Record rainfall left thousands of travellers stranded at Tokyo's Narita airport as flooding in the surrounding area disrupted transport, knocked out power to homes and claimed at least four lives.

Record-breaking heavy rain has pounded eastern Japan, flooding roads and homes, paralyzing traffic, and causing power outages near Tokyo.

Areas around Tokyo have recorded 360mm of rainfall in the 24 hours to Friday, causing widespread chaos and damage, while Hawaii prepares for Tropical Storm Lala.