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Hot spring resorts, a source of pride and an integral part of Japanese tourism culture, are facing an unprecedented challenge: a severe water shortage. The surge in international visitors, eager to experience the relaxation and healing benefits of natural hot springs, has placed immense pressure on hot spring water supplies, forcing some resorts to close.
In Tokyo and surrounding areas, local authorities acted swiftly, implementing urgent measures such as restricting new well drilling and urging residents and tourists to work together to conserve water resources. However, these measures are only temporary and cannot completely solve the problem. The boom in tourism, a crucial driver of the Japanese economy, shows no signs of slowing down, posing a difficult challenge in balancing economic development and the protection of natural resources.
Hot spring resorts across Japan are facing water shortages due to the overwhelming influx of international tourists.
The shortage of hot spring water not only affects the operations of resorts but also threatens the image and attractiveness of Japanese tourism. Addressing this issue requires close cooperation between the government, businesses, and the community. Long-term solutions need to be researched and implemented, including investing in water-saving technologies, strictly managing hot spring water extraction, and raising awareness of water conservation within the community.
Earlier, at the end of January, Ureshino City Mayor Daisuke Murakami held an emergency press conference to announce the alarming situation in the area. He stated that the water level at Ureshino hot springs, one of Saga Prefecture's main tourist attractions, had dropped to a record low of 40.8 meters last year. This decline is believed to be related to the increased demand following the launch of the Shinkansen bullet train service in the area, attracting a large number of visitors.
Overcrowding has forced some hot springs to close due to insufficient supply.
Saga Prefecture is working to find solutions to this problem, but it is a significant challenge.
Faced with the alarming decline in hot spring water levels, the prefectural government has issued urgent recommendations, urging hot spring resorts to minimize daily extraction. Simultaneously, some hotels have proactively adjusted bathing times to late at night, hoping to allow water levels to gradually recover. However, this situation is not limited to Saga Prefecture, but is spreading to many other prefectures across Japan, where hot springs are also facing similar challenges.
Meanwhile, cities across Japan have restricted new drilling for natural hot springs, urging water conservation.
Local authorities in these areas have quickly implemented response measures, including restricting permits for new well drilling and actively encouraging residents and tourists to conserve water. While these measures have yielded some positive results, there are deep concerns that they may not be sufficient to ensure a stable supply, especially given the continued strong growth in foreign tourist numbers.
However, they still lack a long-term solution to provide hot mineral water to serve the increasing number of international tourists.
Experts have warned that the primary cause of declining water levels is overexploitation. A senior researcher at the Hot Spring Research Center in Japan emphasized the need for a scientific and comprehensive approach to hot spring management. He also stressed that monitoring and analyzing water level data is crucial for making accurate and timely decisions.
According to data released by the Japanese government earlier this year, the number of foreign visitors to Japan reached a record high of 36 million in 2024. This surge was driven by several factors, including the weakening of the yen, which facilitated international travel, and the resumption of flights after the COVID-19 pandemic, opening the door for international tourism.
