Is Japan really that crowded?
In the last few years, we've seen such a huge increase in travel to Japan. I think one reason is that with more people than ever looking to travel post-covid, technology has allowed Japan to become a more accessible destination. Translation tools are better than ever, and viral videos from Japan make the country seem more appealing, and less overwhelming to plan for first-time visitors.
However, some areas of Japan are definitely suffering from overtourism. Kyoto has been making headlines when it banned visitors from certain streets in the Gion district. Certain areas of the city are known for being packed with tourists, and the city's public transportation system is strained. Next year, the city of Kyoto will raise it's accommodation tax considerably, to rates of up to ¥10,000 (about US$65) per night.
Another area that is suffering from overtourism is Mt Fuji. This iconic mountain is at risk of losing its UNESCO World Heritage status as the sacred mountain and its fragile ecosystem are inundated with millions of hikers each year. Last year, a Lawson convenience store with views of Mt Fuji behind it made international news as locals, tired of dealing with litter and road congestion, lobbied to have a screen put up which blocked the Instagram-famous view. The screen has since been taken down, but issues over tourists parking illegally and standing in the road to take pictures of Mt Fuji remain.
So, should I visit Japan?
I think with advance planning, learning some cultural norms, and setting your expectations, a trip to Japan can be absolutely amazing!
Almost all of my clients have Tokyo and Kyoto on their bucket list, but I always encourage them to spend some time in the countryside or in lesser-visited cities as their trip length allows. Many businesses in these smaller locations desperately need tourism revenue, even as places like Kyoto are overwhelmed. Locals in these smaller places are also generally very welcoming and curious about people visiting from overseas.
Even in cities like Kyoto, there are so many underrated sights and neighborhoods that are very welcoming to tourists. I spent all of January in Kyoto with my daughters this year and we visited a locally famous shrine in a quieter part of the city one day. The staff at the gate were so welcoming, and even gave my daughters free fish food to feed the koi in the pond!
Another point that I think is so important, especially when someone is traveling to places that are very culturally different from their home country, is to learn some of the cultural norms. In Japan for example, having visitors who understand when to take off their shoes, know to keep their voices down on public transportation, and can speak a word or 2 in greeting, can really go a long way to helping locals adjust to an increasing number of tourists.
As someone who does not look Japanese at all, I can definitely tell when my command of the language and familiarity with (at least some of) the cultural expectations puts people at ease. While mastering Japanese probably isn't a realistic expectation for most people before their holiday, having the support of a travel planner who can help set expectations for the traveler and make reservations and requests in Japanese for the host can be incredibly helpful.
Want to keep daydreaming about a trip to Japan? I'd love to hear from you!