Will Tourists Flock Back to Noto Peninsula Amid Quake Recovery?
Tourism in Hokuriku took a heavy hit post-quake. Are tourists ready to return to the Noto Peninsula? A new survey brings some good news.
The Noto Earthquake of January 2024 shook Japan, setting a challenging tone for the year ahead. Now, over four months later, signs of recovery emerge in Ishikawa, Toyama, and Fukui prefectures, enticing tourists back with travel deals to the Hokuriku region. Yet, amidst this recovery, Noto Peninsula, the quake’s epicenter, still grapples with its aftermath.
Fortunately, a recent report shows, tourist interest in the area endures, hinting at a promising future for the Hokuriku region.
Keeping the interest alive
Following the earthquake, the affected region — spanning Fukui, Toyama, and Ishikawa prefectures — saw a sharp drop in tourist numbers. Recovery efforts understandably took center stage in the early months. Yet, by February, places like Kanazawa City were already beckoning tourists to return. However, tourists remained cautious, showing strong hesitation in revisiting the region.
