A major earthquake strikes while you are at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
This guide explains evacuation locations, ways to get home, and precautions to take when trains and subways are suspended or delayed.
After an earthquake, false information and rumors can spread, making reliable information hard to identify.
Many false reports look convincing, so stay calm and take a deep breath first.
Do not repost information without checking it carefully.
If you are reading this during normal times, save it to your favorites so you can find it quickly in an emergency.
On January 13, 2025, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information stating that an investigation was underway. About two hours later, the investigation ended after the agency determined that the likelihood of a major earthquake had not risen relative to normal conditions.
On August 8, 2024, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information: Megaquake Advisory. The advisory period ended one week later.
Authorities said that the probability of a large-scale earthquake in the assumed source region of a Nankai Trough megaquake was relatively higher than usual and that caution was necessary. They urged people to take disaster-preparedness measures in line with information issued by the national and local governments.
Source: NHK News
I experienced an earthquake at USJ during the 2024 New Year holiday. Northern Osaka registered JMA seismic intensity 4, while the area around USJ registered intensity 3.
I was on an attraction at the time, so I was confused.
The crew members’ calm response helped me settle down.
However, crew members are ordinary people too. Let’s help one another.
Note: Images are kept to a minimum so this page is easier to view when network speeds are slow after an earthquake. Thank you for understanding.
Reliable Real-Time Information During an Earthquake
Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Evacuation Information
These sources provide information on earthquakes, tsunami heights, and more.
NHK Disaster Prevention Website
NHK Living and Disaster Preparedness Official X Account
Osaka Disaster Prevention Network, Official Osaka Prefecture X Account
NERV Earthquake Alerts, Earthquake Magnitude, and Tsunami Official X Account
Train and Bus Service Status
These sources may provide information on service suspensions, resumptions, and damage.
JR West Osaka Loop Line Official X Account
Hanshin Railway Official X Account
Hankyu Railway Official X Account
Keihan Railway Official X Account
Osaka Metro Official X Account
Osaka City Bus Official X Account
Escape From a Tsunami Immediately
Even if no Major Tsunami Warning has been issued, if you feel a strong earthquake, immediately evacuate to higher ground.
At a media study session held by the Osaka District Meteorological Observatory in May 2023, a Japan Meteorological Agency representative explained that
a tsunami could reach Osaka 10 to 20 minutes after a Nankai Trough earthquake.
Osaka Prefecture’s disaster-prevention information says a tsunami would arrive in about 110 minutes, or 114 minutes in Minato Ward, but the first wave arrives sooner.
The reason for this difference is that
the tsunami expected after 10 to 20 minutes refers to the point when changes in sea level begin.
People in the water or along the coast are in danger, while people farther inland in the city may still be safe at that point.
However, a tsunami 5 meters high may arrive after about 120 minutes.
This does not mean you are safe until 120 minutes have passed.
A tsunami over 30 centimeters high can reportedly sweep away even an adult weighing 90 kilograms.
There is also a risk of being struck by boats, driftwood, and other debris carried in from the sea.
It is said that most people cannot survive a tsunami higher than 1 meter.
At 5 meters, the third floor of a building is only just high enough. Evacuate to a reinforced-concrete building or station rather than a wooden structure.
• A dangerous tsunami may reach the coast 10 to 20 minutes after the earthquake.
• A tsunami about 5 meters high may arrive roughly 120 minutes after the earthquake.
Note: These estimates assume a Nankai Trough earthquake. A large tsunami could arrive sooner in some cases.
A tsunami may continue for many hours rather than ending after one or two hours, and high waves can keep arriving.
Later waves are often larger than the first.
After the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, it took about 18 hours for the Tsunami Advisory to be lifted.
Note: The Noto Peninsula faces the Sea of Japan, while Osaka is on the Pacific side and has different terrain, so the situations are not directly comparable. This is provided only as a reference.
USJ Elevation
USJ appears to be about 7 meters above sea level in the New York area and at Gramercy Park, the grassy plaza.
That provides some degree of safe elevation.
Super Nintendo World is up a slight slope on the third level, so it is higher, but a rush of people toward the area could create additional danger.
Trying to leave the park in a hurry may also be dangerous if people panic.
