Chinanews.com reported on March 2 that for people who like hot springs, they may look for hotels and hotels with hot springs when they go out, so that they can enjoy the fun of hot springs.

But recently, a long-established Japanese hot spring hotel was exposed to a scandal. The hot spring water that was originally supposed to be changed once a week was only changed twice a year, which made netizens call it "disappointed".

Image source: Screenshot of CNN report

　　According to reports, this high-end hot spring hotel was founded in 1865.

The inn's website describes its baths as follows: "Our hot spring water comes from Futsukaichi Onsen, which has been flowing for over 1,300 years and is a symbol of the region's unchanging history. Over the centuries, high-ranking government officials and the like have visited this hot spring. The gentle, smooth flow of water feels soft on your skin and relaxes your mind."

　　The site also says its thermal waters can help with "chronic joint pain, nerve pain, gastrointestinal issues, burns and skin problems".

　　However, this century-old store has recently reported that the water change and disinfection were not thorough enough, and there may be concerns about hygiene.

　　CNN reported that Fukuoka Prefecture's inspection report found that Legionella bacteria in hotel hot spring water exceeded the standard by 3,700 times.

Also, according to local regulations, the water in the hot spring is supposed to be changed weekly, but the hotel management admits that it is only changed twice a year.

　　According to WHO, the most common mode of transmission of Legionella is inhalation of contaminated aerosols produced by water sprays, jets or vapors associated with contaminated water sources.

Disease infection can also be caused by inhalation of contaminated water and ice.

The severity of Legionnaires' disease ranges from a mild febrile illness to a severe and sometimes fatal form of pneumonia.

　　After the scandal was exposed, it immediately aroused widespread concern.

Many Japanese netizens said, "It's so dirty", "It's so disappointing", "It's dangerous to be infected and sick."

　　Some netizens commented, "I just work in hot springs. This kind of cleanliness clearly looks down on customers." "In this kind of traditional store, the operators often have no idea, and then they pay attention to seniority, and the people below know it." It's hard to say."

　　On February 28, local time, hotel owner Makoto Yamada held a press conference to apologize for the incident, but claimed that he did not realize the importance of changing the water.

　　"I didn't know the law, I thought Legionella was a common bacterium that can be found everywhere, and I thought it was safe because the large baths were free-flowing and the water was changed frequently," Yamada argued.

　　Yamada also said at a news conference that he had personally used the bath even after the bacteria was detected.

He also explained that his team neglected to add chlorine to the water for "selfish reasons" and "didn't like the smell of chlorine."