Japan’s Golden Week tourism strained by falling water levels

The shortage is also affecting hot spring operators. In Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo, one hot spring facility has kept its two open-air baths closed since March and is operating only its indoor baths. It has also increased its weekly closing days from one to two. Visitor numbers in March fell to about 70 to 80 per cent of the level seen a year earlier.

“We’re really in trouble, with no prospects for future operations,” said Ryoichi Arai, a 66-year-old senior official of the city’s tourism association.

Some facilities elsewhere have managed to restart services. In Chikuhoku, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, water supply restrictions introduced in mid-February were lifted on March 31.

“We’re grateful” for the end of the restrictions, said Fumito Otsuka, 74, who works at a hot spring facility in the village. He said the improvement followed water-saving efforts by residents.