TOKYO, Dec. 31 -- A quake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale hit Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture at 10:03 a.m. local time Tuesday, according to Japan's Meteorological Agency.

The epicenter was initially detected at 36.7 degree north latitude and 140.7 degree east longitude, with a depth of 10 km.

No tsunami alert was issued and no immediate injuries and damage reported.