A significant fire broke out at a hotel in Kinosaki Onsen Town, located in Toyooka City, on May 5, 2025, leading to extensive damage and prompting urgent responses from local authorities. The blaze originated in the kitchen of the hotel known as 'Sennen no Yu Orizuru-tei,' which is believed to have been caused by a short circuit in an electrical appliance. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the hotel and six adjacent buildings, including souvenir shops, and covering an area of approximately 3,500 square meters.
In the aftermath of the fire, Toyooka City Mayor Takeshi Kadoma held a press conference on May 9, 2025, to address the situation and outline the city's response. "I would like to express my deepest sympathies to those who were affected by the fire," he stated, emphasizing the city's commitment to supporting the reconstruction of the damaged hotels and shops in collaboration with the local community.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, Mayor Kadoma announced that traffic restrictions currently in place would be lifted by noon on May 12, 2025. A section of the prefectural road, approximately 300 meters east and west of the destroyed hotel, has been closed to ensure safety during the recovery efforts. Kadoma assured the public that restoration work is already underway, with the removal of burnt walls and fences being prioritized.
Despite the challenges posed by the fire, the hot spring town has reopened for business as usual, allowing local businesses to resume operations. However, the impact of the disaster has raised concerns about future safety measures, especially considering the increasing number of foreign tourists visiting Kinosaki Onsen.
In light of this, Mayor Kadoma indicated that the city is actively working on specific measures to improve communication and evacuation protocols for foreign visitors in case of emergencies. "Kinosaki Onsen is a tourist destination where many people gather from Japan and abroad, so we want to consider creating evacuation plans that respond to various people together with the local community," he explained.
As the city moves forward, it aims to restore not only the physical structures but also the confidence of residents and visitors alike. The collaborative efforts between the city and the local community are expected to play a crucial role in the recovery process.
In addition to the immediate rebuilding efforts, there are plans to address the aesthetic concerns that arise from the demolition of the burnt structures. Mayor Kadoma mentioned that measures such as installing fences would be taken to mitigate the visual impact of the recovery work.
As the situation develops, Toyooka City remains focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents while revitalizing the beloved Kinosaki Onsen area. The city’s proactive approach to disaster management and community engagement is a testament to its commitment to resilience in the face of adversity.
With the traffic restrictions set to be lifted soon, local businesses are optimistic about welcoming back tourists and residents. The fire, while devastating, has spurred a renewed sense of community and determination to rebuild and improve safety measures for the future.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the need for effective communication strategies, especially in areas frequented by tourists. As Toyooka City looks to the future, the lessons learned from this fire will undoubtedly shape its approach to safety and disaster response.
In conclusion, the Kinosaki Onsen fire has not only affected the physical landscape but also the community’s spirit. With the support of local leaders and the collective efforts of residents, there is hope for a swift recovery and a stronger, more resilient Kinosaki Onsen.
