Bavi has been described as the worst typhoon in the area in decades.
Strong winds, torrential rain and waves up to 12 metres high are being reported from Okinawa in southern Japan. A level 4 storm surge warning has been issued for parts of the prefecture and on Saturday morning, power was cut off for thousands of residents on the island.
More than 200 flights have been canceled in the region, reports the NHK television channel.
In large parts of Taiwan, shops, schools and workplaces are closed.
In eastern China, 900,000 people have left their homes ahead of Bavi's arrival, the government in Beijing said, according to AFP.
