Travel Alert: Japanese Authorities Warn of a Magnitude 9 Mega-Earthquake in Hokkaido

Attention to Taiwanese travelers planning a trip to Hokkaido: The Japanese government today (19th) issued an earthquake forecast predicting a possible magnitude 9 mega-earthquake off the eastern Pacific coast of Hokkaido, which could also trigger a massive tsunami — the threat is considered imminent. Earthquake experts say this quake could surpass the magnitude of the 311 earthquake, and those planning to visit eastern Hokkaido in the near future should stay updated on related news.

According to a report by Kyodo News, an earthquake research committee led by Professor Naoshi Hirata of the University of Tokyo released the earthquake forecast today. The eastern Hokkaido offshore area experiences an ultra-great earthquake every 340 to 380 years, and the region is currently due for such a seismic cycle. Research from Hokkaido University estimates that the resulting tsunami could exceed 20 meters in height, flooding inland areas up to 4 kilometers from the coast.

Based on various simulation calculations, the research committee stated that within the next 30 years, there is a 7% to 40% probability of a mega-earthquake similar to the one 400 years ago occurring in the eastern Hokkaido offshore area. It’s reported that the epicenter could extend to areas such as the offshore regions of Aomori Prefecture, and the quake’s magnitude could be even greater than that of the 311 earthquake.

Regarding the Japanese government’s strong earthquake forecast for Hokkaido, travel industry insider Ms. Chen stated that it will not affect the travel plans of those who have already booked trips. She pointed out that Taiwanese people are very keen on traveling to Hokkaido, and popular destinations among travelers, such as Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, Lake Toya, Furano, and Biei, are mostly concentrated in southern and central Hokkaido. The eastern Hokkaido area, where the potential earthquake may occur, is relatively less included in tour packages or independent travel itineraries, so it is assessed that there should not be a significant impact on Hokkaido tourism overall. Currently, the most popular activity in eastern Hokkaido is taking an icebreaker cruise.