Ishikawa Prefecture suffers massive New Years Earthquake

Ishikawa Prefecture suffered a massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake on

On January 1 2024 at around 4:10pm (local time), the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture was hit by a massive 7.5 magnitude earthquake, resulting in extensive damage to the prefecture, and prompting Tsunami warnings for parts of the country. 

This was the first major earthquake of 2024 to hit Japan, a mere 16 hours into the new year. 

The City of Wajima, and Suzu cities were among the worst hit in the region. Wajima has suffered extensive building damage due to the earthquake, and fire which subsequently broke out in the city center.

The facts

For your own safety, we advise that tourists avoid this area while the recovery effort carries on. 

Aftershocks and landslides are still occurring several days after the initial earthquake. 

Nearby cities of Niigata, Kanazawa, and Toyama also experienced the strong earthquake, but no widespread has been caused, and it is mostly business as usual for these areas.