Typhoons around Okinawa linger — plan on half a day to a full day when you cannot go outside. This page lists what to get done before the wind picks up, in order.

For flights and cancellations, see Will My Flight Fly?. This page covers everything else.

1. Set up your information sources first

During the storm, local TV may be Japanese-only. Line up multilingual sources in advance:

Save the PDF and install the app while you still have a good connection. Power outages can strain mobile networks and make them unreliable.

Emergency numbers in Japan: police 110, fire & ambulance 119. The Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787) operates 24/7 in English, Chinese and Korean.

2. Rearrange your plans early

Outdoor sightseeing does not happen during a typhoon. Move plans earlier or switch to indoor alternatives as soon as the forecast firms up.

  • Ocean activities (diving, snorkelling, boat tours) get cancelled well before the typhoon arrives
  • Major attractions such as the Churaumi Aquarium close temporarily when storm warnings are issued
  • Cancellation policies differ by operator. The earlier you contact them, the more options you keep

3. Shop before the wind picks up

During the storm, convenience stores and supermarkets close. Hotel restaurants may close too.

Buy about a day’s worth while it is still calm:

  • Drinks — extra water (water outages happen)
  • Food that needs no cooking: bread, onigiri, cup noodles, snacks, fruit
  • Check whether your room has an electric kettle — it changes what’s worth buying

Assume no refrigerator in the room and choose things that keep at room temperature.

4. If you have a rental car

  • Do not drive during the storm. Strong winds are genuinely dangerous
  • Move the car to an indoor or multi-storey car park if you can; avoid seaside and low-lying car parks
  • You may not make it to the airport on your return date. If you extend your stay, tell the rental company too
  • The Yui Rail monorail also stops in strong winds — check its service information

5. Questions for your hotel’s front desk

The front desk is your best ally during a typhoon. Before the wind picks up, ask:

  • Can I extend my stay if flights are cancelled? (Hotels often prioritise guests already staying)
  • What happens if the power goes out? (emergency lighting, lifts)
  • Will food be available? (restaurant hours, emergency provisions)
  • Where are the emergency exits?

6. In your room

  • Charge your phone and power bank to 100%
  • Fill the bathtub — if water or power fails, you can still flush the toilet
  • Move your luggage and sleeping spot away from the windows
  • Bring balcony items inside, close the windows and draw the curtains

What not to do during the typhoon

  • Do not go outside, and do not go to look at the sea. Injuries from flying debris happen every year
  • Do not step onto the balcony, even to rescue laundry
  • If it suddenly goes calm, stay inside — you may be in the eye of the typhoon, and the wind will return just as strongly from the opposite direction

After the typhoon

Outdoor attractions may stay closed for inspection and clean-up. Restart your itinerary with indoor places — aquariums and museums.

Head to the airport early: the first flights after a typhoon are crowded, and Naha Airport queues get long.

What this page does not cover

This site does not carry live typhoon positions or flight status. Always check official sources. If evacuation information is issued, follow the instructions of the municipality you are staying in.