Fukuoka City Disaster Prevention Center
Experience realistic disaster simulations, from earthquakes to smoke evacuations, in this free, interactive learning center.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Fukuoka City Disaster Prevention Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience realistic disaster simulations, from earthquakes to smoke evacuations, in this free, interactive learning center.
"An amazing, free, and interactive experience to learn about disaster preparedness in Japan!"
🎯 Book in Advance if Possible
While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, booking ahead ensures your spot for this popular free attraction. :ticket:
🗣️ English Notes Provided
Don't let the Japanese tours deter you; English notes help explain each interactive experience. :memo:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Simulated Earthquake Experience
Main Exhibition Hall
Feel the intensity of a magnitude 7 earthquake and learn crucial survival techniques in a safe, controlled environment.

Smoke Evacuation Training
Evacuation Zone
Navigate through a simulated smoke-filled environment to practice safe evacuation procedures.

Fire Extinguisher Practice
Fire Safety Area
Get hands-on experience using a fire extinguisher to combat simulated fires, a vital skill for emergencies.

VR Disaster Simulation
VR Experience Zone
Immerse yourself in realistic disaster scenarios through virtual reality for an engaging learning experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for a Smoother Experience
Understand the Language Barrier
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book in Advance if Possible
While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, booking ahead ensures your spot for this popular free attraction.
:ticket:🗣️ English Notes Provided
Don't let the Japanese tours deter you; English notes help explain each interactive experience.
:memo:Disaster prevention center
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
This center offers an engaging and educational experience suitable for children of all ages.
:child:🚗 Limited Parking Available
Parking is available but can be limited, so consider public transport if possible.
:car:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book in Advance if Possible
While walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, booking ahead ensures your spot for this popular free attraction.
:ticket:🗣️ English Notes Provided
Don't let the Japanese tours deter you; English notes help explain each interactive experience.
:memo:👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
This center offers an engaging and educational experience suitable for children of all ages.
:child:🚗 Limited Parking Available
Parking is available but can be limited, so consider public transport if possible.
:car:⏳ 80-Minute Immersive Tour
The comprehensive tour covers multiple disaster scenarios and takes about 80 minutes to complete.
:hourglass:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Fukuoka City Disaster Prevention Center for its highly educational and interactive experiences, particularly the simulated earthquake and evacuation drills. The staff's friendliness and willingness to assist non-Japanese speakers are frequently highlighted, making it a valuable and accessible resource for all. While the tours are primarily in Japanese, the provided English notes and translation assistance ensure a comprehensive understanding for international guests.
"Very educational, a good place to learn about Japan earthquake history and how to react to disasters. Take note the centre is closed on every last Tuesday of the month. Staff were extremely friendly, I went alone and without prior booking but they let me experience earthquake intensity 7, and 5 at my request 😁 and explained every detail to me. Btw I’m from one of the Fukuoka’s Sister Cities, Ipoh. 皆様、お疲れ様です🙏"
miruku's Garden
"Extremely amazing experience! Staff were super courteous and helpful! The show lasted 80 minutes and was very hands-on and interactive! I learnt all about disaster prevention.
Suitable for kids.
However, most tours conducted in Japanese. English notes are provided to help with the understanding. In my opinion, this is enough.
I would definitely go again!"
Keith Lum
"Indoor activity for kids. Limited free parking space. Cureently not much people. A lot of precaution from owner due to COVID 19. Some of acvity is off for safety"
Shahrul Hisyam Marwan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is accessible via public transportation. While specific train lines and bus routes can vary, it's generally recommended to use navigation apps for the most up-to-date routes from your location in Fukuoka. Limited free parking is available on-site.
Yes, there is limited free parking available at the Fukuoka City Disaster Prevention Center. However, it can fill up quickly, so arriving early or using public transport is advised.
From Hakata Station, you can typically take a bus or a subway line followed by a short walk. It's best to check a local transit app for the most direct route and estimated travel time, as services can change.
Taxis are readily available in Fukuoka and can take you directly to the Disaster Prevention Center. This is a convenient option, especially if you have luggage or are traveling with a group.
The center is a significant facility, and its location should be clearly marked on most local maps and navigation systems. It's advisable to have the exact address handy when using any navigation method.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Fukuoka City Disaster Prevention Center offers free admission to all its exhibits and training sessions. It's a valuable public resource for disaster preparedness.
