A landslide occurred on the evening of August 8 in Nagano prefecture, central Japan, trapping about 390 people in the Nakabusa Onsen hot spring area, Azumino city.
The landslide caused the only road leading to the hot spring resort to be covered with soil and rocks, making it impossible to travel. The affected area has some accommodation establishments and is also a common starting point for mountain climbing routes.
According to local police, among the approximately 390 trapped people, there are guests staying at resorts and climbers staying at a mountain hut. As of the time of reporting, no injuries related to the landslide have been recorded.
It is not yet clear when the road can be reopened. Nagano Prefectural officials have arrived at the scene to assess the situation and determine the extent of the landslide's impact.
Nakabusa Onsen is located at the foot of the Northern Alps, is a famous hot spring area of the city of Azumino and is also one of the access points to the Tsubakuro mountain range. The official information page of Nakabusa Onsen said that this area serves both vacationers and hiking tourists.
Previously, the road leading to Nakabusa Onsen was affected by landslides. According to information from the Nagano Prefectural Government, the Yari-ga-take-Yamura provincial road, commonly known as the Nakabusa route, was once restricted from traffic due to sidewalk landslides from April 2025.
