Japan is introducing visitor limits at some popular attractions to combat overtourism and protect its cultural sites. Here’s what you need to know.

As Japan continues to attract international tourists, the country is working to balance tourism benefits with the impact on its most cherished destinations. Recent measures include restricting access to certain private streets in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, which has traditionally been home to teahouses where geisha (geiko) and maiko (apprentice geiko) perform. These restrictions come in response to problematic behavior from some tourists, including harassment of geisha. The Japan Times has reported incidents where geisha had their kimonos damaged or were subjected to inappropriate behavior, such as having cigarette butts placed in their collars.

What new policies are being considered?

New fees and restrictions have been implemented on specific trails up Mt. Fuji to address overcrowding, mitigate environmental damage—including waste management—and enhance safety for climbers.

In Kyoto, the city is exploring the introduction of dedicated tourist express bus routes to efficiently transport visitors to key attractions, aiming to alleviate congestion on regular local buses and simplify the transit system for travelers.

Additionally, Kyoto is considering raising entry fees for tourists, a departure from Japan’s historically low-cost access to cultural sites. For instance, the famed Kinkaku-ji temple in Kyoto currently charges ¥400 for adults, roughly US$2.50. While direct price hikes may face opposition, the city is more likely to implement increased tourist taxes to support visitor services.

What are tourist taxes used for?

Local tourist taxes, typically added to your hotel bill, are common worldwide but tend to be relatively low in Japan compared to places like Honolulu and San Francisco in the US.

These taxes help cover local costs associated with tourism. In Kyoto, the tax ranges from ¥200 to ¥1000 per night (about US$1–7), depending on the price of your hotel room. Hatsukaichi, home to the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima-jinja (also known as Miyajima), recently introduced a ¥100 fee (about US$0.60) to support the preservation and management of the iconic site.

Additionally, Japan has a ¥1000 (about US$7) tourist departure tax, which is often included in your plane fare and may go unnoticed.

How is Japan likely to manage the problems of overtourism?

Japan is unlikely to reduce its overall number of visitors due to overtourism. Instead, expect to see more capacity restrictions at specific locations, such as on Mt. Fuji, where daily visitor numbers are limited.

This approach is already in place at some attractions. For instance, both the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo and the Ghibli Park in Nagoya impose ticket limits to ensure a high-quality experience and prevent overcrowding. The museum charges ¥1000 (about US$6.50) for entry, reflecting its focus on managing visitor numbers rather than generating significant revenue.

Additionally, certain trains, like the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen, are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass, unlike the slightly slower Hikari trains. Although travel time differences are minimal, peak times can see multiple fast trains running for each slower one. This system helps manage the efficiency of operations and minimize disruptions caused by tourists with large luggage. Visitors are typically directed to the slower Hikari and Kodama services instead.

A recent adjustment is the introduction of the “Baggage 160” system in 2020. Travelers with large luggage (over 160 cm/63 in combined height, width, and depth) must reserve space on popular bullet train lines or pay a carry-on fee. This change addresses issues with large items on trains not designed for such luggage. Japanese travelers often use luggage delivery services, like Yamato Transport (kuroneko), to send their bags ahead, avoiding the need to bring large suitcases on the train.

How will this impact on group tours?

Watch out for potential capacity limits or outright bans that might first impact group tours. These measures are often unpopular with both locals and other visitors.

A tour bus arriving en masse can significantly alter the atmosphere of popular sites, such as Kyoto’s famous temples and shrines like Kinkaku-ji, Ryōan-ji, and Kiyomizu-dera. Group tours can sometimes be perceived as disruptive, with issues like loud talking in quiet areas, disregarding rules, and obstructing paths for locals and other travelers.

As an independent traveler, you’re less likely to be affected. To avoid crowds, try visiting during times when these groups are either en route from their hotels, at lunch, or heading back at the end of the day. Exploring less frequented areas can also enhance your experience in this fascinating country.