Fukuoka Prefecture (福岡県) — Earthquake Risk & History
Kyushu region · Based on HERP official data
Fukuoka was considered low earthquake risk before the 2005 M7.0 earthquake struck from a fault running through the city center. The Keiko Fault Zone runs beneath Hakata and Tenjin. Fukuoka is the closest major Japanese city to Korea and the most visited Japanese city by Korean travelers.
Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics
Active Faults & Trenches
- Keiko Fault Zone
- Genkai-nada Fault
- Hakata Bay Fault
Seismic Characteristics
The Keiko Fault Zone runs directly through central Fukuoka — Hakata Station and the Tenjin district sit on or near this fault. The 2005 M7.0 earthquake originated along the fault's extension, shattering the city's "no earthquake" reputation. Nankai Trough influence is minimal, but the Genkainada coast carries some Japan Sea tsunami risk.
Earthquake History
- M7.0
2005
Fukuoka-ken Seiho-Oki earthquake — Intensity 6- in Fukuoka city; building facades and windows damaged; 1 dead, 1,200+ injured
- M6.1
1898
Fukuoka earthquake — urban building damage (historical records)
※ Showing M6+ or historically significant events. Source: JMA database and historical records.
Future Probability — HERP Official Assessment
30-Year Probability (Official Figure)
Long-term evaluation by the Earthquake Research Committee. Fault mapping was updated after the 2005 earthquake. Direct fault risk remains even outside the Nankai Trough influence zone.
Traveler Safety Information
Finding Evacuation Shelters
- ✅ Search "避難所" (hinanjo) on Google Maps to find the nearest shelter from your current location
- ✅ Install NHK World or Safety tips (Japan Tourism Agency app) — both send English earthquake alerts
- ✅ Fukuoka Prefecture official disaster prevention page (Japanese) — includes shelter maps
Basic Action Rules
- ✅ At check-in, locate emergency exits and escape routes
- ✅ On strong shaking: protect your head, open a door to secure an exit, do not use elevators
- ✅ Near coasts or rivers: move to high ground immediately — do not wait for a tsunami warning
- ✅ Emergency numbers: Police 110 · Ambulance/Fire 119
- ✅ Contact your embassy in Tokyo for emergency consular assistance
Research & Official Sources AI summary
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Fukuoka direct-strike earthquake risk and urban vulnerability
The 2005 earthquake shattered Fukuoka's "no earthquake" reputation. An M7 event directly on the Keiko Fault Zone would cause major building damage throughout the dense city center.
Source: 규슈대학 지진화산관측연구센터 (2022) -
Earthquake preparedness for Fukuoka, Hakata, and Dazaifu visitors
Hakata Station and Tenjin are directly above the Keiko Fault Zone — an M7 event here would produce Intensity 7. The Fukuoka subway halts automatically; follow evacuation announcements. High-rise buildings had glass damage in 2005 — shelter inside away from windows during strong shaking. The Genkainada coast carries Japan Sea tsunami risk — confirm evacuation routes before coastal visits.
Source: 후쿠오카시 방재·위기관리과 (2023)
Related Guides
Seismic characteristics and research summaries on this page are AI-generated from publicly available data by JMA, Cabinet Office, and HERP. Historical earthquake data (year, magnitude, damage) is based on official records, but key figures should always be cross-checked with the latest official sources. This page does not predict future earthquakes.