As Japan welcomes a record number of overseas visitors, authorities are taking serious steps to prevent risky behavior in the quest for the perfect photo. The charming city of Otaru in Hokkaido has become a hotspot for tourists seeking stunning snapshots, but this has led to some dangerous situations and local frustration.
Imagine strolling down a picturesque street, only to find it clogged with tourists trying to capture the perfect shot. This is the reality for residents of Otaru, where the steep street of Funami-za offers a breathtaking view of the port and sea. To tackle this issue, tourism officials have deployed security guards to keep the area clear and safe.
Tragic Incident Sparks Action
The need for action became tragically clear earlier this month when a Chinese woman was struck and killed by a train while trying to photograph a location from the 2015 film “Cities in Love.” Her husband reported that she hadn’t noticed the approaching train, highlighting the risks tourists take for a great photo.
“This road is lined with houses and has heavy traffic,” a city official explained to the Mainichi Shimbun. “Tourists standing on the street or walking side by side often make it impossible for vehicles to pass. The impact on residents has been significant, and this fiscal year has been particularly severe.”
Local residents have also voiced their concerns. “People are even entering private property without permission to take photos,” said Hidetoshi Itagaki, an 80-year-old resident, to the Kyodo news agency.
Tourism Boom and Local Challenges
Otaru’s popularity has skyrocketed, with nearly 98,000 foreign tourists staying overnight in the city between April and September last year—the highest number since records began in 1997. The actual number is likely even higher, as many tourists stay in nearby Sapporo.
The tourism boom, driven by a weak yen and more international flights, has been great for the local economy. Tourists spent a record ¥8 trillion ($50.8 billion) last year, boosting hotels, shops, and convenience stores. However, this influx has also brought challenges like overcrowding, littering, and disrespectful behavior.
Tackling Overtourism Issues
Japan’s tourism surge has led to several high-profile incidents. Last year, a Chilean Instagram influencer apologized for doing pull-ups on a sacred torii shrine gate in Hokkaido, and a video of a man kicking one of Nara’s famous deer caused outrage.
To address these issues, authorities have introduced fees and visitor caps on Mount Fuji and set up screens to prevent crowding at popular photo spots. They’ve also released pictograms encouraging better behavior, like traveling light and not jumping queues.
Japan’s record-breaking tourism numbers are a double-edged sword, bringing both prosperity and challenges. As authorities work to address the negative impacts, the global travel community must also play its part in ensuring that tourism remains sustainable and respectful. The lessons from Japan’s experience could serve as a blueprint for other popular destinations grappling with similar issues.