Atami Earthquake & Tsunami Guide: What to do in an Emergency
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Earthquakes can occur in Japan, but knowing the right actions to take can make all the difference. This guide is designed to help you stay safe and act calmly during your visit to Atami.
1. Immediate Action: If an Earthquake Occurs
Protect yourself first. Your safety is the top priority.
DROP! (Get low to the ground)
COVER! (Protect your head)
HOLD ON! (Stay still until the shaking stops)
Safety Tips by Location:
Indoors: Take shelter under a sturdy table. Do not rush outside in a panic, as falling glass or building signs can be dangerous.
Outdoors: Move away from buildings and protect your head with a bag or jacket. Be alert for falling objects, which are the most common cause of injury.
2. Secondary Hazards: Landslides and Tsunamis
Even after the shaking stops, remain alert. Atami's unique geography requires caution regarding both landslides and tsunamis.
Landslides
Heavy rain or seismic tremors can make hillsides and cliffs unstable. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, move away from steep slopes or cliffs immediately.
Tsunamis
Tsunamis can arrive much faster than expected. If you feel a strong earthquake or a long, slow swaying, do not wait for an official warning.
Move away from the sea and rivers instantly.
Run to High Ground or head for a designated Tsunami Evacuation Building. In Japanese, these are marked as Tsunami Hinan Building.
3. Understanding the Smartphone Alarm (J-Alert)
Mobile phones in Japan will sound a distinct, loud alarm before strong shaking or a tsunami arrives.
This is an automated safety alert. If you hear this sound, immediately follow the "Immediate Action" steps above.
4. Evacuation Area Map
We have mapped the Tsunami Evacuation Buildings throughout Atami to help you find the nearest safe haven.
Facility Name | Japanese Name | Location / Notes |
|---|---|---|
Atami City Office | 熱海市役所 | Central hub for disaster support. |
Atami Police Station | 熱海警察署 | Local police headquarters. |
Supermarket MaxValu | マックスバリュ熱海店 | Convenient refuge in the central area. |
Atami Post Office | 熱海郵便局 | Central post office. |
Hotel SUNMI Club | ホテルサンミ倶楽部 | Coastal area evacuation facility. |
UOMISAKI HOTEL | ウオミサキホテル | Port area evacuation facility. |
SHUKAEN | 秀花園 湯の花膳 | Port area evacuation facility. |
ATAMI KORAKUEN HOTEL | 熱海後楽園ホテル | Major refuge at the southern end of the port. |
What to look for:
Look for the green square icon on the map. These indicate sturdy buildings designated for temporary refuge on higher floors. If you cannot access the map, simply run toward High Ground (away from the ocean and up the hills).
5. Staying Informed with Reliable Sources
To avoid misinformation, please refer to these official multilingual resources for accurate updates.
Recommended App: Safety tips
Developed under the supervision of the Japan Tourism Agency, this app sends push notifications for weather, earthquake, and tsunami warnings.
Other Official Resources
NHK WORLD-JAPAN (24-hour English news and transport updates)
JNTO Global Website (A comprehensive disaster information portal)
X (Twitter): @JapanSafeTravel (Official safety updates for visitors)
6. Communication & Support
If you need to seek help from local residents, you can use the Communication Cards found within the Safety tips app. Simply show the relevant screen to a Japanese speaker to communicate your needs.
7. Emergency Numbers
119: Fire / Ambulance
110: Police
050-3816-2787: Japan Visitor Hotline (24-hour multilingual support by JNTO)
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