The Covid-19 coronavirus has caused lockdowns around the world as well as a national state of emergency here in Japan. Tourism has plummeted to its lowest level since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, but you don't need to look at the numbers to know – tourist areas in Tokyo and Kyoto are stunningly silent, as many locals choose to stay home.
Sadly, Osaka has also been affected by the drastic loss of tourists, leaving the most popular destinations deserted. The Dotonbori neighbourhood, usually a nightlife hub filled with flashing neon lights and crowds of party goers hopping between the restaurants and bars along the river, has gone quiet. From Osaka Castle to the American Village, the busiest parts of Osaka now look completely vacant, as these photos show.
American Village
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Dotonbori Street
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Osaka Castle
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Kuromon Market
今日の黒門市場 pic.twitter.com/lyNtAuDrIH
— nabe4328 (@nabe4328) May 3, 2020
Shin-Osaka Station
新大阪駅のGW夕方の混雑の様子2020。
— 涼香 (@ryohca) May 4, 2020
全然人いない。
し～…ん大阪駅や…… pic.twitter.com/EAF9n6bx25
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
万博記念公園お祭り広場 0B pic.twitter.com/h221RaCiY7
— 京都路快速 (@JRKyotoLine_) May 6, 2020
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