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At least three people were injured, officials said. Rescue teams have been mobilized throughout the region.
The earthquake was followed by several aftershocks, including one recorded at 5.4, the NHK said, citing the Japan Meteorological Agency. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake was recorded at 6.6.
Nearly 3 million households lost energy, according to the Hokkaido Electric Power Company.
"The power supply was shut down at the Tomari Nuclear Power Plant, but it can run without external power for a week," said Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.
The locals said that they had woken up during an earthquake that lasted 30 seconds to a minute.
Some streets were cut by fallen trees, and additional footage from the broadcaster showed rundown buildings.
In addition, officials at the Japan Meteorological Agency told NHK that there is considerable risk of aftershocks until next week. They warned residents about the risk of collapsing buildings near the epicenter.
