When traveling to another country, one of the biggest concerns is how it differs from your home country. Some visitors to Japan may wonder whether Japan observes daylight saving time (DST).
Some countries use DST, while others do not. There are also countries that once had it but no longer do. Because daylight saving time policies vary by country, it’s natural to be curious about Japan’s approach.
In this article, we’ll explain Japan’s stance on daylight saving time and highlight important things to keep in mind when dealing with time changes.
Japan Does Not Observe Daylight Saving Time
Japan follows the same standard time (UTC+09:00) throughout the year.
Many European countries observe daylight saving time (DST), so you might assume Japan does too. However, Japan does not use DST.
After World War II, Japan underwent many policy changes, including the introduction of daylight saving time. However, it was only in effect for a short period from 1948 to 1951.
As a result, Japan does not observe daylight saving time today and remains on the same UTC offset (UTC+09:00) year-round.
Things to Keep in Mind About Japan Not Using Daylight Saving Time
If you live in a country that observes daylight saving time (DST), the time difference between your country and Japan will change between summer and winter. This is because DST moves the clock forward by one hour during the summer months.
Time Zone Comparison:
Japan: UTC+09:00
London (Standard Time): UTC+00:00
London (Daylight Saving Time): UTC+01:00
For example, Japan follows UTC+09:00 year-round, while London operates on UTC+00:00 during winter. This means the time difference between Japan and London is 9 hours in winter. However, when DST is in effect and London shifts to UTC+01:00, the time difference shortens to 8 hours.
If you’re planning meetings, flights, or virtual calls with Japan, be mindful of these seasonal changes in time differences!
Daylight Saving Time in Countries Near Japan
Currently, no Asian countries near Japan observe daylight saving time (DST). However, some parts of Australia and all of New Zealand in Oceania do. As a result, Japan’s time difference with other Asian countries remains constant throughout the year, while its time difference with certain regions in Oceania shifts during DST.
For reference, the countries that share the same standard time as Japan (UTC+09:00) include South Korea, North Korea, Palau, and Timor-Leste, meaning there is no time difference between them. Additionally, some regions of Russia and Indonesia also follow Japan’s time zone.
Sunrise and Sunset Times in Nagoya
In many European countries, not only do the days get longer in summer, but the clocks also move forward by one hour due to daylight saving time. This means sunset occurs even later in the evening.
So, what about Japan, where there is no daylight saving time? Below, we provide the sunrise and sunset times for Nagoya, a city located in the center of Japan, throughout the year. You’ll notice that even in summer, the sun doesn’t set as late as it does in some European countries. Likewise, winter sunsets are not as early as you might expect.
When traveling in Japan, many people may feel concerned about earthquakes. Japan is known as an earthquake-prone country, and large earthquakes occur frequently. Tragically, many lives have been lost due to these earthquakes.
While the chance of experiencing an earthquake during your trip is not zero, it is impossible to predict exactly when one will occur. Unfortunately, we cannot prevent an earthquake from happening.
However, by knowing how to respond properly during an earthquake, you can significantly reduce the risk of harm and increase your chances of staying safe. In fact, with the right actions, you can avoid injuries and even save your life.
In this article, we will share what to do if you experience an earthquake while in Japan. We hope this information will be helpful during your travels.
Japan and Earthquakes: Why They Happen So Often
Japan experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location on multiple tectonic plate boundaries. When these plates shift and collide, they create intense seismic activity. One of these major fault lines runs directly through Japan, making the country highly prone to earthquakes.
Over the past 15 years, Japan has experienced several major earthquakes, some of which have resulted in significant loss of life. Smaller earthquakes occur even more frequently—in 2024 alone, over 3,000 tremors strong enough to be felt were recorded.
(At the end of this article, you’ll find a list of major earthquakes that have occurred in Japan over the past 15 years.)
Scientists continuously study future earthquake risks, and in March 2025, new predictions were released. One major concern is the Nankai Trough Earthquake, which has an estimated 80% chance of occurring within the next 30 years. In the worst-case scenario, this disaster could claim up to 300,000 lives.
Because of these ongoing risks, Japan has developed extensive disaster preparedness measures to minimize damage and protect lives.
What to Do If You Experience an Earthquake Indoors in Japan
(Note: This advice is based on Japan’s earthquake-resistant buildings. In some countries, staying inside during an earthquake may be dangerous due to weaker structures.)
Immediate Actions to Take:
Take cover under a sturdy table.
Protect your head and move near a wall if no cover is available.
Open a door to ensure an escape route.
Stay put and wait for the shaking to stop.
Never use an elevator.
