The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake occurred at 12.46 p.m. local time (0346GMT) with its epicenter in Chiba prefecture at a depth of about 50 kilometers (31 miles), Kyodo News Agency reported.
The agency recorded a maximum seismic intensity of 4 on Japan's seven-level scale and said there was no risk of a tsunami.
The US Geological Survey also reported the earthquake at magnitude 5.8, locating the epicenter about 4 kilometers (2.48 miles) south-southeast of Yokoshiba at a depth of 56 kilometers (34.7 miles).
There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
