Every year, Japan is hit by powerful tropical cyclones known as typhoons (台風). They bring violent winds, torrential rain, flooding, and landslides, and they can shut down transport networks for an entire region. The good news, compared to earthquakes, is that typhoons come with days of warning — so a little preparation goes a long way.
When is typhoon season?
Typhoons can form at any time of year, but the season runs roughly from June through October, with the peak in August and September. This is when storms are most frequent and most likely to make landfall on the main islands. Okinawa and the southern islands tend to see them earliest and most often.
Understanding the 5-level warning scale
Japan uses a 5-level alert system (警戒レベル) for storms and floods, explained in English by the JMA. The higher the number, the more urgent the action. Learn these so you know exactly when to move:
- Level 1 — Be aware. Stay informed about the weather forecast.
- Level 2 — Check your evacuation plan and review hazard maps.
- Level 3 — Elderly, disabled, and those needing more time should evacuate now.
- Level 4 — Everyone should evacuate. This is the point at which you should leave for a shelter or safer location.
- Level 5 — A disaster is already happening or imminent. Take the safest action available right now; safe evacuation may no longer be possible.
How to track a typhoon
- Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The official source for forecasts, tracks, and warnings, available in English on its website. Follow live storms on the JMA typhoon tracking map.
- Windy.com. A visual wind-and-rain map that makes it easy to see the storm's path and intensity.
- NHK World (English). Broadcasts live updates, warnings, and evacuation guidance during major storms.
Preparing your home before the storm
- Bring in everything from your balcony. Plant pots, laundry poles (物干し竿), drying racks, and any loose items become dangerous projectiles in high wind. Bring in or tie down anything that can move.
- Stock water and food. Keep at least a few days of drinking water and ready-to-eat food in case shops close and deliveries stop.
- Charge all your devices. Phones, power banks, and lanterns should be fully charged before the storm, since power outages are common.
- Fill your bathtub. A tub of water gives you a backup supply for flushing toilets and washing if the water supply is interrupted.
Recommended supplies
Transport: planned suspensions (計画運休)
Japanese rail operators now routinely announce planned suspensions (計画運休) — preemptively shutting down trains hours before a major typhoon arrives. Flights and buses are cancelled too. If a strong typhoon is forecast, assume you will not be able to travel and plan to stay home well in advance. Check operator websites the day before for suspension announcements.
Myth: taping your windows
After the storm passes
- Check for flooding and debris around your home before going out. Avoid flooded roads — moving water can be deeper and faster than it looks.
- Restore your gas if your meter shut off automatically. Many Japanese gas meters cut supply during strong shaking or pressure changes; follow the reset instructions on the meter to restore it safely.
- Watch for landslide risk in hilly areas, which can occur even after the rain stops.
Typhoons bring two of the most common follow-on emergencies in Japan: flooding and power outages. Check your hazard map and warning levels with our flood and heavy-rain preparation guide, and make sure you can ride out a blackout with our power outage survival guide.