Futsukaichi Onsen Daimaru Besso, a long-established ryokan in Chikushino City, Fukuoka Prefecture = the afternoon of the 24th
A long-established inn in Chikushino City, Fukuoka Prefecture, “Futsukaichi Onsen Daimaru Besso,” replaces the hot water in the bathhouse only twice a year, which is necessary at least once a week. On the 24th, I found out by interviewing the prefecture. The ryokan is suspected of falsely reporting the frequency of hot water exchanges, and the prefecture is investigating the possibility of penalties under the Public Bath Law.
According to the website, the ryokan was founded in 1865. Emperor Showa has also stayed here.
According to the prefectural government, visitors from other prefectures who visited multiple facilities, including Daimaru Besso, visited a medical institution complaining of poor physical condition, and the cause was determined to be Legionella bacteria. In August last year, the Chikushi Health, Welfare and Environment Office inspected Daimaru Besso as one of the places they visited, although it was unclear if it was related to the poor physical condition. Bacteria equivalent to about twice the standard value set by the detailed regulations of the prefectural ordinance were detected in the public bath.
At this time, the ryokan side explained that the frequency of changing hot water and adding chlorine was appropriate. After that, the company reported to the prefectural government that the number of bacteria was below the standard value in the self-inspection conducted in October.
However, a re-inspection by the prefecture in November detected a maximum of 3,700 times the standard limit.