Why These Steps Are Important:
During an earthquake, furniture can topple over, and ceiling fixtures may fall. If possible, take cover under a table to shield yourself from falling debris. If there’s no table nearby, use a bag or your arms to protect your head and move close to a wall.
If you’re in a hotel room, open the door once the shaking subsides. Earthquakes can sometimes warp door frames, making them difficult to open, which could trap you inside.
Major earthquakes can last for several minutes. For instance, during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, strong shaking persisted for about three minutes in many areas. Do not run outside immediately. Instead, stay in a safe spot inside until the shaking stops. Many injuries occur due to falling lights, broken glass, or collapsing furniture.
Never Use an Elevator During an Earthquake
Most elevators in Japan are designed to stop automatically when they detect an earthquake. Even if an elevator is still moving, it could suddenly halt, trapping you inside. In the worst-case scenario, fires or other hazards could make it life-threatening. Always take the stairs when evacuating.
What to Do If You Experience an Earthquake Near the Coast of Japan
Tsunamis Are the Real Danger
90% of fatalities in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake were caused by the tsunami, not the earthquake itself.
Tsunamis can arrive as soon as 10 minutes after an earthquake.
The highest recorded tsunami during the 2011 disaster reached approximately 40 meters (131 feet)—the height of a 15-story building.
Immediate Actions to Take
If you’re near the coast when an earthquake strikes, assume a tsunami is coming and evacuate immediately to higher ground.
In the 2011 disaster, the tsunami took 30–40 minutes to reach some areas. However, during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the tsunami arrived in just 10–15 minutes. Since tsunami arrival times vary depending on the earthquake’s location and strength, do not wait for official warnings—evacuate as quickly as possible.
How High Should You Go?
The 2011 tsunami reached 40 meters (131 feet) in some areas, proving that small buildings near the shore are not safe. While the exact height of a tsunami depends on many factors, avoid assuming a second-floor building will provide sufficient protection. Always move to the highest ground possible.
What to Do If You Experience an Earthquake in the Mountains of Japan
Landslides Are a Major Hazard
Even after the shaking stops, unstable slopes can still collapse.
Over 2,000 landslides occurred during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, resulting in multiple fatalities.
40 out of approximately 500 deaths in that disaster were caused by landslides.
Immediate Actions to Take
Unlike coastal areas, mountain regions are not at risk of tsunamis. However, earthquakes in these areas can trigger landslides and rockfalls. The shaking can loosen soil and cause hillsides to collapse, putting anyone nearby in danger.
If you’re in a mountainous area during an earthquake, move away from cliffs, steep slopes, and loose rocks immediately. If it’s raining or has rained in the past few days, the risk of landslides increases significantly.
Even after the earthquake ends, landslides can still occur. If the ground is already saturated with water, slopes may continue to weaken and collapse. Stay away from cliffs and steep areas, even after the shaking stops.
Useful Resources for Earthquake Information in Japan
Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) The JMA provides real-time earthquake updates in English and other languages. Visit the JMA Website
Safety Tips App The Japan Tourism Agency offers a smartphone app with emergency alerts and disaster preparedness information. Download Safety Tips
NHK World Japan NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, provides 24-hour English-language news coverage, including disaster updates. Visit NHK World Japan
Earthquakes in Japan in the Past Week (Magnitude 3 and above)
(Data published by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Times are in local time.)
Earthquakes in Japan with Fatalities Since 2010
(The Number of fatalities includes individuals who passed away due to worsening injuries or illnesses caused by physical strain related to the earthquake.)
When traveling abroad, one of the biggest concerns is unknowingly causing problems due to cultural differences. In recent years, Japan has been experiencing issues related to overtourism, with some tourists unintentionally causing disruptions.
With a record number of visitors coming to Japan, certain tourist hotspots have seen rising frustrations among locals. In some cases, small misunderstandings have escalated into bigger issues, even leading to unpleasant experiences for both tourists and residents alike.
If you’re spending time and money to visit Japan, you want to create great memories—not run into trouble. To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, it’s important to be aware of certain behaviors that could lead to problems.
In this article, we’ll cover the key things to avoid while traveling in Japan.
Etiquette for Visiting Temples and Shrines in Japan
Japan is home to numerous religious sites, including Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, many of which are open to visitors. Some, like Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto—famous for its countless red torii gates—are especially popular among tourists.
Recently, incidents involving tourists behaving inappropriately at these sacred sites have sparked controversy in Japan. One notable case involved visitors dancing on shrine grounds and mishandling objects within the premises. A video of tourists dancing at a shrine went viral on social media and even made national news, highlighting the severity of the issue.
As a result of such incidents, some shrines, including those in Tsushima, have restricted access, allowing only worshippers to enter.
