Shimane Prefecture (島根県) — Earthquake Risk & History
Chugoku region · Based on HERP official data
Shimane faces the Japan Sea and lies within the Japan Sea Eastern Margin Fault Zone's influence. The Shimane Nuclear Power Plant adds emergency preparedness complexity. Iwami Ginzan (UNESCO heritage silver mine) is in a mountainous area with landslide risk.
Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics
Active Faults & Trenches
- Japan Sea Eastern Margin Fault Zone
- Nagato–Iwakuni Fault
Seismic Characteristics
Shimane Prefecture faces the Japan Sea and falls within the Japan Sea Eastern Margin Fault Zone's influence. The Shimane Nuclear Power Plant (Matsue City) has been under NRA regulatory review for restart — in any earthquake, check NRA and Shimane Prefecture official sources for nuclear safety information. The Iwami Ginzan heritage area is mountainous with landslide risk.
Earthquake History
- M6.1
2018
Shimane Prefecture Seibu earthquake — some building damage in Matsue area; few injured
- M7.3
2000
Tottori-ken Seibu earthquake — Intensity 5 observed in eastern Shimane
- M7.1
1872
Hamada earthquake — most of Hamada city destroyed by fire following the quake
※ 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. Nuclear plant location means checking NRA (Nuclear Regulation Authority) and Shimane Prefecture official announcements is recommended in any significant earthquake.
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
- ✅ Shimane 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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Seismic risk assessment near Shimane Nuclear Power Plant
Active fault surveys around the Shimane Nuclear Power Plant identified multiple active faults in the vicinity. The implications for reactor restart safety have been a key issue in NRA regulatory reviews.
Source: 원자력규제위원회 (2022) -
Earthquake and tsunami guidance for Izumo, Matsue, and Tamatsukuri Onsen visitors
Izumo Taisha and Matsue Castle are Shimane's signature tourist sites. Matsue city is inland with low direct tsunami risk, but the Japan Sea coast requires vigilance for Japan Sea Eastern Margin fault earthquakes. For nuclear plant information, check NRA official announcements during any earthquake event.
Source: 시마네현 방재과 (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.