Stay calm, follow crew members’ directions, and evacuate safely.
The upper floors of Universal CityWalk Osaka and nearby hotels, such as The Park Front Hotel, should provide safer elevation.
NHK: Tsunami Arrival Times and Heights, Written Before a Nankai Trough Earthquake
Trains Have Stopped: How Can You Get Home?
When a strong earthquake of JMA seismic intensity 4 or higher occurs, all trains stop temporarily.
At intensity 4 or lower 5, trains may proceed slowly to the nearest station or stop before the train ahead. At upper 5, they appear to stop where they are.
These are guidelines from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, so standards may vary somewhat by railway operator. In any case, at intensity 4 or higher, trains will at best move to the next station before service is suspended.
Service will remain suspended until safety has been confirmed.
At intensities stronger than lower 5, railway staff must inspect the tracks on foot, so restoration may take a considerable amount of time.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
For a Nankai Trough Earthquake at Intensity 6 or 7
Train service is unlikely to resume on the day of the earthquake.
A Major Tsunami Warning or Tsunami Warning will probably also be in effect.
Because many rail sections run along the coast or through low-lying areas, service would likely remain suspended while a warning is active even if the tracks were otherwise operable.
For a Nankai Trough earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency estimates that Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto could experience lower 6 to upper 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale.
A tsunami height of 5 meters is projected for Osaka.
Neighboring Mie and Aichi prefectures may suffer even greater damage, with upper 6 intensity expected.
Possible destinations would be northern Hyogo, northern Okayama, Tottori, or other areas on the Sea of Japan side, but they are too far to reach on foot.
Citation: Japan Meteorological Agency: Projected Nankai Trough Seismic Intensities
For Intensity 4 or 5
Train service may resume within one to several hours.
It is better not to force yourself to move.
Osaka City Bus may still be operating, but buses are infrequent and may be difficult to board.
Osaka City Bus: Sakurajima 2-chome Higashi Bus Arrival Information
Osaka City Bus Service Information
If you absolutely must move quickly, consider walking.
If Hanshin Railway or the JR Osaka Loop Line is operating, head for Nishikujo Station, about a 45-minute walk away. Follow the road alongside the JR tracks and make a small detour around a large river to reach the station.
Even if the Hanshin Namba Line is suspended, head for Noda Station or Nodahanshin Station, about a 65-minute walk away, if the Hanshin Main Line or Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line is operating.
At intensity lower 6 or higher, sidewalks may not be passable. If large numbers of people are walking, the trip could take several times longer than the times listed here.
Evacuation Shelters Near USJ
1) The closest evacuation site to USJ is the third-floor hall of the Shin-Osaka Post Office, in front of Ajikawaguchi Station, one station toward Osaka Station.
It is about an 8- to 10-minute walk from USJ.
2) The next closest shelter is Shimaya Elementary School, about a 20-minute walk away. It may be difficult for visitors unfamiliar with the area to reach it on their own.
Whichever location you choose, the route passes through land below sea level, as low as -3 meters in some places, so it is dangerous while a Tsunami Warning is in effect.
Konohana Ward Tsunami Evacuation Map
Osaka City Evacuation Site List
First, Book a Nearby Hotel
Because you are unlikely to get home the same day, staying at a nearby hotel may be the safest option.
Tens of thousands of people visit USJ, but there are not enough rooms for everyone.
If you prefer a hotel to an evacuation shelter, book as soon as possible.
Rakuten Travel: Hotels Near Universal City
When Mobile Phone Service Is Unavailable
Mobile phone networks may become unavailable during a disaster.
Before that happens, review the available ways to connect to Wi-Fi.
Free Wi-Fi Service Opened During Disasters
It is not available immediately after an earthquake, but NTT Docomo provides free Wi-Fi that may be opened several hours after the earthquake.
On your Wi-Fi settings screen,
select “00000JAPAN.”
Note: Fake free Wi-Fi networks may appear and steal personal information. Use the network to check disaster information, and minimize the personal information you send.
Mobile Battery Rental
Portable chargers are available for rent inside USJ.
Rental stations are located in front of the restrooms. Consider renting one.
Make the latest USJ and Kansai event updates
easier to find on Google.
