On September 11, 2025, Tokyo experienced what meteorologists described as “disaster-level” heavy rain, leading to widespread flooding across the city’s 23 wards and surrounding areas. This sudden deluge caused rivers to overflow, inundating homes, businesses, and infrastructure. As an international hub known for its efficient urban planning and resilience, Tokyo’s vulnerability to extreme weather events like this highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change.
On-the-Ground Report from Jiyugaoka, Meguro Ward
Reporting live from Jiyugaoka in Tokyo’s Meguro Ward, the scene was one of chaos and urgency. The sky was shrouded in thick, ominous clouds, with thunder echoing in the distance. As the report unfolded, light rain began to fall, adding to the already saturated ground.
A “No Entry” sign marked the area around a basement golf studio, which was completely submerged in murky floodwaters. The interior was fully inundated, with items like poles floating on the surface and water reaching the top of the stairs. Fortunately, the staff escaped unharmed, but personal belongings such as wallets and bags were lost to the flood. They reported being helpless until pump trucks arrived to drain the water.
The damage extended beyond this single business. Local residents described how, around 3 PM, nearby roads turned into raging rivers, with debris and objects being swept away in the current. Across the street, a restaurant was discarding soaked food items in garbage bags, including pizza dough that had become unusable. This was particularly heartbreaking as the upcoming three-day weekend—a time when shops typically bustle with customers—now seemed unlikely to bring any relief. Reopening businesses in the area appears challenging in the short term.
This localized account mirrors the broader crisis, where intense, localized downpours overwhelmed drainage systems. Similar flooding incidents were reported in Meguro Ward, including a cram school in Jiyugaoka that was partially submerged.
Broader Impacts Across Tokyo and Surrounding Regions
The heavy rain wasn’t confined to Meguro. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued record-breaking short-duration heavy rain advisories for wards like Setagaya, Meguro, Ota, and even parts of Minato Ward, where evacuation orders were put in place. In just one hour, up to 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) of rain fell in some areas, triggering flood warnings and causing thousands of households to lose power. Transportation was severely disrupted: flights were grounded, rail services halted, and even the Shinkansen bullet train lines between Tokyo and Mishima were suspended.
Social media captured the severity, with videos showing flooded train platforms where water cascaded like waterfalls onto tracks, people wading through ankle-deep water in subway stations, and cars navigating streets turned into muddy torrents. In areas like Shinagawa Ward, rivers such as the Tachiai overflowed, flooding shopping districts like Togoshi-Ginza and turning cafes and shops into watery messes. Approximately 2,390 homes across Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa lost electricity, exacerbating the challenges for residents.
Nearby Yokohama City, specifically Naka Ward, also faced record short-time heavy rain, underscoring the regional scope of this autumn rain front. These events disrupted daily life, from commuting to business operations, and serve as a reminder of Japan’s susceptibility to seasonal weather extremes during the transition from summer to fall.
Otaku (大田区)
大田区山王ジャーマン通りがえらい事に、、、、#豪雨 #洪水 #噴水 pic.twitter.com/us2BM29CDf
— Toshi (@Toshi14793831) September 11, 2025
Musashinakahara (武蔵中原)
南武線 武蔵中原駅前 ピーク時#冠水 #洪水 #豪雨 #雷 #ゲリラ豪雨 pic.twitter.com/lAdNrwsquw
— ケロット・アース (@FTR250_H) September 11, 2025
Jiyugaoka (自由が丘)
自由が丘浸水
#洪水
#大雨
#停電
#ゲリラ豪雨 pic.twitter.com/HdVLQqIrw2— みらい (@o_miraimirai) September 11, 2025
Shinagawaku (品川区)
まさか品川区役所近くで #冠水 するとは。初めて見ました(T_T)
皆様大丈夫でしたか？？⚡️#品川区#ゲリラ豪雨#洪水#企業公式相互フォロー #企業公式さんと繋がりたい【速報】「記録的短時間大雨情報」品川区付近で1時間に約120ミリの猛烈な雨 https://t.co/YnxNUT7sAj pic.twitter.com/5y1aXggSBE
— ㈱しなまる＠【品川区】 (@Shinamaru2023) September 11, 2025
Causes and Cultural Context: Japan’s Resilience in the Face of Nature
Japan’s geography, with its mountainous terrain and dense urban centers, makes it prone to flash floods, especially during the rainy season or when autumn fronts bring unstable atmospheric conditions. Climate experts link the increasing intensity of such events to global warming, which amplifies moisture in the atmosphere and leads to more extreme precipitation. Culturally, the Japanese people are renowned for their stoicism and community spirit in disasters—think of the organized evacuations and mutual aid seen in past typhoons. This resilience is rooted in a deep respect for nature, influenced by Shinto beliefs that emphasize harmony with the environment. However, as urbanization grows, balancing modern life with traditional preparedness becomes crucial.
Staying Safe: Preparation Tips for Heavy Rain in Japan
To navigate such events, here are some practical tips:
- Monitor Alerts: Use apps like the JMA’s official site or Yahoo! Japan Weather for updates.
- Evacuate Early: If in low-lying areas, head to higher ground or designated shelters promptly.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and important documents in waterproof bags.
- Avoid Risks: Never drive through flooded roads; even shallow water can sweep vehicles away.
Continued vigilance is essential, as more rain was forecasted in the days following September 11.
In conclusion, while the floods of September 11, 2025, caused significant disruption, they also showcase Tokyo’s ability to recover swiftly. As global weather patterns evolve, staying informed is key to safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What caused the heavy rain in Tokyo on September 11, 2025?
The downpours were triggered by an autumn rain front creating unstable atmospheric conditions, leading to localized intense rainfall across the Kanto region. - How does flooding affect daily life in Tokyo?
It disrupts transportation, causes power outages, and damages businesses and homes, often leading to evacuations and temporary closures, as seen in areas like Jiyugaoka. - Are such heavy rains common in Japan?
Yes, Japan experiences seasonal heavy rains, especially in summer and autumn, but their intensity has increased due to climate change, making preparation vital. - What should tourists do during a flood warning in Tokyo?
Stay indoors if safe, follow local authorities’ instructions, avoid flooded areas, and use translation apps to understand alerts in English or other languages.
