Beaches in the town of Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture were temporarily closed starting August 9. 

The move came after the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a major quake warning following a magnitude 7.1 temblor in southwestern Japan the day before. 

The Wakayama prefectural government said it will leave the decision to individuals whether they will go ahead with tourism activities.

But Shirahama town hall decided to close four beaches in the town for about a week. 

A fireworks festival that was scheduled on August 10 was also canceled. 

S/ Tourist / There are very few people here. We'll just look today and not go inside the water. We'll probably leave around now. 

A hotel in Shirahama has been receiving inquiries about cancelling reservations. 

S/ Hotel general manager / This is our busiest period, so it hurts to see cancellations around this time. 

West Japan Railway has suspended the Kuroshio express train service between Wakayama and Shingu stations.