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Japanese Hot Springs Towns Grapple with Water Shortages Amid Tourism Boom
Japanese hot springs, known as onsens, are globally renowned for their tranquil atmosphere, attracting visitors seeking relaxation in natural thermal pools. However, a surge in tourism across Japan is putting pressure on these idyllic destinations, with some onsen towns now facing critical water shortages, leaving local authorities increasingly concerned.
Ureshino Faces Onsen Water Supply Strain
Among the affected towns is Ureshino, nestled in the Saga Prefecture mountains on Kyushu island. This region, famed for some of Japan’s most sought-after onsens, hosts over 30 hotels and traditional Japanese inns known as ryokans.
Rising Tourist Numbers Impact Water Usage
Originally popular with domestic travelers, Ureshino, a city of 25,000 residents, is experiencing heightened appeal from international visitors as tourism to Japan increases significantly. This influx has led to warnings from local officials regarding the impact of increased tourism on the town’s onsen water supply.
“Compared to the pre-pandemic era, the rise in tourist numbers has amplified hot spring consumption at ryokans and other facilities,” stated Ureshino City Deputy Mayor Hironori Hayase at a recent press briefing.
Record Low Water Levels in Ureshino
Reports from NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, indicate that the average water level at the Ureshino supply reached a record low of 39.6 meters last year. This represents a 20% decrease compared to the 50-meter level recorded just four years prior, highlighting the escalating pressure on water resources.
Measures to Conserve Onsen Water
While Mayor Daisuke Murakami assured that the hot spring source remains sustainable, authorities have urged hotels and ryokans to restrict the use of private in-room baths during late-night hours to conserve water.
Demand for Private Onsens Intensifies Water Shortage
Private onsens are particularly favored by international tourists. Unlike communal onsens where visitors bathe naked – a custom unfamiliar or uncomfortable for some – private baths offer more personal space. While public onsen entry can cost as little as $3, many tourists prefer to pay substantially more for the privacy of an in-room onsen. This preference for private experiences elevates water usage, further straining the overall supply.
Mayor Murakami emphasized the city’s commitment to tourism while addressing the need for resource protection. “We understand Ureshino City’s reliance on tourism, and we are dedicated to safeguarding it. We are prepared to implement any necessary measures to achieve this,” he affirmed.
Traditional Onsen Culture and Regulations
The traditional onsen experience is valued for purported health benefits, including relief from psychological stress and muscular tension, as well as improvements in skin conditions. However, not every heated water source qualifies as a genuine onsen. Japan’s onsen law establishes strict criteria for these cultural and natural treasures.
To be classified as an onsen, the water, heated naturally underground by thermal energy, must maintain a temperature of at least 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) at the surface. Furthermore, the law stipulates specific mineral content requirements.
Nationwide Strain on Onsen Water Supply
Japan witnessed a record 36.8 million international visitors last year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. This tourism surge has placed significant strain on numerous popular onsen regions across the nation, from Ureshino in western Japan to Niseko in Hokkaido, according to Akihiro Otsuka from the Chuo Onsen Research Institute.
Otsuka explained, “The post-Covid-19 increase in tourists has spurred the growth of hotels, larger facilities, and a greater number of private onsen baths within hotel rooms.”
Local media in Niseko reported a 15-meter drop in the water supply level over the past three years, illustrating a similar trend in other onsen destinations.
Infrastructure Challenges and Overtourism
Otsuka points out that tourism is not the sole cause of water supply issues. Deteriorated pipes and outdated pumping infrastructure contribute to preventable water loss. “Many onsen areas are grappling with aging facilities that haven’t received adequate maintenance,” he stated.
Even onsens not currently experiencing water shortages are feeling the primary consequence of increased tourism: overcrowding.
Ginzan Onsen, located in the Yamagata region, now limits visitor entry for day trips during peak winter season to reduce the impact on local residents and infrastructure.
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