Japan continues to experience a significant influx of international tourists, with over 2 million visitors arriving in September for the fourth consecutive month. These figures are approaching pre-pandemic levels and are positive for the tourism and hospitality sectors. However, the surge in tourists is raising concerns about overtourism and its impact on local communities and the environment.
To address these issues, Japan’s tourism minister has announced new prevention measures. These measures include:
- Boosting transportation systems in major cities to accommodate the increased number of visitors.
- Encouraging tourists to explore lesser-visited destinations to reduce the strain on overcrowded hotspots like Tokyo and Kyoto.
- Expanding bus and taxi fleets to cope with the rising demand in popular cities.
- Establishing direct bus routes from key stations to tourist destinations.
- Potentially increasing bus fares during peak hours to incentivize non-peak hour travel.
The goal of these measures is to promote sustainable tourism, protect local environments, and ensure that tourists have a positive experience in Japan. By spreading tourism to less crowded areas and improving transportation options, authorities aim to address the challenges associated with overtourism.
