Nara Prefecture (奈良県) — Earthquake Risk & History
Kinki region · Based on HERP official data
Nara is landlocked with no tsunami risk, but the Nara Basin Eastern Margin Fault Zone runs through the prefecture. Its extraordinary concentration of wooden world heritage buildings (Todaiji, Horyu-ji) makes earthquake damage to cultural heritage an especially serious concern.
Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics
Active Faults & Trenches
- Nara Basin E Margin Fault Zone
- Minami-Yamato Fault Zone
- Gojo Fault
Seismic Characteristics
The Nara Basin Eastern Margin Fault Zone runs north–south along the eastern side of Nara City, capable of an M7.4 earthquake. UNESCO World Heritage wooden structures — Todaiji, Horyu-ji, Kasuga Taisha — are concentrated in the affected area. Nara is landlocked with no ocean tsunami risk, but mountain areas face landslide hazard.
Earthquake History
- M6.1
2018
Osaka North earthquake — Intensity 3–4 felt in Nara; indirect impact
- M6.7
1952
Yoshino earthquake — damage in Nara's southern mountain area
- M7.0
1899
Kumano earthquake — damage in southern Nara and Mie
- M7.5
1596
Keicho Fushimi earthquake — widespread damage across Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka
※ Showing M6+ or historically significant events. Source: JMA database and historical earthquake records.
Future Probability — HERP Official Assessment
30-Year Probability (Official Figure)
Long-term evaluation by the Earthquake Research Committee. 30-year absolute probability is low, but a direct Nara City earthquake would produce Intensity 7. Cultural heritage buildings' limited seismic resilience is a key concern.
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
- ✅ Nara 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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Nara Basin fault earthquake damage simulation for world heritage sites
An M7.4 earthquake on the Nara Basin Eastern Margin Fault could produce Intensity 7 in Nara City. The wooden structures of Todaiji and Horyu-ji have limited seismic resilience, and heritage preservation planning is a priority concern.
Source: 나라현 지역방재계획 (2020) -
Earthquake safety for visitors to Nara, Yoshino, and Asuka
The wooden-heritage zone around Nara Park faces tile and stone debris risk during an earthquake. Deer in Nara Park may panic during strong shaking — maintain distance. Mountain areas like Yoshino carry landslide risk. Nara is inland with no tsunami risk.
Source: 나라현 방재과 (2022)
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.