Ehime Matsuyama Unusual Dogo Bon Festival New Corona Impact August 16 15:15
Usually, at this time of year, many tourists from all over the country visit Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama City, but due to the effects of the new coronavirus and the intense heat of each day, people walking around the hot spring town were sparse.
Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama City, one of Ehime prefecture's most popular tourist spots, makes it difficult to walk when there are many tourists in yukata taking commemorative photos and buying their favorite souvenirs during the Obon season. Crowded
However, in addition to the effects of the new coronavirus, the hot summer days with hot weather have scattered people walking in hot spring towns, and the number of tourists in arcade towns with roofs has decreased.
A 40-year-old man who came from Okayama City with his family said, "I came to the trip with proper measures to prevent infection, but I was surprised because there were less people than I expected."
In addition, a man who runs a souvenir shop in a shopping district said, "The number of customers is about 60% of last year. I wanted many people to come, but I am afraid of infection, so it is a complicated feeling."
On the other hand, at an accommodation facility with a hot spring town, the number of overnight guests during the Obon period is about 90% higher than at the same time last year.
Hiroshi Kawauchi, President of Dogo Prince Hotel, said, "Although we have secured tourists, there were many people from the prefecture, which is different from the average year. The trend toward safe and nearby travel destinations is increasing, so locals will continue to grow. We would like to expand the plans for