TYPHOON SEASON IN JAPAN: A TRAVELER’S GUIDE

Do typhoons occur in your country? I’m from Japan, but I’ve been living in Lithuania for four years now, and I have never experienced severe natural disasters like those in Japan.

I imagine many travelers visit Japan not just from places prone to hurricanes like the United States or disaster-prone areas like Taiwan but also from Europe, other parts of Asia, and even the other side of the world. Dealing with unexpected troubles in an unfamiliar place can easily ruin a wonderful trip to Japan. So, to help you enjoy Japan’s summer peacefully, I’d like to share some useful tips for traveling during this season.

What is a Typhoon?

A typhoon is a tropical cyclone that forms in the northwestern Pacific Ocean or the South China Sea, with maximum sustained winds of at least 17 meters per second (measured over a 10-minute average). There are approximately 25 typhoons each year, and around 12 of them typically approach Japan between July and October.

The reason why typhoons are more common in the summer is because the warm sea temperatures create an ideal environment for their formation. These storms can cause serious damage, including torrential rains, floods, and landslides. Moreover, they often move slowly, and their paths can be unpredictable, sometimes shifting suddenly. In contrast, autumn typhoons tend to move faster and often come with heavy rainfall. Therefore, it’s crucial to check weather updates before visiting Japan.

Furthermore, Okinawa, Kyushu, and Shikoku are potentially risky places for typhoons, especially from August to September. So please make sure to read this blog for tips on preparing for your trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Japan!

Traveling from July to October?

First, if a typhoon occurs during your trip, it’s important to monitor its strength and path carefully. You can use multilingual websites, apps, and X to stay informed with detailed updates! Next, be aware that a typhoon might disrupt your travel plans.
Here are some examples of what you might encounter:

– Delays or cancellations of trains, flights, and other transportation

– Shortened operating hours or temporary closures of tourist spots

– Tour cancellations

– Floods, landslides, high waves, rising river levels etc

– Wind damage from falling or flying debris

– Power outages (which could be particularly problematic in summer when air conditioners may become useless)

– Food shortages

Depending on the strength of the typhoon, you must adjust your travel plans flexibly!

Typhoon forecasts usually inform details five days in advance, but the accuracy improves closer to the event, like 2 to 3 days before. In addition, if you’re planning to visit Okinawa, be prepared for the effects of a typhoon, which might start about 1 to 2 days after it forms. Since typhoons tend to weaken as they move north, you can also consider changing your travel plans to Hokkaido, where the impact is dramatically lower.

What to Do if a Typhoon Hits?

To avoid the risk of a typhoon, it’s vital to stay indoors at your hotel or Airbnb and wait it out. Unfortunately, when a severe weather warning is issued, public transportation will likely be suspended, and public facilities will be closed. If the forecast indicates that the typhoon won’t be too big, you can spend your time somewhere inside, like shopping malls, hot springs, museums, or art galleries.

I personally recommend Senkyaku Banrai. This new facility next to Toyosu Market offers not only fresh seafood but also onsen and beautiful hotel rooms, all enjoyable indoors. If you’re looking for a special experience during a period of a small typhoon, Senkyaku Banrai is a must-visit!

Senkyaku Banrai Website: https://www.toyosu-senkyakubanrai.jp/languages/en/

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M7y8w4hXWQrhv4io9

However, it’s important to stay updated on transportation information because you might not be able to return to your accommodation, depending on the conditions. And please never approach rivers or the seaside.

Tips for Travelers

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a typhoon:

Review Cancellation Policies

In general, I prefer not to choose the free cancellation option to save money. But during typhoon season, I always make sure both my flights and hotels have free cancellation options. This way, even if people can’t reach their planned destination, they can still change reservations at a lower cost.

Please keep in mind that you may need to extend your stay at your current location, make decisions, and act early.

Prepare Indoor Entertainment

Have some card games, books, or other activities to have a fun time at your accommodation. If you’ve seen the film “Summer Wars,” you might be familiar with “Hanafuda,” the traditional Japanese card game. It’s a fun and cultural game that you can even find at a 100-yen shop like Daiso. If you’re interested in learning how to play, you can find detailed instructions here! It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture while staying in a room!

Secure Water Supplies

Japan’s summer can be dangerously hot. If your hotel or accommodation has a bathtub, filling it with cold water is necessary. Due to water or power outages, not only do the air conditioners stop working, but you also won’t be able to open windows because of heavy rain, and the shower might not work either. So, in this case, you can use the stored water to cool yourself down and flush the toilet manually by pouring in the water.

Strengthen Windows

During a typhoon, there’s a risk of flying debris breaking windows. So better to buy duct tape in advance to strengthen the glass by taping it, or use cardboard to prevent shattered glass from spreading on the ground. If you don’t have these supplies, make sure to close the curtains tightly and keep shoes nearby in case you need to walk over broken glass. Moreover, make sure to listen to what your hotel recommends!

Prepare Chargers, Flashlights, and First-Aid Kits

When the power goes out, your smartphone becomes a lifesaver for getting information. If you’re staying in an isolated area, such as a cottage in the forest or the countryside, you should keep in touch with someone you trust. In case a landslide or flood occurs and they lose contact with you, they can notify the Japan Visitor Hotline or the police. It’s a great idea to share information, such as your accommodation details and number of people, to help ensure your safety.

Japan Visitor Hotline: 050-3816-2787

English Police Consultation: 03-3503-8484

Stock Up on Food

About two days before a typhoon is expected to hit, you will notice that locals start stocking up on food (mostly bread as it needs no electricity) and water. If you wait until the last minute, food might be sold out. So be sure to purchase emergency supplies before the shelves are empty (at least 3 days’ worth).

Furthermore, it would be very respectful to avoid excessive hoarding, as it could prevent others from getting what they need and cause unnecessary panic. Make sure your shopping is nicely done based on the situation!

Traveling during typhoon season in Japan requires careful planning and flexibility, but with the right preparation, you can still have a fantastic adventure.

Please don’t forget to monitor typhoon forecasts, adjust your travel plans as needed, and stay safe!

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