
Many visitors assume that short trips don’t require insurance or that staying healthy and careful is enough. But even in safe countries,
accidents and sudden illnesses can happen. In Japan—where medical care is excellent but can be expensive for travelers—insurance offers vital protection.
Medical costs in Japan
If you need hospital care without insurance, costs can escalate quickly, especially for emergency treatment, overnight stays, or specialist care. For travelers, even a single unexpected medical bill can cause stress and financial strain.
| Examples of unexpected medical costs in Japan | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accident | Medical care | Cost |
| Collision with a bicycle, resulting in traumatic pneumothorax and fractured ribs |
| 7.5 million yen (approx. $48,000) |
| Heart attack |
| 10 million yen (approx. $64,000) |
Because of this, visitors are strongly encouraged to arrange travel insurance before leaving their home country. However, Japan also provides travel insurance that can be purchased after arrival, making it easy for those who forget or decide last-minute.
Protect yourself with Travel Insurance
Private medical insurance offers peace of mind throughout your trip, allowing you to enjoy every moment without worrying about what might go wrong.
If you would like to learn more, please refer to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s materials on travel insurance for international visitors. Safety tips also includes a feature that allows you to search for nearby medical facilities when you need medical care in Japan.
For more details, see: For Safe Travels in Japan – Guide for When You Are Feeling Ill.
Be prepared: Seasonal & disaster safety tips
Japan’s beauty changes dramatically from season to season, and so do the conditions travelers should be mindful of. With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy every moment safely and comfortably.
Pack for the seasons
- Spring & Fall: Weather can vary—prepare a light jacket and an umbrella for sudden rain.
-
Summer (June–September): High humidity means breathable fabrics, quick-dry shirts, and hats are essential.
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Winter (December–February): Northern regions can be extremely cold, so pack layers, warm coats, and heat packs.
Understand earthquake basics
Earthquakes are a part of life in Japan, though most are small. Knowing a few essentials can make a big difference:
- Learn the standard procedure: Drop, Cover, Hold On.
- Identify evacuation routes in hotels or public spaces.
- Understand that train lines may delay or pause temporarily after quakes.
The Safety tips app and local signage will make sure you always know what to do next.
Stay connected
Reliable internet access is one of your best tools for safe travel. Consider:
- A portable Wi-Fi device
- A local SIM card
- An eSIM if your phone is compatible
With constant connectivity, you'll always have access to maps, emergency alerts, and translation tools.
Find out more: Guide to eSIM in Japan
Register your long-term travel plans
If you’re staying in Japan for more than a short vacation, consider registering your travel details with:
- Tabi-Reji, used widely in Japan for foreign visitor safety (Japanese only)
- Your home country’s embassy or consulate
This allows authorities to contact or locate you in the event of a major emergency.
Typhoon season: What to know
Japan’s typhoon season generally runs from June through October, with peak activity in late summer. The experience varies by region, but all travelers should take standard precautions.
Stay alert for warnings
Monitor typhoon advisories from the Japan Meteorological Agency and through the Safety tips app. Alerts will tell you the storm’s expected path, severity, and recommended safety actions.
Check weather forecasts daily
Weather can change rapidly, especially during the rainy season. Before heading out each day, check the forecast for:
- Heavy rain
- Flood risks
- Transportation delays
- Heat advisories (especially in July and August)
Know local evacuation shelters
In public areas, look for the evacuation pictogram. Your hotel or hostel can also tell you where the nearest one is.
Protect important documents
Make copies of everything you need, and store originals—like your passport—in a waterproof pouch. It’s a simple step that can save a lot of trouble during severe weather.
Recap: Travel safely in Japan
Japan is one of the most secure and welcoming travel destinations in the world, but awareness and preparation make your visit even more enjoyable.
Let’s recap the key points of safe travel in Japan:
- Stay informed and prepared:
Japan’s systems are reliable, but knowing what to expect enhances your peace of mind. - Use the Safety tips App:
It’s your go-to resource for real-time alerts, evacuation information, and multilingual support. - Invest in travel insurance:
Protect yourself from unexpected medical costs—whether you buy it before departure or after arrival. - Plan smart. Travel safe. Enjoy Japan.
With the right preparations, your journey will be memorable for all the right reasons.
Whether you're exploring ancient temples, bustling cities, or peaceful countryside landscapes, traveling with preparation and confidence lets you experience Japan at its very best. Safe travels!
