Japan is a bucket list destination for many travelers, but you may want to put your vacation plans on hold.
Overtourism is significantly impacting Japanese infrastructure, from packed public buses to trash atop the country’s highest peak. Once-serene villages, outdoor areas, and spiritual sites have become crowded with tourists, and Japan’s charm may be lost forever if these travel trends continue.
Before booking your flight, learn why you should reconsider visiting Japan.
Japan’s Overtourism Issue
Japan has always been a popular travel destination, but its tourism industry has grown tremendously since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co., Japan saw over three million tourists in June 2024, the highest number in recorded history.
While tourism can have positive effects, such as boosting the local economy, Japan is struggling to handle the influx of foreign visitors. The consequences of overtourism range from increased traffic congestion to environmental damage and excessive crowds at famous attractions.
Expensive Accommodations and Food
Many hotels and restaurants in Japan have raised their prices after seeing high tourist numbers. Standard accommodations in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto can be upwards of $200 a night.
Japan is a famous vacation spot for food lovers, tempting tourists with its fresh cuisine. Food costs can vary dramatically nationwide, and it’s easy to spend more on meals than you realize.
Off-Limit Areas
In response to unruly behavior, Japan has closed some areas entirely to tourists. Kyoto, famous for its geishas in the Gion District, now prohibits tourists from entering certain streets.
This rule was created after large tourist crowds blocked narrow alleyways while trying to approach and take photos of geishas roaming the district. If harassment of this kind continues, more areas of Japan could be restricted from tourists.
Crowded Public Transport
Japan’s usually efficient public transportation system is being overwhelmed by foreign visitors. Buses and trains in major metropolitan areas are overrun by tourists, impacting the daily lives of locals.
Workers nationwide must now battle crowded transportation centers while commuting. In Kyoto, buses have become so congested that passengers with strollers struggle to find space amidst tourist baggage.
Capacity Restrictions
Rampant tourism has forced some sights in Japan to enforce capacity limitations. Tokyo’s Studio Ghibli Museum, a wildly popular activity dedicated to the Japanese animation company, restricts ticket sales to prevent overcrowding. Meanwhile, Mount Fuji recently imposed a daily cap of 4,000 climbers to combat excessive foot traffic.
Disrespect at Sacred Sites
You may not find the peace and solitude you crave at spiritual sites throughout Japan. As foreign visitors flock to the country, shrines and temples are seeing a rise in culturally insensitive behavior.
Since 2023, there have been several instances of tourists defacing sacred property, disrupting religious services, and physically assaulting staff. Such acts disrespect the local culture and make it harder for others to enjoy their visit.
Tourist Fees
Numerous Japanese attractions have introduced tourist taxes, making activities costlier for out-of-towners. In July 2024, officials announced a 2,000 yen fee for Mount Fuji climbers in an effort to reduce crowded trails. Other destinations, such as Itsukushima Shrine in Hatsukaichi, have started charging entry fees to cover necessary maintenance costs due to recent increased tourism.
Local Efforts to Curb Crowds
The town of Fujikawaguchiko made headlines in 2024 for installing a mesh barrier to block views of Mount Fuji. It was a drastic but essential measure, as locals accused tourists of littering and blocking traffic.
Fujikawaguchiko officials announced plans for a replacement just one week after installation, as visitors reportedly poked holes in the screen to glimpse the distant mountain. Other locations may take similar action if Japan’s over-tourism issue goes unchecked.
Litter
While Japan prides itself on maintaining high cleanliness standards, litter is becoming increasingly prevalent. Tourists are often responsible for excessive amounts of trash at popular attractions.
Reports surfaced in 2019 of numerous deer in Nara Park dying after ingesting plastic waste. In 2024, the mayor of Kyoto even proposed digital garbage cans that alert the waste management company once full to reduce littering citywide.
Traffic
Prepare for traffic when in Japan, regardless if you walk or drive. Congestion has become a massive inconvenience for locals attempting to go to work and run errands. March to May and September to November are the worst times to visit Japan in terms of large crowds, and travel delays are common during these months.
Increasing Hostility
Japanese culture is famously friendly and hospitable, but local opinions toward foreign visitors are growing more hostile. Tourists are often loud and rude, clashing with the polite and reserved attitude that prevails in Japanese society. Stereotypes surrounding inconsiderate travelers make locals hesitant to welcome foreigners, who may exploit their good intentions.
Environmental Concerns
Some of Japan’s most beautiful outdoor areas are paying the high price of overtourism. Tourist destinations throughout Japan face environmental concerns ranging from pollution to loss of natural resources.
A post-pandemic hiking surge, for instance, has increased CO2 emissions and trash on Mount Fuji. Sadly, these consequences will worsen as tourists continue to swarm to Japan.
Japan isn’t the only place suffering from over-tourism
Many famous locations worldwide are experiencing high numbers of foreign visitors. Overcrowding has turned these dream destinations into travel nightmares.
13 Famous Destinations Ruined by Tourism
Get off the beaten path for your next international getaway
Are you tired of battling long lines and crowds at popular vacation spots? Try these less touristy European countries next time you crave a change of scenery.
16 Underrated Countries to Visit in Europe Before Tourism Ruins Them
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