While some visitors have been able to join tours on the day without prior booking, it is highly recommended to book in advance, especially if you don't speak Japanese, to secure your spot.
The center is typically open during regular business hours, but it's crucial to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current operating hours, as these can change.
The center is closed on every last Tuesday of the month. It's always a good idea to verify this information before your visit.
Yes, while tours are conducted in Japanese, English translation sheets are provided for each section, and staff are often willing to assist with translation apps.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The center offers a variety of simulations including experiencing a magnitude 7 earthquake, smoke evacuation, flood escape, and using a fire extinguisher. VR disaster experiences are also available.
The comprehensive and interactive tour at the center lasts approximately 80 minutes, covering multiple disaster preparedness scenarios.
Absolutely! The center is designed to be educational and engaging for all ages, making it a great indoor activity for families with children.
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, as you'll be participating in interactive simulations and potentially moving around a lot.
Generally, photography and videography are allowed in most areas, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions or ask staff if you're unsure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Fukuoka City Disaster Prevention Center primarily focuses on educational exhibits and simulations. There are typically no dining facilities on-site. Visitors are advised to eat before or after their visit.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally best to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before entering the exhibition spaces to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the exhibits.
There are likely various restaurants and cafes located in the surrounding areas of Fukuoka. Using a map application on your phone will help you find nearby dining options after your visit.
Some public facilities offer vending machines for drinks. It's advisable to check on-site or inquire beforehand if you rely on vending machines for refreshments.
Depending on the surrounding area, there might be public parks or open spaces where a picnic could be enjoyed. However, it's best to check local regulations regarding picnicking.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in most areas of the center, allowing you to capture your learning experience. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage indicating restricted areas.
The interactive simulations, such as the earthquake experience and smoke evacuation, offer unique and memorable photo opportunities. The staff are also often happy to pose for a photo.
Visiting during weekday mornings, especially shortly after opening, usually results in fewer crowds, providing a better environment for photography and capturing clear shots of the exhibits.
While flash photography is often allowed, it's courteous to avoid using it during demonstrations or when it might disturb other visitors or the exhibits. Check for any specific rules posted at the entrance.
It's possible that certain sensitive exhibits or demonstrations might have restrictions on photography. Always look for signs or ask staff if you are unsure about where you can and cannot take pictures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents will appreciate the center's focus on practical skills like smoke evacuation and fire extinguisher use, which can empower children with a sense of preparedness. While tours are in Japanese, the visual nature of the simulations and the provided English notes make it accessible for most families. It's a unique opportunity for children to learn about Japan's disaster resilience in a memorable way.
Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
Even if you don't speak Japanese, the staff's helpfulness with translation apps and the availability of English notes make it a welcoming experience. It's a chance to engage with local culture and learn about a critical aspect of life in Japan, all while keeping your expenses low.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Disaster Preparedness in Japan
These facilities are crucial for fostering a culture of safety and resilience. By simulating real-world scenarios like earthquakes, floods, and fires, the center helps individuals understand the potential impact of these events and practice the correct procedures to minimize harm. This proactive approach is a cornerstone of Japan's strategy for managing its natural hazard risks.
Learning about disaster prevention isn't just about knowing what to do; it's about building confidence and reducing panic during a crisis. The center's engaging methods, including VR and physical simulations, ensure that the lessons learned are memorable and effective, contributing to a safer community overall.
Navigating the Interactive Experiences
Beyond earthquakes, the center provides crucial training in smoke evacuation. Participants navigate through darkened, smoke-filled environments to practice safe exit strategies, a vital skill for any fire emergency. Complementing this is the fire extinguisher training, offering practical, hands-on experience in combating simulated fires.
For a more immersive learning curve, the VR disaster experience transports visitors into various catastrophic scenarios, offering a dynamic and engaging way to understand disaster impacts. While the primary language of instruction is Japanese, the provision of English translation sheets and the staff's willingness to assist with translation apps ensure that international visitors can fully participate and benefit from these essential preparedness lessons.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit