Tottori Prefecture (鳥取県) — Earthquake Risk & History
Chugoku region · Based on HERP official data
The 2000 M7.3 Tottori earthquake struck from an unmapped fault with no advance warning — illustrating that M7+ earthquakes can occur on faults not previously identified as seismic risks. Japan's active fault surveys remain incomplete.
Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics
Active Faults & Trenches
- Sakurai–Iwami Fault
- Yamaguchi–Ishimi Fault Zone
Seismic Characteristics
The 2000 Tottori-ken Seibu earthquake (M7.3) originated on a fault that had not been previously identified as a seismic risk, demonstrating that M7+ earthquakes can occur on unknown faults in Japan. The Japan Sea Eastern Margin Fault Zone also affects the region.
Earthquake History
- M7.3
2000
Tottori-ken Seibu earthquake — occurred on a previously unidentified fault; numerous injured; no advance warning
※ Showing M6.5+ 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. The 2000 source fault was unknown beforehand — the risk from uncharted faults is a Japan-wide concern, not limited to Tottori.
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
- ✅ Tottori 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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Risk from uncharted faults: lessons from the 2000 Tottori earthquake
The 2000 Tottori earthquake struck from a fault that had not been previously identified as a seismic risk. This raised awareness of unmapped fault risk across Japan — earthquakes can occur anywhere, anytime.
Source: 지진조사위원회 (2021) -
Earthquake preparedness for Tottori Sand Dunes and Mt. Daisen visitors
As demonstrated in 2000, an M7+ earthquake can strike Tottori without advance warning. On Mt. Daisen, watch for rockfall and landslide risk. At the coast near the sand dunes, be aware of Japan Sea tsunami potential from a near-ocean earthquake.
Source: 돗토리현 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.