Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県) — Earthquake Risk & History
Kinki region · Based on HERP official data
The Lake Biwa Western Shore Fault Zone runs through Shiga and could generate an M7.7 earthquake. A major quake can trigger seiches (standing waves) within Lake Biwa, adding coastal flooding risk. No ocean tsunami risk — Shiga is landlocked.
Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics
Active Faults & Trenches
- W Lake Biwa Fault System
- Kanzaki Fault
Seismic Characteristics
The Lake Biwa Western Shore Fault Zone runs north–south along the western shore of Lake Biwa, capable of an M7.7 earthquake. A major quake could trigger seiches within the lake, causing additional shoreline flooding. Shiga is landlocked with no ocean tsunami risk.
Earthquake History
- M7.3
1662
Kanban Omi-Wakasa earthquake — widespread damage around Lake Biwa
※ Showing M6.5+ or historically major 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 thousands of years, but a direct event would cause Intensity 7 in Otsu and Nagahama. If on Lake Biwa boats, follow crew instructions immediately after strong shaking.
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
- ✅ Shiga 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 from a Lake Biwa Western Shore Fault earthquake
An M7.7 event on the Lake Biwa Western Shore Fault Zone could produce Intensity 7 within Shiga and trigger seiches along the lake shore, causing additional coastal flooding.
Source: 시가현 방재방범과 (2020) -
Earthquake safety guide for Otsu, Hikone, and Nagahama visitors
Major tourist sites cluster around Lake Biwa (Hikone Castle, Nagahama, Otsu). Low-lying lakeside areas face seiche risk during strong earthquakes. If on a boat, follow crew instructions immediately. Mountain areas (Mt. Hiei, Biwako Valley) carry rockfall and landslide risk.
Source: 시가현 방재방범과 (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.