Japan is on alert for a possible mega-quake, following a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck off the eastern coast of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japan’s main island of Honshu, and just south of the northern island of Hokkaido, close to midnight on Monday, 8 December 2025.

Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures reported modest impact, with at least 33 injuries, along with damage to roads, buildings and infrastructure. Authorities initially issued tsunami warnings for the three prefectures, but they were lifted on 9 December.

What travellers need to know

Authorities say there is an increased possibility of a magnitude-8 or larger earthquake within the next week, although the probability remains low at around 1%. Officials stress the advisory does not predict a megaquake at any specific time or location.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called on the public to “take appropriate disaster-prevention actions” and prioritise personal safety.

Travel to Japan remains safe and operational. No major government has issued travel advisories against Japan, and airlines continue to operate normally. Travellers planning to visit coastal areas of Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi and southern Hokkaido are advised to monitor updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Visitors should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance and familiarise themselves with earthquake preparedness guidelines. Downloading reliable alert apps is strongly recommended. The Japan Tourism Agency’s disaster warning app sends notifications during earthquakes of intensity 4 or above on the Japanese seismic scale, as well as tsunami alerts.

Beware of misinformation

Social media channels are seeing a surge of misleading content, including AI-generated videos, outdated tsunami footage being reshared as current events, and false predictions.

“The government does not announce earthquake predictions, including the date of a megaquake,” the Japan Meteorological Agency reiterated, urging the public to rely only on official updates.