A 6.0-magnitude earthquake has struck off northern Japan but no tsunami warning has been issued.

The US Geological Survey says there are no immediate reports of damage.

The quake struck at 12:43pm (1343 AEST) on Sunday in the Pacific Ocean off Japan’s northern Aomori prefecture at a depth of 37km.

Aomori prefecture is some 600km northeast of Tokyo.

Japan’s islands are situated at the conjuncture of several tectonic plates and experience a number of relatively violent quakes every year.

But, thanks to strict building codes, even powerful quakes that might wreak havoc in other countries frequently pass without causing much damage.

In May, a strong 6.0-magnitude earthquake shook buildings in the Japanese capital Tokyo, injuring 17 people.