While temples and shrines welcome visitors, they are, first and foremost, places of worship. Locals visit these sites for religious practices and ceremonies, making it crucial for travelers to show proper respect. To ensure a positive experience for both yourself and the local community, always be mindful of your behavior and avoid any actions that may be considered disrespectful.
In Japan, many people rely on trains for their daily commute, especially when traveling to work. During peak hours, typically between 7 AM and 9 AM, trains become extremely crowded, and passengers tend to be more stressed than usual. Loud conversations or disruptive behavior during this time are generally unwelcome. If you prefer a more comfortable and relaxed journey, it’s best to avoid commuting hours whenever possible.
Additionally, since there is a constant flow of passengers getting on and off, large suitcases can become an obstacle inside the train. While it depends on how crowded the train is, I strongly recommend avoiding bringing bulky luggage on board during rush hour. If the train isn’t crowded, it’s usually not an issue.
Another growing concern in Japan is the filming and live-streaming of videos on trains and buses. Some railway companies, such as Tokyo Metro, have already banned unauthorized recording and streaming inside trains. Moreover, there have been increasing cases of streamers getting into conflicts with passengers while filming. To avoid trouble and respect the privacy of others, it’s highly advisable to refrain from recording or live-streaming on public transportation.
“個人情報及びプライバシーの配慮の観点より、周囲のお客様や従業員を無断で撮影する行為はおやめください。(In consideration of personal information and privacy, please refrain from photographing surrounding customers and employees without their permission.)”
Caution is noted only on the Japanese page. Not noted on the English page. In any case, Japanese passengers are aware that photography is not allowed and should avoid taking pictures even if they are not noted on the English page.
What You Need to Know About Filming and Live Streaming in Japan
Here, “filming” refers to recording videos for platforms like YouTube. One of the biggest issues in recent years has been live streaming. There have been multiple incidents where tourists live-streamed inside trains, leading to police intervention or conflicts with passengers—some of which have even made the news.
As mentioned earlier, filming or live streaming on public transportation can easily lead to trouble with other passengers, so it is strongly discouraged.
When it comes to restaurants and other dining establishments, recording videos or live streaming generally requires permission from the restaurant staff. The reason is simple: other customers may feel uncomfortable being filmed without their consent. No one wants their private conversations or meals unknowingly broadcasted online. In some cases, such filming can even harm the reputation of the restaurant.
If you plan to film or livestream in a restaurant, always ask for permission first. The staff may have specific guidelines regarding the appropriate time and location for filming. Failing to get permission could lead to serious disputes, so it’s essential to be mindful of this before recording.
Smoking Rules in Japan
In recent years, Japan has implemented much stricter smoking regulations. For example, smoking is strictly prohibited inside train stations except in designated smoking areas. Additionally, an increasing number of parks, such as those in Yokohama, have become entirely smoke-free, meaning you cannot smoke even in outdoor park spaces.
In Tokyo, smoking on the streets is illegal, and violators caught smoking outside designated smoking areas may be fined. This street smoking ban is expanding across Japan, so it is highly discouraged to smoke in public spaces.
Temples and shrines also enforce strict smoking restrictions. Unless a designated smoking area is provided, smoking is prohibited, even outdoors. Many of these sites are protected cultural properties, and smoking in unauthorized areas can cause serious problems.
If you smoke in Japan, always look for a designated smoking area first. This will help you avoid fines and ensure that you are following local rules.
When Problems Arise, Avoid Insisting on English Communication
One of the common issues linked to overtourism in Japan is the language barrier between non-Japanese-speaking travelers and Japanese people who don’t speak English. Unfortunately, not everyone in Japan is fluent in English, and insisting on speaking English during a conflict can sometimes make the situation worse.
In recent years, some tourists have assumed that if they keep speaking English, the other person will eventually give up and let the issue slide due to the language barrier. However, this has led to a growing misunderstanding—that many travelers create problems and then avoid responsibility by refusing to communicate in Japanese. Because of this, continuing to speak only in English during a dispute may leave a negative impression.
To handle these situations more smoothly, it’s best to use a translation app on your smartphone. If the person you’re speaking with doesn’t understand English, try using a web-based translator like DeepL to convey your message in Japanese. This can help prevent misunderstandings and de-escalate the situation. (Google Translate is not always accurate and may lead to further confusion, so DeepL is a better option.)
Many people in Japan warmly welcome travelers. However, with the rise of overtourism, some locals have become increasingly frustrated with visitors who do not follow the rules.
That being said, as long as you act respectfully and follow local customs, you are unlikely to encounter any issues and can fully enjoy your trip to Japan. To help ensure a smooth and pleasant experience, we encourage you to read this article and keep these tips in mind while traveling.
