If you drive in Japan, your car can be both a risk and a refuge in a disaster. A well-stocked kit in the trunk means that if you get stranded by a quake, a flooded road, or a snowstorm in the mountains, you have light, warmth, water, and a way to signal for help. Here is what to keep on board all year, plus winter additions and what to do if a quake hits while you are driving.
The driving risks to plan for
- Earthquakes: strong shaking while driving is disorienting, and roads can crack or block. You may have to pull over and continue on foot.
- Typhoons and flooding: driving into flooded roads is one of the leading causes of flood deaths. Water that looks shallow can stall your engine and sweep the car away.
- Winter mountain roads: sudden heavy snow can trap vehicles for hours. Drivers have died of cold or exhaust fumes while stuck in snowbound traffic.
Year-round car kit
Keep these in your vehicle at all times:
- Emergency blanket (and a regular blanket if you have room).
- Water — at least 2 litres per person.
- Food bars with a long shelf life.
- Flashlight and spare batteries.
- Phone charger (USB cable plus a car charger).
- First aid kit.
- Cash — around ¥10,000 in small bills, since card systems fail in outages.
- Rain poncho and work gloves.
- 三角表示板 (warning triangle / reflective triangle) — legally required when you stop on an expressway, and essential for safety on any road.
- A portable toilet for when you are stuck in stopped traffic for hours. セイワ 携帯トイレ 3枚セット Check on Amazon.co.jp
- A rescue hammer with a window breaker and seatbelt cutter, kept within reach of the driver. セイワ レスキューハンマー IMP170 Check on Amazon.co.jp
Ready-made car emergency kit
A pre-packed set covers most of the basics in one purchase — a quick way to get your trunk sorted.
Find car emergency kits on Rakuten →USB car charger
Keep your phone — your map and lifeline — charged from the car's 12V socket.
Find USB car chargers on Rakuten →UGREEN カーチャージャー PD30W Check on Amazon.co.jp
Emergency blanket
A compact thermal blanket keeps you warm if you are stranded overnight without the engine running.
Find emergency blankets on Rakuten →アルミ エマージェンシーシート 静音 Check on Amazon.co.jp
Warning triangle (三角表示板)
Required by law when stopping on an expressway, and vital for making your stopped car visible to other drivers.
Find warning triangles on Rakuten →エーモン 三角停止板 国家公安委員会認定 Check on Amazon.co.jp
Winter additions
From late autumn through spring, especially if you drive in snowy regions or the mountains, add:
- Tire chains — and know how to fit them. Some roads legally require chains or snow tires in winter.
- Ice scraper for windows.
- Disposable hand warmers (カイロ).
- A small shovel to dig out around the tires and, crucially, to keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow.
Tire chains
Essential for winter driving in snowy areas — and sometimes legally required on mountain routes.
Find tire chains on Rakuten →If an earthquake hits while you're driving
- Slow down and pull over to the left, away from intersections, and stop. Avoid stopping under overpasses, near tall buildings, or on bridges.
- Turn off the engine and wait for the shaking to stop. Listen to the radio for information.
- If you must abandon the car, leave the key in the ignition (or in the car) and do not lock it, so emergency vehicles can move it. Take your valuables and your contact details, and leave a note if asked to.
Roadside assistance: JAF
The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) provides roadside assistance nationwide. Membership costs roughly ¥4,000 per year and covers help with breakdowns, flat tires, lockouts, and stuck vehicles. The emergency roadside number is 0570-00-8139. It is well worth having if you drive regularly.