Featured Image: ReeveJ, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hi everyone!

Over-tourism is a hot topic these days, and with Japan welcoming more visitors than ever, it’s something we should all be aware of—especially if you’re planning a trip! In this post, I’ll dive into the challenges over-tourism poses in Japan, how the government is tackling it, and what we can do as responsible travelers to make sure everyone—locals and tourists alike—can enjoy this amazing country.

1. What’s Driving Over-tourism in Japan?
   1. Major Tourist Areas Are Feeling the Strain
2. How and Why?
   1. Economic Factors
   2. Cultural Appeal
3. Measures to Mitigate Over Tourism
   1. Current Measures Proposed
   2. Responsible Tourism
4. Conclusion
5. Additional Resources

What’s Driving Over-tourism in Japan?

Over-tourism is defined by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as “the impact of tourism on a destination, or parts thereof, that excessively influences perceived quality of life of citizens and/or quality of visitor experiences in a negative way.” While this is a global challenge affecting destinations like Oahu—where I used to live—it’s becoming particularly pronounced in Japan.

One key factor is the weakening of the Japanese Yen, which has made Japan an even more affordable destination. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), inbound tourism increased by 4% compared to 2019. While this growth might seem modest, it’s compounded by a 46.7% decrease in Japanese citizens traveling abroad. The combination of more international visitors and fewer locals leaving has intensified domestic travel pressures, amplifying the challenges of over-tourism.

Major Tourist Areas Are Feeling the Strain

Unsurprisingly, tourists tend to flock to Japan’s most iconic locations. Places like Mount Fuji, Tokyo, and Kyoto have been especially impacted. This strain is even more pronounced during Golden Week, a series of holidays in early May, when both local and international visitors crowd these already popular spots.

During my trip to Japan in October 2023, I saw the impacts of over-tourism firsthand. For instance, in Kamakura, the narrow streets of Komachi-dori were so packed that browsing shops became nearly impossible. Shopkeepers attempted to manage the flow of people by organizing queues, but a lack of clear communication often led to confusion and frustration.

At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, I noticed many tourists bypassing the purification ritual at the Chozuya—likely due to a lack of signage explaining the custom. This issue wasn’t confined to Kamakura. At other iconic sites like Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori in Asakusa, Tokyo, the absence of guidance often left visitors unaware of how to participate respectfully in cultural traditions.

What struck me most, however, was a deeper sense of unease as a Japanese native. On several occasions, I felt like a prop in someone else’s “Japanese vacation” when tourists openly took photos of my friends and me dressed in kimonos as we enjoyed a day out. While I understand the admiration for Japan’s culture, these moments underscored the need for greater awareness and sensitivity from visitors.

How and Why?

Economic Factors

Over-tourism in Japan isn’t solely the result of tourist behavior—it’s also the outcome of deliberate efforts to attract visitors. For over a decade, Japan has heavily marketed itself as a must-visit destination, with events like the Tokyo Olympics as major draws. However, the pandemic delayed these plans, creating pent-up demand that is now being unleashed as travel restrictions have eased. Many travelers who had originally planned to visit during the Olympics are now making their way to Japan, drawn by the affordability of the weakened yen.

Cultural Appeal

Japan’s appeal spans a wide range of interests. From its traditional temples and scenic landscapes to cutting-edge technology and pop culture phenomena like anime, the country captivates visitors from all walks of life. However, this allure brings its own challenges.

Despite its popularity, Japan has struggled to provide clear guidelines for tourists on proper etiquette and cultural norms. This lack of communication often leads to unintentional missteps, such as tourists photographing locals without consent or disrupting cultural practices. These incidents, while often unintended, can leave locals feeling disrespected—a sentiment frequently echoed in news interviews and community discussions.

Measures to Mitigate Over Tourism

Current Measures Proposed

The Japanese government has introduced various initiatives to address the challenges of over-tourism. Key proposals include:

• Tourist Fees: Implementing entry fees for international visitors to fund infrastructure maintenance and support sustainable tourism.
• Travel Without Luggage Campaigns: Kyoto has already begun promoting luggage-free travel to alleviate congestion on public transport and in crowded areas.
• Dual Pricing: Tokyo is exploring the idea of charging different rates for tourists and locals, a strategy successfully used in places like Hawaii.
• Regional Tourism Promotion: Efforts to encourage visitors to explore lesser-known prefectures aim to disperse tourist traffic. However, adequate infrastructure and preparation in these areas are essential to prevent them from becoming new hotspots of over-tourism.

Responsible Tourism

Tourists also have a role to play in mitigating over-tourism by embracing responsible travel practices:

• Respect for Local Customs: It’s crucial to understand and respect cultural norms. For instance, photographing Geisha or Maiko walking along Kyoto’s historic streets without permission is intrusive. These individuals are not performers for public entertainment but people living their daily lives. In today’s social media-driven world, many tourists seek “Instagram-worthy” moments, sometimes at the expense of locals’ privacy. While sharing travel experiences online is common, it’s important to remember that the people and cultures you encounter are not mere spectacles for your feed—they deserve respect.
• Preparation and Education: Learning proper behavior at temples and shrines before visiting can enhance both the visitor experience and local harmony. Resources such as Japan Airlines’ guide on temple and shrine etiquette are excellent starting points. Taking a little time to research customs and traditions can make a big difference in how you interact with these sacred sites.
• Mindfulness in Public Spaces: Avoiding peak times on public transportation and in crowded areas can ease strain on local systems while improving your own travel experience. It goes without saying, but don’t participate in vandalism or disruptive behavior. Being aware of the needs of others is key to a smooth and respectful visit.
• Basic Language Skills: Learning key Japanese phrases fosters positive interactions and demonstrates respect for the local culture. Expecting everyone to accommodate English can come across as entitled and limits meaningful engagement. Even small efforts like greeting someone in Japanese can go a long way in building rapport and mutual respect.

By implementing these practices, both tourists and locals can enjoy a more harmonious and enriching travel experience in Japan.

Conclusion

Over-tourism in Japan poses significant challenges, but with proactive measures from the government and responsible behavior from tourists, it is a manageable issue. Strategies like dispersing visitors to lesser-known areas and promoting sustainable travel practices can help Japan preserve its unique culture, natural beauty, and quality of life for locals while continuing to welcome travelers from around the globe.

As visitors, it’s vital that we embrace respect and responsibility in how we travel. By doing so, we can ensure that the experiences we enjoy today will remain available for future generations.

What are your thoughts on over-tourism in Japan? Have you encountered overcrowding at popular destinations? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below. Together, we can help promote sustainable and thoughtful travel practices.

Additional Resources

• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
  • Website: Japan National Tourism Organization
  • Information on travel tips, destinations, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
• Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan
  • Website: Ministry of the Environment
  • Information on environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
• “Japan likes tourists, just not this many”
  • Article from Japan Times: Japan likes tourists, just not this many
  • Insights of the impact of the surge in tourism on local life in Japan, particularly in Kyoto and other popular destinations.