Japan’s hot spring resorts are facing water shortages as a surge in foreign tourists drives up demand, forcing some onsens to shut down due to an insufficient supply, local authorities reported on March 15.
To address the issue, municipalities across the country have introduced measures to limit water extraction, including restrictions on new drilling and appeals for conservation. However, with tourism numbers continuing to rise, a long-term solution has yet to be established.
“Water levels are falling, but hot springs remain operational,” said Daisuke Murakami, mayor of Ureshino in Saga Prefecture, during an emergency press conference in late January. He noted that the average water level at the source of the Ureshino hot spring resort, a major attraction in the region, dropped to a record low of 40.8 meters last year.
The decline in water levels has been linked to rising demand following the introduction of Shinkansen bullet train services to the area, which has significantly boosted visitor numbers. In response, authorities have urged onsen operators to limit daily water extraction, while some hotels have implemented restrictions on late-night in-room baths to allow for gradual recovery.
Similar challenges are affecting other regions, with local governments capping new drilling projects and promoting conservation efforts. Experts warn that excessive water extraction remains the primary cause of the shortages.
Japan welcomed over 36 million foreign visitors in 2024, a record high fueled by a favorable currency exchange rate and the resumption of international flight routes.