Torrential rain in southwestern Japan has caused devastating damage to inns at a popular hot-spring resort, just as customers had started returning from their coronavirus-induced exile.
Amagase, one of three popular onsen resorts in Oita Prefecture alongside Beppu and Yufuin, is known for its natural beauty and open-air bathing pools.
But the overflowing Kusu River has left the area flooded and washed away a landmark river-spanning iron bridge following a deluge that started Saturday, forcing many inns to suspend their businesses again after two months of closure under the nationwide state of emergency in April and May.