Japan looks to cool hot spring tourism

Spring marks a peak travel season in Japan, with cherry blossoms drawing visitors from around the world. However, tourism may be a little too heated this year, as local authorities ramp up efforts to cool one of the country's traditional industries — hot springs.

Authorities in Ureshino, Saga prefecture, are tightening control over its booming hot spring businesses after noticing a significant drop in underground water levels, Kyodo News reported. This has led to insufficient hot spring water supplies at many resorts and could even force some hotels to close.

The authorities have introduced measures, including limiting daily hot spring extraction and regulating late-night in-room baths, to gradually restore water levels and mitigate the effects of rising tourist numbers.