BEFORE last year's triple disaster in north-east Japan, Tsuchiyu drew tens of thousands of tourists in search of the recuperative qualities of its piping-hot spring water.

Almost 18 months after the nuclear accident at the nearby Fukushima No. 1 power plant, that same natural resource is about to turn this spa resort into a trailblazer for the country's push towards renewable energy.

Some of the damage caused by the Fukishima nuclear disaster. Credit:Getty Images

By spring 2014, Tsuchiyu, 15 kilometres from Fukushima, will be generating 250 kilowatts of electricity - about a quarter of the city's total needs - at a geothermal plant hidden away in the surrounding mountains.

The plant will be the first to be built inside a national park, a controversial move that only became possible after the environment ministry recently relaxed regulations on developing protected areas.