Some popular tourist sites in Japan, from temples to bars, are starting to refuse entry to foreign visitors due to bad behaviour and poor manners, according to local reports.
Local business owners and tourist operators are becoming increasingly frustrated with the disrespectful behaviour of certain groups of foreign visitors that they are restricting entry to some of the country’s most popular sites. Sasaguri’s Nanzo-in temple (home to a huge statue of the Reclining Buddha) in Fukuoka Prefecture is one such place. Large signs written in 12 languages have been displayed around Sasaguri, warning that foreign visitors in large groups may not enter this sacred place of worship.
Kakujo Hayashi, the temple’s chief priest, told Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun that the site has become overrun with large groups of overseas visitors in the last ten years. Between 20 and 30 buses of cruise passengers arrive daily, disturbing temple priests with loud music, playing in a sacred waterfall reserved for Buddhist monks, and climbing the temple’s roof. Although it isn’t only overseas visitors who are refused, unruly Japanese visitors will also be denied entry, while the site remains open to individual local and international visitors.
In 2017, Yatsushiro-gu shrine in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, temporarily stopped accepting any worshippers after the number of cruise ships arriving at a nearby port increased six-fold. Similarly, in Kyoto, a bar owner became so frustrated with the behaviour of large tourist groups that he pretended his restaurant was full when groups of five or more called to make reservations. The owner noted that these groups would sometimes sneak in food from other restaurants and use plates as ashtrays.
Overtourism in Japan has led locals to coin a new phrase; “kankō kōgai,” or “tourism pollution.” The issue is notably acute in cities like Kyoto and Kamakura, where locals claim the influx of visitors has strained their local infrastructure and day-to-day life. Therefore, Japan’s tourism agency is actively encouraging visitors to explore often-overlooked regions of the country.
In 2018, the number of foreign visitors to Japan topped 31.2 million, marking a record high. This increase is attributed to relaxed visa policies, a rise in low-cost flights, and more cruise ship arrivals, all contributing factors to the yearly growth. Consequently, these figures are expected to rise further with significant events such as the Rugby World Cup and the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo.
A spokesperson for Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) stated that the agency is committed to promoting sustainable tourism goals. “While Japan’s promotion as a tourist destination is incredibly important, we recognize the issues of overtourism affecting local residents in popular areas,” the spokesperson explained.
“Japan understands the frustrations of both travellers and residents and remains dedicated to creating an environment for sustainable tourism in key areas. To this end, JNTO continues to introduce visitors to Japanese culture and customs in multiple languages, including English and Chinese.”
Tourists to Japan can help alleviate the issue of “tourism pollution” by travelling to sights and attractions in small groups, familiarizing themselves with local customs, and exploring some of the country’s lesser-known regions. Embracing sustainable travel practices can significantly enhance your experience while respecting local communities.
