[ad_1]
Unanticipated Visitors in Japan: Tourism Surge Post Pandemic Stirs Discontent
Recently, Shoji Matsumoto’s barbershop in Japan has seen an influx of foreign customers. Despite a front door that squeaks noticeably when opened more than halfway, and perhaps signaling the unfamiliar atmosphere, they wanted haircuts. They were from Italy and Britain, and Matsumoto, aged 75, finding their languages foreign, resorted to his years of expertise, and commenced cutting their hair.
This upswing in the number of tourists stems from Japan’s relaxed coronavirus travel restrictions in 2022, coupled with the weak yen that works in favor of foreign travelers. As a result, travel numbers have surged, sparking fears of overtourism. In March alone, Japan welcomed over three million tourists, a monthly record and an increase of more than 10% compared to March 2019.
Tourist Influx: A Mixed Blessing
A significant percentage of these visitors, nearly two-thirds, hail from South Korea, Taiwan, and China. Their expenditure contributed to about 9% of Japan’s GDP last year. However, the increase has brought with it new challenges.
Urban centers like Kyoto, the former imperial capital, are feeling overwhelmed as these visitors invade previously undisturbed locations. Now even commercial districts and small towns near major attractions are not spared from the tourist traffic.
Impacts on Local Communities
The increase in visitor numbers is causing societal tension where even the usually polite native dwellers are becoming impatient. In popular visitor spots like Kyoto, local dwellers lament the effects of tourism: escalating accommodation prices and overcrowded public facilities. They also express disappointment over tourists overlooking local customs.
In some instances, tourism’s consequences have not been entirely favorable. Business providers in the sector see the boom as unsustainable in the long run. Taxi driver Hisashi Kobayashi in Kyoto, for instance, despite the increased patronage, believes too many tourists have led to a distorted cultural identity in the city. “When Japanese people come here, they feel they’re in a foreign land,” he said.
Rural Areas Also Feeling the Heat
Rural areas like Fuji City, located about 200 miles east of Kyoto, are now starting to experience the effects of mass tourism. A bridge with a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji has gained popularity on social media, causing parking mishaps and littering due to insufficient tourist infrastructure.
Government Response
The authorities are putting measures in place to manage the situation, albeit with varying degrees of success. For instance, in Fuji City, they have installed a six-car parking lot, while in Kyoto, they have introduced special buses for tourists to alleviate congestion.
In some parts of Kyoto, large signs with the words “No eating while walking” hang outside restaurants – a move aimed at preserving local customs but which also risks alienating tourists. The irony is not lost on the locals, who, while benefiting from the revenues, are enduring the inconvenience brought about by the surge.
Conclusion
The increase in tourists in Japan has found many locals unprepared for the influx. They now have to strike a balance between leveraging the economic opportunity brought about by tourism growth and preserving their cultural identity and norms. Japan, it seems, is grappling with the question of how much tourism is too much.
[ad_2]
