Renowned for its cherry blossoms, cutting-edge technology, and high-speed trains, Japan attracts millions of tourists each year.
By the end of 2024, 35 million visitors are expected to have flocked to the vibrant country. But if you’re thinking of joining them, be warned – it might be a bit more crowded than you’d expect.
A recent video posted by @yoohoo.gogo shows hundreds of people tightly packed in and struggling to make their way down the historic Sannenzaka street in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district.
In the footage, local authorities can be seen attempting to control pedestrian traffic on the cobblestone street, which leads to the city’s famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
‘You can’t even climb without being pushed by the crowds,’ reads the caption.
The video has sparked concerns of overcrowding, with locals claiming ‘Japan has been ruined by over-tourism’, and saying they’re ‘waiting on tourist regulations’.
One user, @themovementclinic, commented: ‘That is insane, I am so happy I went eight years ago, absolutely no crowds.’
Meanwhile, Johnny Waldman, who runs the Japanese art blog Spoon & Tamago, reposted the clip on X with the caption: ‘Unpopular opinion, Kyoto is the seventh ring of hell right now.’
‘I feel so lucky to have visited before the tourist explosion,’ @josephluria, replied, while @LondonBento shared a photo from 2008 when the area was a ‘quiet side street’, claiming it ‘looks terrible now’.
Kyoto’s Sannenzaka Street is one of the city’s most popular attractions, with Tripadvisor reviews describing it as ‘beautiful’ and ‘serene’.
However, despite its charm, many visitors have taken issue with the overwhelming crowds.
It’s not the only area in Kyoto facing the effects of mass tourism either. Earlier this year, Kyoto banned tourists from some areas of its Gion district, famous for its geishas and maikos, after residents complained about overcrowding and harassment of the geishas.
The ban came into effect in April this year, and the area is now open only to working geishas, their clients, and residents.
It follows a year of rising concerns over mass tourism, especially across Europe, with many popular destinations overwhelmed by crowds.
Five underrated destinations in Japan
If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds in Japan, why not go off the beaten path? Here are five hidden gems to explore.
- Matshushima – A city on the northeast coast of Japan’s Honshu Island, Matshushima is known for the hundreds of forested islands that dot Matsushima Bay.
- Kanazawa – Often overshadowed by Tokyo or Kyoto, Kanazawa boasts a blend of ancient and modern, with architecture preserved from the Edo period, beautiful gardens and a vibrant arts scene.
- Iya Valley – Located on Shikoku Island, away from Japan’s bustling cities, this remote valley is known for its dramatic landscapes, vine bridges, and historic village.
- Kamakura – Just an hour outside Tokyo, Kamakura is a perfect retreat from the bustling centre. The small city offers a mix of historic temples, beaches, and hiking trails.
- Tottori – Known for its miles-long stretch of sand dunes, Tottori offers a rare desert-like experience in Japan. Visitors can enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, and explore the Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Park.
This summer, the slogan ‘tourists go home’ was echoed by residents who protested against overcrowded streets, disruptive visitors, and the impact of short-term holiday rentals.
Barcelona has also seen numerous demonstrations this year. In the summer, locals armed with water pistols demanded ‘tourists go home’, while 22,000 protested in November to demand lower house prices.
Thousands took to the streets of Madrid in October to protest extortionate house prices and the impact of holiday rental sites such as Airbnb.
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