Japan has experienced an unusually intense week of seismic activity, prompting authorities to issue a rare nationwide advisory and raising understandable concerns among travellers. Yet despite dramatic headlines and a heightened state of vigilance, officials continue to stress that Japan remains open, infrastructure is largely unaffected, and there is currently no recommendation to avoid travel to the country.
The latest development came on Friday, when Japan lifted a tsunami advisory after a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck off the north eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture at 11.44am local time. The Japan Meteorological Agency initially measured the quake at 6.9 before revising it. The tremor occurred at a depth of around 20 kilometres and was followed by several smaller aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging between 4.3 and 5.7.
Authorities briefly warned that tsunami waves of up to one metre could reach parts of Japan’s eastern coastline. Waves of around 20 centimetres were later recorded in Aomori and Hokkaido, and the advisory was lifted within hours. While thousands of residents received evacuation alerts via emergency warning apps, there were no reports of serious injuries or damage. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that Friday’s earthquake did not fall under the earlier “megaquake” advisory issued earlier in the week.
What triggered Japan’s heightened seismic alert?
Japan’s current state of heightened alert was triggered by a powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck late on Monday 8 December, at around 11.15pm local time. The quake occurred in the Pacific Ocean roughly 50 miles off the coast of Aomori, at the northern tip of Honshu, Japan’s main island.
The earthquake injured at least 51 people and caused temporary disruption across parts of northern Japan. East Japan Railway suspended several services, two Shinkansen trains made emergency stops, and traffic congestion was reported as residents attempted to leave affected areas such as Hachinohe. Flights were also cancelled at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, leaving around 200 passengers stranded overnight while safety inspections were carried out.
Crucially, the earthquake occurred along the Japan Trench, one of the world’s most seismically active fault zones, where the Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the Okhotsk Plate. Under Japan’s disaster preparedness system, any offshore earthquake of magnitude 7 or higher in this area raises concern about the statistical possibility of a much larger event.
As a result, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest level advisory, officially known as the “Off the Coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku Subsequent Earthquake Advisory”. Often referred to as a “megaquake” warning, it signals a temporarily higher probability of an earthquake of magnitude 8 or above occurring along the Japan Trench or the nearby Chishima Trench. Officials are careful to emphasise that this is not a prediction. The likelihood remains low, estimated at around one per cent, but the advisory is designed to encourage preparedness rather than alarm.
This alert category was introduced in 2022, following lessons learned from the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Which areas have been affected?
The advisory covers a wide coastal stretch from Hokkaido in the north to Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo. Since Monday’s earthquake, a series of smaller aftershocks have been recorded almost daily near the coast of Honshu and in the Hokkaido region, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre.
Authorities have confirmed that there has been no significant damage to major infrastructure, including roads, railways and airports, and that nearby nuclear power plants were not affected. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned, however, that areas which experienced strong shaking face an increased risk of landslides and building damage, particularly in the days following the main quake.
Residents have been urged to review evacuation routes, secure furniture, and prepare emergency supplies such as food, water and portable toilets. Importantly, there is currently no call for evacuation, and daily life across most of the country continues as normal.
What does this mean for travellers?
For visitors, the situation remains largely unchanged. Flights and rail services are operating normally, following brief disruptions earlier in the week. Popular winter destinations in Hokkaido, including Niseko and Furano, have reported no significant damage, no ski resort closures, and no direct impact on tourist infrastructure.
Hokkaido is entering one of its busiest periods of the year, as the winter tourism season gathers pace. The region’s ski resorts, particularly Niseko, have seen record visitor numbers in recent years and are expecting a strong season again, supported by favourable snowfall forecasts.
Japanese officials have not restricted travel to northern Japan, and tourism bodies continue to welcome visitors. Travellers are, however, encouraged to stay informed via official channels such as the Japan Meteorological Agency and NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, and to familiarise themselves with basic earthquake safety guidance.
Staying safe while travelling in Japan
Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, and earthquakes are a normal part of life. Buildings are designed to withstand strong shaking, and emergency procedures are well established.
In the event of an earthquake, travellers should follow standard guidance: drop, cover and hold on; stay away from windows; avoid using lifts during or immediately after shaking; and, if outdoors, move away from buildings, trees and power lines to avoid falling objects.
