What is Overtourism and How Does It Affect Japan’s Tourism Industry?
Overtourism has become a serious issue across Japan, as the rapid increase in foreign tourists is impacting local residents’ daily lives and public services. This article delves into the current state of overtourism, the problems it causes, and potential solutions based on the insights of Professor Yukio Noguchi of Hitotsubashi University.
Surge in Foreign Tourists | Weak Yen and Government Policies Driving Growth
In March 2024, the number of inbound visitors to Japan reached a record-breaking 3.08 million. The depreciation of the yen (USD 1 = JPY 155) has made traveling to Japan significantly cheaper for foreign visitors. Since the introduction of large-scale monetary easing in 2013, the number of tourists has surged, peaking at 31.88 million in 2019.
However, this rapid growth has led to various problems in tourist destinations. Many visitors, especially from China, arrive in large numbers, sometimes overwhelming popular sightseeing areas. Some tourists have been observed ignoring etiquette, leading to noise pollution, improper waste disposal, and disruption of local life. Residents and other travelers have expressed frustration at the sheer volume of visitors, which makes it difficult to fully appreciate Japan’s cultural and historical sites. Cities like Kyoto and Kamakura have been particularly affected, facing issues such as overcrowded public transportation, littering, and excessive noise.
Additionally, reports have emerged highlighting instances of disruptive behavior among Chinese tourists, including loud conversations in public places, disregard for local customs, and improper disposal of trash. Some visitors have even been seen chasing geisha for photographs in Kyoto’s Gion district, an act considered highly disrespectful in Japanese culture. While not all tourists behave this way, the sheer volume of visitors amplifies the negative impact of those who do not follow proper etiquette.
The Serious Impact of Overtourism | Burden on Locals, the Environment, and Cultural Heritage
- Disruptions to Local Life
- Late-night noise pollution
- Unauthorized entry into private properties
- Increased pedestrian traffic leading to traffic congestion and accidents
- Overuse of Public Services
- Overcrowding of buses and taxis, preventing local residents from using them
- Long lines for public restrooms in convenience stores, affecting store operations
- Increased waste disposal costs for local governments
- Japan’s Tourism Becoming a “Bargain Sale”
- Foreign visitors consider a ¥70,000 ($450) per night hotel in Tokyo as “cheap,” while domestic tourists find a ¥5,000 ($32) seafood bowl overpriced
- The weak yen is widening the price gap between foreign and domestic travelers
Solution #1: Implementing Tourist Taxes & Price Differentiation | Sustainable Tourism Strategies
Professor Noguchi advocates introducing a tourist tax to address overtourism. By implementing such a tax, Japan can:
- Secure funding for maintaining public facilities
- Increase travel costs to attract “high-quality tourists”
- Reduce violations of public order and inappropriate behavior
Globally, cities like Venice and Barcelona have already introduced tourist taxes, showing positive results. Additionally, some destinations have implemented dual pricing systems, differentiating prices for locals and foreign visitors. For example, in Hawaii, it is common for restaurants and attractions to offer different prices for residents and tourists. This approach helps increase tourism revenue while maintaining affordability for local residents. Japan could consider a similar system to balance its tourism economy.
Future Tourism Policies | Regional Development, Tourist Etiquette Education & Taxation
Overtourism is a worldwide issue, and Japan must adopt sustainable tourism strategies. Many visitors come to experience Japan’s unique charm, but overcrowding has diminished the tranquility of traditional streets and cultural sites. It is disappointing that both locals and respectful tourists cannot fully enjoy the beauty of Japan due to excessive crowds. The charm of Japan’s traditional streets and quiet temples is being drowned in a sea of tourists. Visitors hoping to experience the serenity of Kyoto’s bamboo forest now find themselves stuck in long queues, unable to take in the atmosphere. For many locals, what was once a tranquil part of daily life has become a chaotic theme park.
As a nation, Japan should focus on preserving its cultural integrity while ensuring that visitors appreciate and respect its traditions. The Japanese government is currently exploring several measures:
- Encouraging Regional Tourism: The government is promoting regional tourism by improving infrastructure and PR efforts to distribute tourists more evenly across Japan. The Japan Tourism Agency has launched the Regional Revitalization Tourism Initiative in 2024 to enhance the reception capacity of rural areas.
- Promoting Tourist Etiquette: To educate inbound tourists about proper behavior, multilingual etiquette guides have been installed at stations and major tourist spots, and awareness campaigns have been launched on social media. Since 2023, the Inbound Tourist Etiquette Improvement Project has aimed to enhance public order.
- Considering Nationwide Tourist Tax Implementation: While cities like Kyoto and Osaka have already introduced accommodation taxes, discussions are underway to expand the system nationwide. The Japan Tourism Agency is currently working with local governments to explore the feasibility of a national tourist tax by 2025.
Through these measures, Japan aims to strike a balance between economic benefits from tourism and the quality of life for residents. As these initiatives develop, it will be crucial to monitor their effectiveness and adapt policies accordingly.
What are your thoughts on overtourism in Japan? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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