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Japan's Overtourism: The Downside of Tourism High
Akari Saunders-Wyndham
Akari Saunders-Wyndham
Table of contents:
In Japan, the term 'kankō kōgai' (観光公害), meaning 'tourism pollution', refers to the concept of overtourism. It has been adopted by locals to express the mass tourism that affects their daily lives and the environment, highlighting the negative tourism environmental impact in their communities. Many Japanese residents have come to be negatively impacted by overtourism on a near daily basis, and this description captures their feelings.
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Overtourism, or the negative impact of unsustainable tourism on the environment and local communities, has become a growing concern in popular tourist destinations worldwide. The excessive number of tourists has resulted in overcrowding not only in popular tourist spots but also in public areas and transportation systems, greatly compromising the quality of life for local residents.
Tourism in Japan wasn't very significant during the 1980s boom or the 1990s recession. However, since the late 2000s, international tourism has surged, likely due to social media.
In 2019, Japan saw a record 32.3 million visitors, contributing about $359 million to the GDP, making it the 11th most visited country. Despite this, the large number of tourists has raised environmental concerns. In fact, 2024 has seen the highest number of tourists in Japan ever.
In the middle of the 2010s, the term, overtourism, became a significant topic in Japan's tourism scene. Residents and authorities in popular Japan tourist areas started to voice concerns about tourist overcrowding.
Complaints by locals have shed light on the numerous challenges linked to the rapid growth of Japan tourism, including the tourism impact on environment, noise pollution, and the handling of rubbish and waste, which is said to disrupt the local community. As a result, many are calling for Japan tourist restrictions.
Tourism pollution has started debates about balancing economic growth and keeping local culture. Overtourism has triggered public discussion about how too many tourists in Japan are affecting local communities.
The overcrowding of Japan tourism is causing problems for local businesses and puts pressure on the infrastructure. While Japan relies on tourism for its economy, the negative effects, like loss of culture, are now a big national issue.
As the heart of Japanese culture, Kyoto, with its historical temples and shrines, is one of Japan's prime tourist attractions and experiences the daily effects of how tourism impacts the environment. The city endures the consequences of an influx of visitors on the tranquility and preservation of its sacred sites.
Geisha in Kyoto have been harassed by visitors desperate for selfies, leading to a photography ban in many Gion backstreets to protect the local culture. From April 2024, the Kyoto local government will ban all tourist from entering Gion, the geisha district, to protect geisha and maiko from potential harassment.
The narrow streets, as charming as they may be, struggle to handle the overcrowding of tourists in Kyoto. Unfortunately, this consequence of Kyoto overtourism has led to pollution, from garbage left in the streets, and congestion in these historic lanes.
The cultural erosion caused by overtourism not only affects Kyoto but also extends to other destinations, such as Nara and cities in Hokkaido. Even the picturesque Nara, known for its famed deer park, encounters similar challenges stemming from tourism.
Tourists seeking selfies have harassed sacred deer in Nara and Miyajima, causing injuries and, in some tragic instances, death due to ingested plastic waste.
Over-tourism on Japan's signature site, Mount Fuji, has been grappling with rubbish issues due to a rise in visitor numbers. The increasing popularity of Mount Fuji tourism is highlighted by the significant number of visitors since the iconic Japanese site reopened for the 2023 season.
Japan's government has had to crack down on illegal Airbnb operations in response to an overwhelming number of complaints from locals disturbed by tourists in unregulated accommodations.
In addition, foreign social media influencers have been in the news creating social disturbance by avoiding payment on trains and in local businesses for online views.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought tourism in Japan to a standstill, leading to a shift in tourism dynamics and prompting a reevaluation of sustainable tourism practices for a more sustainable post-pandemic travel industry.
The Kyoto government acknowledged the economic value of tourism after incurring a US$2 billion debt a year post-shutdown, largely due to local government overspending. This was unexpected considering Kyoto's popularity among tourists.
The perceived negative impact of overtourism on Nara's sacred deer was reevaluated during the 2020-2022. It was discovered that tourists were actually aiding the local deer population by providing food. The absence of large tourists crowds during that perios, led to a lack of food for the deer. This caused malnourished deer and prompting the animals to leave their usual habitats in search of other food.
Recognizing the challenges posed by overtourism, the Japanese government has taken steps to address the issue. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced plans to draw up measures to combat overtourism as early as autumn 2023. Although the government does not seem to understand how to tackle this issue, it has announced the formation of a task force to take on issues caused by overcrowding.
Japan's reaction to the overtourism crisis has been complex, showing the country's dedication to striking a balance between its cultural heritage and the economic benefits of tourism.
The measures include:
Several Japanese islands are introducing an "entrance tax" to manage overtourism and reduce pollution. This aligns with sustainable tourism and destination management goals. Miyajima Island, a World Heritage site and major tourist attraction, will implement this fee, as announced by Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture.
One way the Japanese government wish to alleviate the negative impacts of tourism on popular destinations is to promote lesser-known areas. Japan is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, and there are some great alternative places to visit other than the big three (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto). For example…
Rather than contributing to the crowds at the Bamboo Groves of Arashiyama for a quick selfie, tourists can marvel at the breathtaking mountain views from Kyoto's Shodenji Temple (正伝寺), which is a prime example of tourism development. This lesser-known destination in Kyoto is just as stunning, has a fascinating history, and is free from the crowds, making it an excellent alternative for tourism management.
Visitors looking to experience tourism and environment in harmony can bypass the crowds of Tokyo's bustling Shibuya district and explore the tranquil neighborhoods of Yanaka (谷中). Yanaka, nestled in Taito Ward, east Tokyo, is known as an old-town shopping district. The neighborhood maintains its nostalgic and rustic charm, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.
If you would like to know more about how to ease the effects of overtourism, check out our article on the countermeasures to overtourism.
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Hi everyone! My name is Akari and I'm a Kyoto native. I've studied English from a young age. I lived in Melbourne, Australia, for couple of years with my husband, James. However, I wanted to raise a family in my home country. I love cooking Japanese food at home because its much easier than people think. I also love discovering new places around Japan to take my family. I hope that my writing can help you discover more about Japanese culture.