Saitama Prefecture (埼玉県) — Earthquake Risk & History
Kanto region · Based on HERP official data
Saitama is part of the greater Tokyo Metropolitan area and would be heavily affected by a Tokyo Metropolitan Earthquake (M7.3 scenario). Southern Saitama's alluvial plain is particularly susceptible to liquefaction. The 30-year probability of a Tokyo Metropolitan Earthquake stands at 70%.
Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics
Active Faults & Trenches
- Kanto Fault System
- Saitama Urban Fault
Seismic Characteristics
Saitama's southern zone sits on broad Kanto Plain alluvium, making it prone to seismic amplification and liquefaction. A Tokyo Metropolitan Earthquake (M7.3 scenario) is expected to produce Intensity 6- to 6+ across southern Saitama. Minor fault lines have been identified beneath Saitama City itself.
Earthquake History
- M9.0
2011
Great East Japan Earthquake — Intensity 5+; soil liquefaction damage in parts of Saitama
📖 Wikipedia - M7.9
※ Showing M6+ or Intensity 5+ events. Source: JMA database, Cabinet Office.
Future Probability — HERP Official Assessment
30-Year Probability (Official Figure)
Cabinet Office Tokyo Metropolitan Earthquake Working Group 2022 evaluation. A direct Tokyo earthquake would cause strong shaking and liquefaction across southern Saitama.
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
- ✅ Saitama 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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Projected damage to Saitama in a Tokyo Metropolitan Earthquake
A Tokyo Metropolitan Earthquake (M7.3 scenario) is projected to produce Intensity 6- to 6+ in southern Saitama, with simulations estimating some 20,000 buildings damaged or destroyed and hundreds of thousands displaced.
Source: 내각부 수도직하지진 WG (2022) -
Liquefaction risk on the Saitama alluvial plain — visitor safety
Southern Saitama (Omiya, Saitama City) sits on Arakawa alluvial lowlands with significant liquefaction risk. Road and building subsidence was reported in 2011. At major venues like Saitama Super Arena, avoid elevators after a quake and follow safety announcements.
Source: 사이타마현 방재과·국토지리원 (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.