Gas Stations Decline Nationwide, Only 2 Left in Hakone
Hakone, one of the Kanto region's most popular tourist destinations, has been left with just two operating gas stations after a series of closures, prompting the town to provide more than 10 million yen in subsidies to help reopen a shuttered facility. (News On Japan)
Hakone, a popular tourist destination in Japan, now has just two operating gas stations, with the town providing more than 10 million yen in subsidies to help reopen one that closed in March 2026. The decline in gas stations across Japan reflects a broader trend, with over 1,700 companies withdrawing from the industry over the past decade, driven in part by the recent sharp rise in gasoline prices.
The town of Hakone, known for its tourism, saw all five of its gas stations close between 2025 and 2026, causing concern among residents who rely on fuel stations for daily life and tourism.
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