Tokyo: At least 12 people have been killed and 10 others reported missing in Japan after Typhoon Etau slammed into the country's west cost, bringing heavy rain that triggered floods and landslides.

Police official Shigekazu Kamenobu said on Monday the typhoon left 11 people dead in Hyogo prefecture, west of Tokyo.

He could not provide details but said many were caught in raging waters.

Some 500 houses were flooded in Hyogo, with TV footage showing residents clearing up mud with shovels.

Public broadcaster NHK said the typhoon has left 10 people missing. Police officials could not confirm the report.

Japan's Meteorological Agency warned of heavy precipitation and landslides in eastern Japan as Etau heads north.