A sightseeing train bridge in central Japan's Kurobe Gorge was apparently damaged in the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1.

Repairs could delay the spring opening of the trains, which run through the Toyama Prefecture canyon from late April through November.

Operators checking the tracks discovered a dented bridge girder and ties that were out of position, probably because of falling rocks.

Inspections continue and the railway will consider how to recover any damage.

The Kurobe Gorge Railway is popular for sightseeing and visiting local hot springs.

It attracted about 535,000 passengers last year, up 28 percent from the previous year.

Concern about the railway may rise as the number of tourists from within the country and overseas has been expected to increase.

The quake is also affecting other tourism-related businesses in Toyama Prefecture.

The local hotel and inn association says more than 10,000 people have cancelled their bookings, causing damage of over 140 million yen, or about 970,000 dollars.