A strong earthquake has hit the Noto region in central Japan. No tsunami alert has been issued.

The magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture, shortly after 3 p.m. on Sunday.

No tsunami alert has been issued. The quake registered lower 6 on Japan's seismic intensity scale of zero to 7 at Suzu City.

Noto Town registered lower 5, and the city of Wajima recorded 4.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says the quake was at a depth of about 10 kilometers.

The Kasuga Shrine in Suzu reported that its torii stone gate was broken from the bottom, and stone lanterns and stairs were partially collapsed.

The city registered a quake with an intensity of lower five in September last year.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says the government has set up a taskforce at his office.

Kishida said, "I have instructed the members of the taskforce to immediately assess the extent of the damage, provide accurate information to the public, and make all-out efforts to take emergency measures against disasters. No major damage has been reported so far. There have not been any reports of damage at the Shika nuclear power plant and nearby nuclear power plants. We will continue to take all possible measures with the utmost caution."