Is Overtourism Really Happening in Japan?

Overwhelming crowds at Sensō-Ji Temple in Tokyo

If you think overtourism is a made-up term, think again.  Whether it stems from COVID and “revenge” tourism or the Instagram effect, people all around the globe are tapping into their wanderlust and exploring.  

Tourism money helps local economies, but as a traveler, it can be challenging to enjoy a destination when beautiful places are inundated with throngs of people, from individual travelers to tour groups.  I am hard-pressed to think of a location experiencing overtourism more than Japan is currently. It was one of the last Asian holdouts to open its borders after the pandemic, and people from around the globe are visiting in record numbers. This, coupled with a weak Yen compared to the U.S. dollar, means that mass tourism is alive and well in The Land of the Rising Sun.

The streets of Kyoto before 10 AM.

Japan is arguably one of the most authentic countries you can visit, as it hasn’t experienced much, if any, globalization. Japan's culture, with its distinctive cuisine and architectural marvels, offers an authentic experience that's truly one-of-a-kind. It's a journey showcasing the country's unique heritage worth exploring. Keep in mind, though, that this isn’t exactly a secret, as evidenced by my experience at Sensō-Ji Temple or the streets of Kyoto. It seems Japan is on every traveler’s shortlist.    

But who is to blame?  Is the Instagram effect on travel real?  Are people viewing stunning photos of faraway places and thinking, “I need to go THERE!”  Perhaps.  But the city planners who approve and support the hotel rooms aren’t without some responsibility. When does the money tourists spend hurt the local community instead of helping it? Can it actually have negative effects?

Kiyomizu Temple is a must-see in Kyoto. Plan to arrive at opening to avoid the crowds seen here at 10:30 AM.

Just this summer, the citizens of Barcelona started to confront mass tourism with public protests asking tourists to simply go home.  The city has taken steps in the last ten years, including banning new hotel construction, raising the tourist tax on accommodations, and considering eliminating short-term rentals (think Airbnb) in the coming years.  

An interesting list the City of Tokyo felt warranted to communicate to visitors.

What can you do if your dream destination is experiencing mass tourism?  If your travel research brings you to an area you learn is experiencing large-scale tourism, consider a second-tier location.  Case in point with my recent trip to Japan, go beyond the beaten path.  Wander off the Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto trail and find towns and villages that Instagram hasn’t discovered…yet.