Direct, private-onsen (hot spring) water supply is about to add a lot of value to Hirafu properties that have it.
Following overwhelming demand for onsen boring in the resort over the past 15 years, the Hokkaido Government says the onsen water table is lowering below the village.
In response it is considering designating Upper Hirafu a “Special Onsen Protection Zone” where new boring will not be permitted.
A secondary “Quasi-Special Onsen Protection Zone” across the rest of Hirafu and East Kabayama restricts boring within a 250m radius of existing and pre-permitted wells.
Exact zoning and timing is still under discussion.
Onsen boring is generally expected to cost in the vicinity of US$1 million per bore.