Ashiya City’s Ashiya Onsen in Kurekawacho May Be Closing With a Private Operator Possibly Building a New Facility

It looks like the hot spring facility “Ashiya Municipal Ashiya Onsen” along Hanamizuki-dori in Kuregawa-cho may be abolished at the end of this fiscal year (March).

(Information provided by Mizuking @ Ashitsu SP)

Quoted from the Ashiya City official website

For the past five years, the facility has continued to run an annual deficit of over 10 million yen. On top of that, a decline in users is expected due to future population decrease, and facility renovations are also needed, so the city says it is difficult to continue operating it as a publicly established and publicly run business.

A proposal regarding its abolition is scheduled to be submitted to the city council in June. It has not been finalized yet, but Ashiya City appears to be moving in the direction of abolishing it.

↑ The exterior of “Ashiya Onsen.” It also has a free footbath and a water supply area where visitors can take hot spring water home.

Here’s the map↓

The address is 14-11 Kuregawa-cho, Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture.

If “Ashiya Onsen” is abolished, will people no longer be able to use it?

After “Ashiya Onsen” is abolished, the hot spring itself will not simply disappear. The city plans to seek proposals from private businesses for projects that make use of the source spring.

In other words, instead of the current public facility, it may become possible to use the footbath or hot spring as a private facility.

What might change if it becomes a private facility?

After privatization, it seems possible that it could become only a footbath or only a bathing facility, or that commercial facilities or nursing care facilities could be added alongside it. It is also still undecided whether the existing facility will be renovated or demolished and rebuilt.

Also, if it becomes a private facility, there’s a strong chance the usage fees will go up~ (since it’s currently running a huge deficit)

Will residents still be able to use it during disasters if it becomes a private facility?

The current “Ashiya Onsen” was originally built as a public bathhouse for residents affected by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

Because of that history, even after privatization, it seems that Ashiya City and the private operator are expected to enter into an agreement regarding residents’ use of the source spring during disasters.

Finally

It would be really disappointing if “Ashiya Onsen” were abolished, but when you hear that it has an annual deficit of over 10 million yen and also needs renovation costs, it’s understandable that continuing it would be difficult… so it’s a tough situation. Since the proposal is set to be brought up at this month’s council meeting, the discussion may get heated.

For more detailed information about “Ashiya Municipal Ashiya Onsen,” please check the Ashiya City official website.

Mizuking @ Ashitsu SP, thank you for the information!
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