What To Do During A Typhoon in Japan

Japan is home to several types of natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons and flooding. The typhoon season lasts from May to October, although most occur between July and September.

While many typhoons other than heavy rains and train delays may not impact your day, some are strong enough to cause significant disruptions. Preparation ahead of time is important because typhoons can cause flooding, loss of electricity, or delays in supply chains, which can make it difficult to obtain daily necessities such as food and water.

So, whether you’re making your first survival kit for emergencies or a seasoned typhoon vet, here’s a short guide to keep you safe, prepared and informed. 

Understanding Typhoons

A typhoon is a large and intense tropical cyclone that brings torrential rain, strong winds, storm surges and flooding. Like hurricanes, typhoons are given different names due to their location. For example, a tropical cyclone forming in the North Atlantic would be called a hurricane, while one forming in the Northwest Pacific Ocean would be called a typhoon. In Japan, typhoons are not given names but are numbered according to their order of appearance. 

Typhoons occur when warm, moist air evaporates over the ocean’s surface, creating an area of low pressure underneath. Then, air with higher pressure moves into this lower-pressure area, becomes heated and rises. This cycle repeats itself, eventually creating strong winds and storm clouds, which begin to spin due to the Earth’s rotation. Once the wind speed is over 63 km/hour, it is called a tropical storm, and when it reaches 119 km/hour, it officially becomes a typhoon. 

Preparing for a Typhoon in Japan

It’s important to prepare beforehand because stores are likely to be closed and supplies will be low in the ones that stay open during a typhoon. 

Helpful Japanese Terms 

Essentials to Have

• At least a 3-day supply for everyone in your household of:
  • Food, such as staples (bread, rice, noodles), canned foods and nutritional supplements (protein bars)  
  • Water for cooking, drinking and washing 
• A portable gas stove
• Disposable/travel toilets
• Flashlights 
• Batteries and mobile chargers are fully charged 
• Medication 
• First aid kit 
• Large plastic bags for carrying items  

Home Safety

• Secure outdoor items and bring any items not securely fixed inside.
• Bicycles should also be secured outside or brought inside. 
• Close shutters, if you have them, and clear gutters.  

Emergency Plans

• Know your local evacuation center (google using the Japanese terms we listed above and your city name) and route. 
• Have a list of emergency contacts. 
• Install helpful apps for tracking weather and disaster information.  

Useful websites and apps 

During a Typhoon

Once a typhoon hits your area, there are a few things you can do to stay safe.

Stay Indoors

During a typhoon, it’s best to stay indoors and avoid windows, as flying debris can shatter glass. Be aware that public transportation, such as subway systems, may get flooded or services suspended. Many stores, restaurants and shopping malls may also close. Avoid going outside to secure things on your balcony or roof during the typhoon.

Be Ready for Power Outages

Power outages can occur randomly during a typhoon. Strong winds can damage power lines, while the accumulation of heavy rain may cause landslides that collapse electrical poles. Keep your emergency supplies, especially batteries and flashlights, in an easily accessible spot.  

Be Ready for Flooding

Flooding is one of the most destructive outcomes of a typhoon. Storm surges can cause flooding as violent winds pull and blow ocean water ashore. Also, torrential rain over a short period can lead to flash floods as rivers and canals overflow their banks. 

Stay Informed

Large, strong, slow-moving typhoons can randomly affect a wide area and change course. Weather conditions can also worsen or change abruptly during the typhoon, so it’s important to keep up-to-date in case you are issued an evacuation order, especially in the case of flooding or landslides. 

Tips for Tourists

Whether or not you’re traveling in an area where a typhoon is expected to hit, it would be wise to take some precautions. In addition to the things we’ve already mentioned, here are some tips specifically for tourists:

• Check flight, train or road conditions, as routes may be canceled or diverted.
• If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the front desk for up-to-date information, precautions in the case of emergencies and evacuation site locations.
• If you haven’t left on your trip yet, consider buying travel insurance that covers storms and natural disasters. 

After a Typhoon 

Depending on the intensity of the typhoons in your area, the outside may look relatively normal or like a disaster zone. In either case, waiting for local authorities to give the green light to head outdoors would be a good idea. This isn’t only for your safety and to keep arteries clear for emergency vehicles and personnel. When it’s safe to go out, keep these tips in mind:

• Stay clear of waterways, such as rivers and lakes. 
• Survey your home and document any damages for insurance reasons or reports to the property owner. 
• Avoid downed trees, power lines and other debris. 

Summary

We hope you feel more prepared for the next typhoon. While there’s a lot of information, keep in mind the following main points: 

• Make preparations at home, including gathering supplies and information about local evacuation zones. 
• Stay up-to-date with the latest information via websites and apps. 
• Don’t go outside, and be prepared for power outages and flooding. 
• Check with your airline and rail company if you have travel plans. 

Be prepared, remain calm and stay safe! 

Have you ever experienced a typhoon in Japan? Do you have any suggestions to offer? We’d love to hear your experience and advice in the comments below!

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• D Mills says:

  September 5, 2024 at 4:39 pm

  Do NOT tape windows. This has been debunked and proven as ineffective for well over two decades.

  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-experts-stop-taping-windows-for-storms/

  Just “google” tape glass in hurricane/typhoon?

  Fill your bathtub with water, if you lose electricity the water is good to manual toilet flushing as pumps will stop.
  • Aaron Baggett says:

    September 6, 2024 at 2:15 pm

    Thank you. We have removed that part of the article.