How tourist spots were affected in the Japan earthquake

The earthquake that struck Japan yesterday caused damage to several tourist attractions, including 1,000-year-old structures.

Five prefectures, Ishikawa, Niigata, Fukui, Toyama and Gifu, were affected by the earthquake on January 1. In Ishikawa prefecture, a popular tourist destination in central Japan, several tourist spots were affected. Some were burned down by aftershocks, while others were damaged by tremors. The extent of damage to some locations is unknown. Below are four popular tourist destinations in Ishikawa that were affected by the earthquake.

Keto Shrine, Hakui Coast

A video of the Keta Shrine shaking during the strong earthquake in central Japan that occurred on New Year's Day 2024 has been circulating on social media X. The video shows people and tourists leaving the shrine and gathering outside. The earthquake caused the wooden shrine to shake violently, creaking, and the surrounding trees to sway continuously.

Tourist spots affected in Japan earthquake — Many tourists witnessed the Keto temple shaking violently. Video: *Seka00soli*

Keta Shrine is located near the coast of Hakui, in Ishikawa Prefecture. It enshrines Otomi Takamikoto, who hails from the "land of the gods" - Izumo, along with many other gods. Otomi Takamikoto is said to have subdued monsters and giant snakes, protecting the people of the central coastal region of Japan. There have been no updates on the damage to the shrine.

Onohiyoshi Shrine, Kanazawa City

Another famous shrine in Ishikawa that was affected by the 7.6 magnitude earthquake is Onohiyoshi. The torii gate at the shrine collapsed on January 1 in front of locals and tourists. Onohiyoshi is an attractive destination and people come here every New Year to pray for luck and peace. The shrine is said to have been built in 733, worshiping the gods Oyamakui no Kami and Omononush.

The tori gate collapsed at Onohiyoshi Shrine on January 1. Photo: Reuters — The tori gate collapsed at Onohiyoshi Shrine on January 1. Photo: *Reuters*

Wajima Morning Market, Wajima City

According to Kyodo News , the continuous aftershocks following the January 1 earthquake caused fires in several locations in Wajima City. One of the buildings destroyed by the fire was the 1,000-year-old Wajima morning market.

A massive fire broke out at the Wajima market on the afternoon of January 1, shortly after the 4:50 p.m. earthquake. On the morning of January 2, video footage from NHK showed a seven-story building tilted and smoke rising from the central area of the market.

According to JNTO, the morning market has more than 300 stalls, is one of the three largest morning markets in Japan, operating for more than 1,000 years. Wajima Market is often introduced to foreign visitors as a famous place to buy traditional lacquerware in the region. This place is also a paradise for selling fresh seafood and dried seafood. The market is usually open from 8am to 12pm, closing periodically on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month.

The market is currently closed to repair the damage caused by the fire.

Higashi Chayagai Old Street, Kanazawa

Higashi Chayagai is located in the Higashiyama area of Kanazawa City, right near the Asano River. It is the largest of Kanazawa's three well-preserved historic geisha districts, along with Nishichayagai and Kazuemachi. Today, geisha still sing and dance here.

According to an update from Japanese travel blogger Ikimashou Japan & World, no tourists or residents in the Higashi Chayagai old town area were injured. The wooden houses were almost intact, and some street corners and houses were slightly damaged. On January 3, Ikimashou Japan & World posted a video recording the scene of the Higashi Chayagai old town in sunny weather, with no tourists walking on the streets.