Overtourism

Overtourism describes a phenomenon where the number of visitors to a destination overwhelms its capacity, causing strain on local communities, infrastructure, and the environment. In Japan, this has become a pressing issue in popular locations such as Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district as well as popular insta spots. Overcrowding diminishes the charm of these sites, disrupts local lifestyles, and places pressure on resources. Neighborhoods like Gion in Kyoto face constant congestion, with residents struggling to navigate streets filled with camera-wielding tourists, while natural landmarks like Mount Fuji are under threat from erosion and litter.

One significant consequence of overtourism has been the steep increase in accommodation prices, particularly for traditional inns (ryokans) and hotels. The surge in demand from international tourists has led to skyrocketing room rates, especially in high-traffic areas like Kyoto and Hakone. Ryokans, once an affordable and integral part of Japanese travel culture, are now marketed more toward foreign visitors willing to pay premium prices. Many locals, who traditionally stayed at ryokans during family trips or festivals, find themselves priced out of these once-accessible lodgings. The shift toward catering to wealthier foreign travelers has also changed the atmosphere of many ryokans, with some modernizing their services to suit international tastes rather than preserving traditional Japanese hospitality.

Hotels in urban centers face similar trends, with some properties doubling or tripling their nightly rates during peak seasons. Budget options are increasingly scarce, forcing both Japanese travelers and less affluent tourists to look outside major cities or settle for less convenient accommodations. For locals, this growing disparity creates a sense of exclusion from their own country’s heritage and travel experiences. The rising costs have also sparked debates about introducing pricing regulations or caps to ensure accessibility, but balancing economic interests with cultural preservation remains a complex challenge.

Badly behaved tourists exacerbate these challenges by disregarding local customs and etiquette. In Japan, incidents include climbing on sacred shrines, wearing inappropriate attire in religious spaces, and disrupting ceremonies with loud behavior or flash photography. Public misconduct, such as leaving trash in parks or misusing facilities like hot springs, further frustrates locals (including myself) and fellow visitors. This behavior not only affects the experience of other travelers but also undermines the cultural and natural heritage that makes Japan so unique.

All these disruptions create a growing resentment, highlighting the need for more sustainable tourism practices in Japan.