The Safety Tips App: Free Disaster and Weather Alerts for Japan

Updated October 24, 2026 | By Tokyo Paul

Japan is a wonderful country to visit, and it is also a country where earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rain, and snow can affect travel. A little preparation goes a long way. One practical step is to install an alert app before you arrive. This article describes a free app called Safety tips, based on its App Store listing, and offers general preparedness suggestions. This is not an emergency plan or professional safety advice. In an emergency, follow instructions from local authorities, staff, and emergency services, and call the emergency number if you need help.

What the App Is

The App Store listing describes Safety tips as a free application developed under the supervision of the Japan Tourism Agency. It lists RC Solution Co. as the publisher. Before you download any app, check the listing yourself to confirm the developer, reviews, and permissions. App features and availability can change, so treat this description as a snapshot.

What It Says It Provides

According to the listing, the app gives Earthquake Early Warnings, Tsunami Warnings, Volcanic Warnings, and Weather Warnings. The weather warnings listed include heavy rain, flood, violent wind, severe snowstorm, heavy snow, high seas, and storm surge. It also lists Heat illness Warnings and Civil Protection Information. The listing says the app works in multiple languages, including English.

Why Alerts Matter to Travelers

When you are in a new place, you may not know what local sirens or announcements mean. Alerts delivered to your phone in a language you understand can help you recognize that something is happening. They are not a replacement for common sense. If you feel unsafe, move to a safer place, and follow the guidance of local officials.

Setting It Up Before You Travel

Download the app from the official store on your device, and check the developer name against the listing.
Choose your language.
Review the notification settings. Alerts only help if you can receive them.
Make sure your phone's volume and notification settings do not silence emergency notifications. Check your device settings.
Test that you can open the app quickly.
Keep your phone charged. Carry a portable battery.
Learn how to use roaming or local data, since alerts may depend on connectivity.

The listing does not describe every feature, so open the app and explore it before you need it.

Building a Simple Preparedness Habit

Apps help, but habits matter more.

Note the location of emergency exits in your hotel or accommodation.
Ask staff about the evacuation plan and nearby shelters.
Keep your passport, medications, and a small amount of cash in a bag you can grab quickly.
Write down important numbers on paper, including your embassy and your accommodation.
Share your itinerary with someone at home.
Know how to contact emergency services in Japan, and save the numbers in your phone.

During an Alert

If you receive an alert, stay calm. Read the message carefully. Move away from windows, shelves, and glass if an earthquake warning appears, and follow local instructions. If a tsunami warning is issued, move to higher ground as directed by authorities. If the weather is severe, avoid rivers, coastlines, and mountain areas. Do not go out to take photographs. These are general suggestions, and official guidance should always take priority.

Heat, Cold, and Everyday Hazards

The listing mentions heat illness warnings. In summer, drink water regularly, rest in shade or air conditioning, and recognize signs such as dizziness or headaches. In winter, dress warmly, and take care in baths, since the Nippon.com article on bathing accidents recommends keeping water temperature below 41 degrees Celsius and soaking for a maximum of 10 minutes. If you or someone near you feels unwell, seek help.

Hiking and Wildlife

If your plans include hiking, check local weather, trail conditions, and wildlife guidance. Tochigi Prefecture's English guidance on bears, for example, advises making noise with bells or a radio, avoiding dusk and early morning, and backing away slowly if you see a bear. Regional advice varies, so ask local offices about the area you plan to visit.

Telling Your Companions

If you travel with others, make sure everyone understands the basics. Agree on a meeting point if you are separated, and make sure each person knows the name and address of your accommodation. If children or older relatives are with you, explain in simple terms what to do if an alert sounds. Taking a few minutes to talk calmly before a trip means that everyone is prepared without anxiety.

Keeping Your Phone Ready

Smartphones are central to modern travel, and alerts only help if the phone is charged and nearby. Keep a charging cable and a portable battery in your day bag. Download offline maps for areas you will visit. Save your accommodation's address in Japanese on your phone, so that you can show it to a taxi driver or a local helper if needed. Small steps like these improve your options when plans change.

How Earthquake Early Warnings Work

Wikipedia says the Earthquake Early Warning service began on 1 October 2007, and that the warnings are primarily issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The page says that when a P-wave is detected from two or more of the 4,235 seismometers installed throughout Japan, the agency estimates the epicenter. It says recipients have from a few seconds to a minute or more to act. Treat any alert as a prompt to protect yourself immediately.

When Alerts Are Sent

According to the page, a warning is issued for an earthquake of 5 or higher on the Japan seismic scale, affecting areas where intensity is expected to be 4 or higher. It also says areas near an epicenter may experience strong tremors before a warning is issued. That means an alert is not a guarantee of advance notice, which is why preparedness matters.

Other Ways Alerts Arrive

Wikipedia says NHK and other broadcasters display an on-screen alert with a voice message, that certain FM radios switch on automatically, and that three carriers use Cell Broadcast systems to send messages. It adds that this service is mandatory for 3G phones sold after 2007, with foreign manufacturers exempt. An app is one more channel, not the only one.

False Alarms

The page says that on August 8, 2013, an alert was issued but no shaking was observed. Rare false alarms do occur, so follow official guidance if an alert turns out to be wrong. Do not ignore future alerts.

The App Itself

The App Store listing describes Safety tips as a free app developed under the supervision of the Japan Tourism Agency, offering Earthquake Early Warnings, Tsunami Warnings, Volcanic Warnings, Weather Warnings, Heat illness Warnings, and Civil Protection Information in multiple languages. Feature lists can change, so check the listing before you travel.

Practical Preparation

Install the app, test that notifications are allowed, and keep your phone charged. Learn the evacuation routes for your hotel, and keep a small card with your accommodation address. Follow local instructions from staff and authorities. This guide is general information and does not replace official emergency advice.

Questions People Ask

Is the app free? The listing describes it as free.

Who supervises it? It was developed under the supervision of the Japan Tourism Agency, according to the listing.

What alerts does it give? Earthquake Early Warnings, Tsunami Warnings, Volcanic Warnings, Weather Warnings, Heat illness Warnings, and Civil Protection Information.

Does it work in English? The listing says it supports multiple languages, including English.

Is it enough on its own? No. Use it alongside local guidance and common sense.

Peace of Mind

Preparedness is not about fear. It is about being able to enjoy a trip with a little more confidence. A few minutes spent on setup before you travel can make a real difference.

Keep Exploring

Tokyo Paul's Japan Photography Book Stunning Photos of Japanese Cityscapes, Shrines, Festivals & Nature is described on Amazon as a collection of pictures of those subjects from the author's YouTube Japan walks, with locations clearly labeled. See the book on Amazon