The Excuse of a Japanese Onsen That Changed Water Only Twice a Year: "I Hate the Smell of Disinfectants..."

"Few People, So They Thought Hot Spring Water Didn't Need Changing"
Legionella Bacteria Detected at 3700 Times the Standard Level

The owner of a famous Japanese hot spring, who sparked controversy for changing the hot spring water only twice a year, has finally apologized.

On the 28th, local media including Kyodo News and NHK reported that Makoto Yamada, president of the company operating the hot spring inn "Daimaru Villa" located in Chikushino City, Fukuoka Prefecture, held a press conference on the same day and bowed his head in apology.

Yamada Makoto, president of the hot spring inn 'Daimaru Villa' located in Chikushino City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, is holding a press conference in Fukuoka City on the 28th, apologizing for 'changing the hot spring water only twice a year.'
[Photo by Yonhap News]

President Yamada said, "I am sorry for causing trouble due to my foolish thinking." He added, "Around December 2019, I told the staff that it was okay not to change the hot spring water because there were few people," and stated, "I will step down once the issue is somewhat resolved."

Regarding the infrequent use of chlorine disinfectant, he explained, "I thought Legionella bacteria were not a serious threat, and I disliked the smell of chlorine," and "Management became lax as the number of customers sharply declined due to COVID-19."

According to current Fukuoka Prefecture regulations, all hot spring water in the bath must be replaced at least once a week. However, it was revealed that this inn had only changed the water during New Year's and the mid-August "Obon" festival, Japan's largest holiday, for several years.

It was even found that Legionella bacteria were detected in the hot spring water of Daimaru Villa at levels 3,700 times the standard due to improper chlorine disinfection. Last August, during a health center inspection, Legionella bacteria exceeding twice the standard were also detected.

Legionella bacteria are a type of bacteria that thrive in warm water and are commonly found in natural and artificial water supply systems. They are mainly inhaled through the respiratory tract and can cause pneumonia in severe cases.

Meanwhile, Daimaru Villa, which began operations in 1865, boasts a 158-year history as a renowned hot spring destination and is known to have been visited by the former Emperor of Japan. It is also famous for attracting many overseas tourists, including Koreans.