Toyama, Jan 09, 2024 (News On Japan) - Following the Noto Peninsula earthquake, accommodation facilities in Toyama Prefecture are experiencing a wave of reservation cancellations. According to the local hotel and inn association, cancellations have affected approximately 8,000 guests, with the total damage exceeding 100 million yen.
The "Toyama Prefecture Hotel and Ryokan Sanitary Association" surveyed about 100 accommodations within the prefecture regarding the impact of the earthquake. As of January 8th, responses from 41 facilities have been received. Among them, 37 have reported damage such as broken roofs, walls, and plumbing, with some having to suspend operations.
The cancellations have been significant, with accommodation bookings for 7,000 guests and banquet or day-trip plans for 1,300 guests being canceled. The association estimates that the total financial impact of these cancellations is around 130 million yen, dealing a severe blow to the tourism industry.
Meanwhile, there are efforts to provide shelter in these facilities for those affected by the earthquake, with preparations being made to accommodate them. Hideki Matsushima, the secretary-general of the association, stated, "The situation is tough with consecutive cancellations due to the earthquake and the year-end and new year tourism season, but we want to help the disaster victims by accepting them."
The ryokan "Umiakari" in Himi City, Toyama Prefecture, which observed a strong 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, was fully booked on the day of the earthquake with 140 guests. Employees went room to room urging guests to evacuate to higher ground. The earthquake caused parts of the ceiling to fall and cracks in the floors, and urgent repair work is underway. However, the establishment has been closed since January 3rd due to ongoing water outages. Water stored in tanks is nearly depleted, and the kitchen is piled high with unwashed dishes. Takuya Nagata, the general manager of "Umiakari," said, "The inability to use water is our biggest issue. It's difficult to operate when the staff's homes are also without water, and life hasn't returned to normal."
Similarly, the guesthouse "Aomasa" in Himi City resumed operations on January 7th but reported that 80% of its bookings for accommodations and banquets had been canceled. According to the guesthouse, many cancellations are from tourists outside the prefecture who are afraid of earthquakes, while locals cancel saying it's difficult to hold banquets amid such a severe disaster. The timing is particularly damaging as it coincides with the peak season for winter delicacies like "Himi Kanburi" (Himi cold yellowtail), which is a local specialty and usually attracts many locals and tourists for New Year's parties. Emiko Aoki, the proprietress of "Aomasa," expressed concern, "We had just recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, and now we're worried about being forced out of business." However, Aoki is also providing meals and baths to local people who have evacuated. She is determined to continue operations while cherishing the connection with the local community. Aoki said, "We need to be energetic to help others. I want to find a way for the entire industry to stay positive."
