Japanese hot spring resort turns abroad to boost cooling visitor numbers

110-year-old Tsukioka Onsen is revamping properties, linking up with airline

Tsukioka Onsen 2025-1

Refurbishing vacant shops has been a key part of efforts to revitalize northern Japan's Tsukioka Onsen. (Photo by Yugo Takagaki)

YUGO TAKAGAKI, Nikkei staff writer

NIIGATA, Japan -- A 110-year-old hot spring resort in northern Japan is looking to heat up visitor numbers that were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, taking steps such as revamping local hotels and linking up with an airline to help lure tourists from around the nation and beyond.

Niigata prefecture's Tsukioka Onsen was once a popular destination for group tours, with guests tempted by its soothing waters and traditional geisha performances. But the spread of COVID further cooled demand that had already started to dwindle.

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