Japan issues its first “megaquake” alert since 2022 following a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck off the eastern coast of Aomori late Monday, prompting brief tsunami warnings and raising concerns across northern travel corridors as Hokkaido enters its peak winter season.
The advisory, triggered by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), remains in effect until 16 December and allows for the statistical possibility of a magnitude 8 or higher offshore earthquake.
The warning arrives as ski resorts in Hokkaido begin welcoming early-season visitors and airlines and rail networks continue normal operations, aside from short-lived Tohoku Shinkansen suspensions. Authorities report no large-scale infrastructure damage, and major tourist hubs such as Niseko and Furano remain open.
Earthquake Impact and Ongoing Safety Measures
The quake, which occurred around 11:15 pm Monday off Aomori, registered an upper 6 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale. Slow, powerful shaking was felt across northern Honshu and into Hokkaido. National broadcaster NHK reported no deaths, major structural damage or abnormalities at nearby nuclear facilities. Tsunami warnings for Iwate, Hokkaido and Aomori were downgraded before being lifted early Tuesday.
Transport disruption has remained limited. Tohoku Shinkansen services briefly halted between Morioka and Shin-Aomori but resumed the following day, and flights continue to operate normally. Authorities have not imposed any travel restrictions on northern Japan. The JMA emphasises that the megaquake advisory is not a forecast but a statistical alert based on patterns observed after large offshore tremors.
Tourism Conditions in Hokkaido
Hokkaido, one of Japan’s most visited winter destinations, begins its busiest period as the advisory takes effect. Niseko recorded more than 11 million lift rides during the 2024–25 season, drawing an estimated 2.2 million visitors across its four interconnected resorts. With another snowy La Niña pattern expected this winter, local operators forecast strong demand despite the alert.
No direct impacts have been reported at major ski areas. Resorts in Niseko and Furano continue normal operations, and there have been no reports of building damage or closures related to the earthquake. Travellers are advised to monitor local conditions and follow guidance from Japanese authorities while visiting the region.
Guidance for Travellers
Japan remains one of the world’s most seismically active countries, and earthquakes are a familiar part of life across the archipelago. More than 1,900 earthquakes of magnitude 4 or higher have occurred within 300 kilometres of Hokkaido in the past decade, according to open-source monitoring data referenced in the source material.
The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) encourages visitors to download the Safety Tips app, which provides real-time earthquake, tsunami and weather alerts in 15 languages. The agency advises travellers to drop, cover and hold during shaking, remain indoors and away from windows if inside, and move clear of buildings, trees and power lines if outside. Elevators should be avoided during and immediately after a tremor.
Authorities continue to stress preparedness rather than alarm. While the term “megaquake” may sound severe, officials underline that the advisory reflects statistical probability rather than a specific prediction. With transport links functioning and no major damage reported, northern Japan’s winter travel season continues under heightened monitoring but without widespread disruption.
AloJapan.com