How Japan is Managing Overtourism with New Policies
Japan is set to limit visitors at some popular attractions in order to combat the challenges posed by overtourism. Here’s what you need to know about the measures being considered.
Japan’s enduring appeal to overseas visitors has resulted in various challenges as the country seeks to balance the benefits of tourism with the impact on the local environment and communities, particularly at iconic destinations.
Recently, certain private streets in Kyoto’s famous historic Gion district have restricted tourist access due to incidents of antisocial behaviour. Unfortunately, some tourists have been reported to have harassed geisha, leading to distress for the performers and a reassessment of how visitors interact with cultural sites.
What New Policies Are Being Considered?
In response to rising concerns, new fees and restrictions have been introduced for climbers on specific trails up Mt Fuji. These changes aim to combat overcrowding, reduce environmental impact—such as littering—and enhance safety for climbers.
Additionally, Kyoto is exploring special express bus routes designed to transport visitors to the city’s most iconic sites efficiently. This approach will likely ease pressure on local public transport and improve the overall visitor experience.
Moreover, Kyoto is considering implementing higher pricing for entry to attractions, which has been largely absent in Japan. For instance, Kinkaku-ji, the famous golden temple, currently costs around ¥400 (approximately US$2.50) for adults. Adjusting entry fees may be controversial, but a boost in tourist taxes appears more probable, as these funds would support services for visitors.
What Are Tourist Taxes Used For?
Local tourist taxes are common worldwide and are usually collected as an extra fee on hotel stays. In Japan, these taxes remain relatively low compared to other destinations, which can impact funding allocation for local tourism services.
For example, Kyoto’s tax operates on a sliding scale based on hotel room rates, ranging from ¥200 to ¥1,000 a night (around US$1 to US$7). Additionally, the city of Hatsukaichi, home to the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima-jinja, recently implemented a ¥100 (about US$0.60) fee designed to facilitate preservation efforts for the site.
It’s also worth noting that Japan has a ¥1,000 (approximately US$7) tourist departure tax, which is often overlooked by travelers as part of their airfare.
How is Japan Likely to Manage the Problems of Overtourism?
While it seems unlikely that Japan will limit the overall number of visitors, capacity restrictions at specific locations are anticipated. For instance, successful management already occurs at crowded sites like the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park, where ticketing caps ensure a quality experience.
Travel quality is also being addressed through train services. Fastest trains (Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen) are not included in the Japan Rail Pass. This policy concentrates international travelers on slower services like Hikari, thus ensuring better management of the flow of visitors.
Recently introduced regulations regarding luggage size on popular bullet train routes also aim to improve the travel experience. Travelers must now reserve space for larger pieces of luggage to prevent disruptions, a practice that contrasts with the behavior of many Japanese passengers, who tend to use luggage delivery services to transport their belongings.
How Will This Impact Group Tours?
Those planning group tours will need to stay informed about potential capacity restrictions, as such measures may predominantly affect larger tour groups. A sudden influx of tourists can drastically alter the atmosphere of serene locations, especially in renowned places like Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera.
While independent travelers may not feel the immediate effects of these policies, visiting during off-peak hours when large tour groups are less prevalent can enhance the experience. Exploring lesser-known areas can also offer unique insights into Japan’s rich culture and natural beauty.
