What to Do When a Tsunami Warning Is Issued

A Simple Safety Guide for Travelers in Okinawa

Okinawa is a beautiful island. But a tsunami warning can be confusing for travelers. This guide gives simple steps so you can stay safe and calm.

Quick Answer

Move away from the sea. Evacuate on foot. Go to higher ground or a tsunami evacuation building. If you are not sure, follow hotel staff or local instructions.

Warning vs Advisory

Tsunami Warning

A high tsunami may come
Evacuate immediately

Tsunami Advisory

Stay away from the coast
Do not go to the beach

Both mean: Do not return to the sea.

Why Tsunami Warnings Matter in Okinawa

Conclusion: Tsunamis can reach Okinawa even from faraway earthquakes. Reason: Okinawa has many low coastal areas. Details:

A tsunami can come even if shaking is small
Later waves can be bigger
A warning means “danger is near”

Real Example

In 2024, a large earthquake near Taiwan caused a tsunami warning in Okinawa. Travelers evacuated safely with help from hotels and police.

What to Do When the Warning Starts

Note: Your phone and nearby phones will make a very loud alert sound. This is normal in Japan. Stay calm and follow the steps.

1. Move away from the sea

Leave the beach, coastal roads, bridges, and Kaichu Road.

2. If you are swimming or playing in the sea

Get out of the water immediately
Leave your belongings behind
Your life is more important
Do not go back for your passport or wallet
Move away from the sea
Go uphill whenever possible

3. Do not return to take photos or fly a drone

Tsunamis come in multiple waves. Going back is extremely dangerous.

4. Evacuate on foot (very important)

Conclusion: Always evacuate on foot. Reason: Roads near the coast fill with cars very fast. Details: Cars cannot move during a tsunami evacuation.

Which Direction Should You Go?

Move away from the sea
Go uphill whenever possible
Sandals are OK. Do not waste time changing shoes.

Coastal Areas to Be Careful In

These popular spots have low elevation:

Kouri Island and Kouri Bridge
Senaga Island
Kaichu Road
Onna Village beach areas
Southern coast (near Nirai Kanai Bridge)

These areas require horizontal evacuation (move inland).

How to Read Tsunami Signs (Blue Signs)

You will see blue signs for:

Tsunami Evacuation Area
Tsunami Evacuation Building

Follow the arrow to move in the safe direction.

How to Recognize Evacuation Buildings (Green Mark)

Look for the green sign with a wave and a building. This is an official tsunami evacuation building. Go inside and move to an upper floor.

When Vertical Evacuation Is Useful

Go up if you cannot reach high ground:

No hill nearby
Nighttime or heavy rain
With children or elderly people
Near a strong concrete hotel or building

Priority: Official tsunami evacuation building → Strong concrete building → Hotel upper floor

When You Reach an Evacuation Building

Go to an upper floor
Wait for instructions
Do not go down by yourself
Stay until the warning is lifted

For Families with Children

Leave strollers behind
Carry your child and evacuate
If separated, meet at your planned evacuation spot

If You Are in a Hotel

Follow staff instructions
Do not use elevators
Check the emergency exit
Remember your room number
Staff guidance is the safest option

If You Are Using a Rental Car

Stop in a safe place
Leave the car (leave the key inside)
Follow evacuation signs
Do not make U-turns
Evacuate on foot

See also: Okinawa rental car safety guide

If There Is a Blackout

Google Maps Offline is helpful
Emergency alerts may still work, but do not rely on your phone alone
Follow hotel announcements whenever possible
Be careful at night

When Can You Return?

A warning may last for several hours
Do not return to the coast until the warning is lifted
Wait for hotel or local announcements

Reassurance for Travelers

Many beaches and tourist areas in Okinawa have clear tsunami evacuation signs. Local staff are used to helping travelers during emergencies. There will be people ready to help you.