Traveling abroad, despite issues like overtourism, remains an exciting adventure. Visiting Japan is a dream for many, particularly fans of anime, video games, history, and landscapes. However, the rising number of tourists has caused some locals to be concerned. Let’s look at this phenomenon and how it affects people today.
Why is Japan such a popular tourist destination?
Tokyo is one of the most populous urban areas in the world, and it has everything and anything anyone would ever want to see or do. Shopping districts, world-class food, tranquil parks, theme parks: the list continues. World-famous neighborhoods such as Akihabara and Harajuku have captured the imaginations of millions of people for decades with their unrivaled anime and fashion culture. Scramble Crossing is easily the most famous of all crosswalks in the world, nestled in the center of bustling Shibuya. And the wild part about Tokyo is that a person can spend weeks in the city and barely scratch the surface of what it offers.
But Japan is far more than just Tokyo. Cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Sapporo each offer plenty of fantastic things to do, see, and enjoy. Japan offers vast countryside, rivers, mountains, and beaches to explore. For a unique theme park experience, Awajishima is the place to visit. Japan is brimming with activities and locations, which is why it’s such a massively popular travel destination.
What are the causes and effects of overtourism in Japan?
On one hand, tourism brings in a ton of money for Japan. Hotels, food, electronics, video games, anime, and theme parks are major revenue sources for Japanese businesses. Tourism injects significant funds into these sectors. Some people even buy extra luggage and suitcases from department stores to store everything they buy while visiting. This money is highly beneficial to Japan, in and out of Tokyo, and it seriously cannot be understated how much revenue is brought in annually from tourism alone.
However, one of the leading causes of this overtourism is the weak yen. The Bank of Japan has reduced the yen’s value to draw in more visitors to the country, which, while great for tourists, can make life hard for others. The lowered value of their national currency has made budgeting and saving difficult for Japanese citizens and foreign residents who have to change their lives accordingly.
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How has overtourism affected local areas?
A prime example is how the city of Kyoto is trying to deal with massive tourist surges. A report by Bloomberg in 2024 stated that while the city has a population of 2.5 million, overnight visitors reached roughly 32 million. Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto is a smaller city with smaller streets and infrastructure. This has resulted in public transit becoming choked up to capacity due to foreign travelers. Luckily, express bus routes have been made specifically for tourists to help alleviate this issue for city locals.
Unfortunately, the more tourists arrive, the more likely there will be some bad actors among them. For example, Gion recently had to ban tourists from certain areas of the neighborhood to prevent geisha (traditional Japanese performing artists) from being harassed. There are also incidents of shrine vandalism in Tokyo. However, it needs to be stated that most tourists in Japan are well-behaved and follow local guidelines to a T.
What are some tips on etiquette I should consider when I visit Japan?
Like anywhere else, following local rules and guidelines can enhance your trip. These rules can be as simple as keeping quiet while riding public transit or not littering while walking in public. Guidelines include limiting small talk with strangers and removing shoes in certain buildings. Failing to follow these rules can lead to odd looks or being judged, albeit unfairly, by locals. While accidental mistakes, like laughing loudly on a train, are forgivable, behaving destructively is frowned upon.
What other places can I visit besides the larger cities?
Japan has many fantastic places besides its big cities, like Tokyo and Osaka. If you travel to the countryside, you can see beautiful mountains and peaceful villages, and learn about old traditions. In the north, the Tohoku region has pretty hot spring towns like Ginzan Onsen and fun festivals like the Sendai Tanabata Festival!
However, if you like art, you might enjoy Naoshima Island, which has cool outdoor art and museums. The Japanese Alps are perfect for hiking and seeing nature, with places like Kamikochi and the Kiso Valley. Staying in these rural areas lets you try local foods, stay in cozy inns, and see what life is like outside the big cities. Visiting these places is a great way to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty and friendly communities. Have you visited Japan before? If so, how was your experience? Please let us know in the comments below!
