Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県) — Earthquake Risk & History
Chubu region · Based on HERP official data
Gifu includes the area struck by the 1891 Nobi Earthquake (M8.0) — Japan's largest inland earthquake on record. The Nobi Fault Zone traverses the prefecture, and Gifu also lies within the indirect impact zone of a Nankai Trough earthquake.
Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics
Active Faults & Trenches
- Nobi Fault System
- Ibigawa Fault
- Mino Fault
Seismic Characteristics
The Nobi Fault Zone is an inland active fault that runs through Gifu Prefecture, responsible for the 1891 Nobi Earthquake (M8.0). The Neodani Fault recorded a vertical offset of 6 m and horizontal offset of 8 m during that event. Gifu also lies within the indirect impact zone of a Nankai Trough earthquake.
Earthquake History
- M8.0
1891
Nobi Earthquake — widespread damage across Gifu and Aichi; 7,273 dead
- M5.9
2011
Hida region earthquake — Intensity 5-, some damage in Gifu City
※ Showing M6.5+ or major historical events. Source: JMA database.
Future Probability — HERP Official Assessment
30-Year Probability (Official Figure)
Long-term evaluation by the Earthquake Research Committee. Recurrence interval is very long, but damage would be extreme if it occurs. The Nankai Trough earthquake (70–80% probability) also poses an indirect impact.
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
- ✅ Gifu 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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Current risk assessment of the Nobi Fault Zone
The Mino-Owari fault system that caused the 1891 Nobi Earthquake remains classified as an active fault. An M7–8 recurrence event is possible, with projected damage focused on central Gifu.
Source: 지진조사위원회 (2020) -
Earthquake preparedness for Shirakawa-go and Hida visitors
UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawa-go and Hida Furukawa are in mountain terrain that can become isolated by road closures and landslides. Plan alternative return routes (Nagoya direction, Toyama direction) before an overnight trip. The Neodani Fault Museum preserves the 1891 surface rupture and is worth a visit for earthquake awareness.
Source: 기후현 관광과·네오다니 단층 박물관 (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.