Magnitude 5.7 quake near Wakayama rattles Osaka and Kyoto
What the quake means for Kansai
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake shook Japan’s Kansai region on May 2 at 6:28 p.m. JST, with its epicenter in Nara Prefecture about 33 kilometers southeast of Wakayama. The tremor reached level 4 on Japan’s seismic scale and officials said there was no tsunami risk.
The quake was felt across a wide area, including Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. Trains, including Shinkansen services, paused briefly for safety checks before resuming, while Osaka and Kansai International airports stayed open.
Who felt it
About 36 million people were in the area where the shaking was felt, with roughly 21 million experiencing light shaking and about 106,300 reporting moderate shaking. No casualties, serious injuries or major structural damage have been reported.
For travelers, expats and digital nomads based in Osaka or Kyoto, the disruption was limited. Residents described sudden jolts and swaying, but normal activity resumed quickly and no evacuation orders were issued. nomad news
What to watch next
Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued an Emergency Earthquake Warning as the tremor hit its strongest point. Authorities haven't detected any significant aftershocks of magnitude 2.5 or higher within 100 kilometers of the epicenter since May 5.
Still, residents and visitors should stay alert for possible aftershocks and follow local guidance if conditions change. Read our full Japan guide for the complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the earthquake in Kansai happen?
Was there a tsunami risk after the Kansai earthquake?
Were trains or Shinkansen services affected by the quake?
Did Osaka and Kansai International airports stay open during the earthquake?
Were there any casualties or major damage from the Kansai earthquake?
Should travelers and expats in Osaka and Kyoto still be alert after the quake?
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