Tohoku, Hokkaido Tourist Sites Prepare to Evacuate Visitors in Case of Emergency

The Yomiuri Shimbun

1:00 JST, April 24, 2026

Following an earthquake and the issuing of a subsequent earthquake advisory for Hokkaido and the Sanriku coast region on Monday, preparations are underway at tourist sites and other locations in the affected areas to ensure that even those unfamiliar with the local geography, such as foreign visitors, can evacuate safely in an emergency.

The magnitude 7.7 quake hit the Tohoku region and Hokkaido on Monday afternoon, triggering tsunami warnings and advisories and evacuation orders, which were later lifted. Following the quake, the subsequent earthquake advisory was issued, instructing people in the area to remain ready to evacuate at any moment until April 27, due to the increased likelihood of large aftershocks.

On Tuesday morning, foreign tourists disembarked from a cruise ship that docked at Miyako Port in Miyako, Iwate Prefecture. Due to the previous day’s earthquake, which had its epicenter off the Sanriku coast, a 40-centimeter tsunami had been observed in the nearby waters, and passengers on the ship were warned of the danger.

Interpreters from the city were on hand to support anxious passengers. Having undergone disaster evacuation training, they are prepared to lead the way by shouting, “Tsunami is coming!” should a tsunami warning be issued. On Tuesday, 13 interpreters welcomed the passengers.

One of the interpreters, Kaori Kimura, 66, inspected the route to one evacuation site and confirmed that it included some steep inclines. “I want to give people proper guidance based on the situation,” she said as she took charge of the tour.

Paul Egan, 64, who was traveling with his wife, said they were able to see the sights with peace of mind thanks to the interpreters.

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, a famous waterfront tourist attraction in Hakodate, Hokkaido, suffered damage from a tsunami over 1 meter high during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. On some days, foreigners account for more than half of the visitors to the facility, so it is installed with English-language evacuation route signs.

Although the cherry blossoms in the city recently reached full bloom, visitor numbers are low, partly due to the advisory. Hiroshi Kato, general affairs director of the warehouse’s operating company, said, “Although we’ve had a rough start ahead of the peak season, we want to be fully prepared.”

The Tatehana wharf morning market in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, which consists of about 300 stalls that are lined up near the water every Sunday, is scheduled to operate as usual this weekend, less than a week after the earthquake. It is the largest such event in the Tohoku region and attracts 20,000 to 30,000 visitors from inside and outside the prefecture.

The Minato Sunday morning market association, which organizes the market, plans to use the public address system to urge people to evacuate to higher ground if an earthquake occurs. To prevent traffic congestion, it also plans to encourage visitors who arrive by car to evacuate on foot.

April and May are the busiest months for the market. Association chair Haruki Keicho, 74, said, “Many people come here from far away. We are prepared for any emergency, so please enjoy yourselves without worry.”