Oita Prefecture (大分県) — Earthquake Risk & History
Kyushu region · Based on HERP official data
The Beppu-Manganji Fault Zone runs east–west through Oita, and the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake triggered a related M6.5 event in central Oita. Beppu's geothermal environment is closely linked to seismic activity.
Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics
Active Faults & Trenches
- Bungo Channel Fault
- Beppu–Manyusen Fault Zone
Seismic Characteristics
The Beppu-Manganji Fault Zone runs east–west through Oita Prefecture, reflecting crustal extension across Kyushu. The Bungo Channel below connects to the Nankai Trough's southwestern end. Beppu, Japan's highest-volume hot spring city, sits in a geothermally active zone linked to frequent minor earthquakes.
Earthquake History
- M6.5
2016
Oita-ken Chubu earthquake — triggered by the Kumamoto earthquake sequence; building damage
📖 Wikipedia
※ Showing M6+ or historically significant events. Source: JMA database.
Future Probability — HERP Official Assessment
30-Year Probability (Official Figure)
Long-term evaluation by the Earthquake Research Committee. Beppu's geothermal environment creates complex seismic patterns. The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake triggered a linked event in Oita — major earthquakes in neighboring prefectures warrant heightened vigilance.
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
- ✅ Oita 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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Beppu Bay Fault Zone and Oita direct earthquake risk
The Beppu-Manganji Fault Zone has a 6–11% probability of an M7.2 earthquake in the next 30 years — one of Kyushu's higher-risk faults. Beppu's geothermal activity and seismic patterns are closely linked.
Source: 오이타대학 지진방재연구센터 (2021) -
Earthquake preparedness for Beppu and Yufuin Onsen visitors
Beppu and Yufuin are Japan's most popular hot spring destinations. Minor earthquakes are common in Beppu due to geothermal activity. If strong shaking occurs while bathing, stop immediately, wrap yourself in a towel, and evacuate. The Bungo Channel coast carries Nankai Trough tsunami risk — confirm evacuation routes at coastal accommodations.
Source: 오이타현 방재과·벳푸시 관광과 (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.