Challenges Facing Japan’s Hot Spring Industry Amid Tourist Surges

The massive influx of foreign tourists has proven to be more bane than boon for the Japanese onsen (hot spring) industry.

As of Saturday, March 15, local government units across the country reported water shortages at hot spring resorts within their jurisdiction, apparently affected by increased water consumption due to the growing number of tourists.

In some regions, onsen have been forced to close due to inadequate water supplies, prompting municipalities to restrict new drilling and construction initiatives to conserve water. However, national authorities have yet to devise a long-term solution to this pressing issue.

An Ongoing Issue

Concerns regarding declining water levels and reduced supply in onsen locations were initially highlighted in January this year. At that time, Daisuke Murakami, the mayor of Ureshino, assured constituents, “Water levels are falling, but hot springs remain operational.”

Murakami noted that city officials were seriously addressing the problem, especially when water levels in the area fell to a record low of 40.8 meters in 2024. This decline was primarily attributed to how Shinkansen services brought more tourists to the area.

Consequently, officials from Ureshino and other affected locations have urged onsen to limit daily water extraction. Simultaneously, hospitality providers have been instructed to regulate late-night in-room baths to allow water levels to recover gradually.

Despite ongoing efforts, fears persist that these measures may not suffice to maintain water supplies, particularly with the continuous influx of overseas tourists.