A strong earthquake has struck Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, but authorities said there is no danger of a tsunami and there are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said the quake had a magnitude of 6.4 and hit at 2.17pm GMT today in the Tokachi region in southern Hokkaido, at a depth of 120 kilometres.

The agency said there is no danger of a tsunami from the quake.

The US Geological Survey said the quake's magnitude was 6.9.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK said nearby nuclear power plants, including Tomari and Higashidori, which are currently idled for safety inspections, have reported no abnormalities.

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