Japan is one of my favorite places in the world, but there is one reality every traveler should understand before visiting: Japan has earthquakes.
The recent earthquake in the Kumamoto area is another reminder of that.
On July 28, 2026, a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, reaching a magnitude of 7.1 and maximum intensity of 7 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale. The earthquake caused significant damage and disruption across the region.
That doesn’t mean you should cancel your first trip to Japan. Far from it.
But if you’re traveling to Japan for the first time, you should know what to do if the ground suddenly starts moving.
The good news is that Japan has extensive earthquake preparedness systems, early-warning technology and procedures designed around earthquakes. And as a traveler, there are a few simple things you can do to make the experience much less stressful.
Continue reading “What to Do If You Experience an Earthquake in Japan: A Traveler’s Guide”
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