Japan is now one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, and locals have complained about the effects of overtourism, but the head of Japan’s tourism agency, Ichiro Takahashi, has nevertheless reaffirmed an ambitious goal of attracting 60 million foreign tourists a year, more than double the current number.
The goal was set as pandemic-era entry restrictions are lifted and Japan stands to welcome more than 25 million international visitors in 2023. Takahashi acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence the target can be achieved.
“With the right efforts, this figure is easily achievable,” he told a news conference in Tokyo, adding, “There are many places in Japan that are yet to be discovered by tourists from overseas. I believe Japan has unlimited tourism resources.”
Recent government statistics show foreign tourist arrivals topped 3 million for three consecutive months as of May 2024. But the influx has rekindled concerns about overtourism in various parts of the country.
In response, some local governments are considering measures to manage the impact on tourists. Himeji city is reportedly considering significantly raising entrance fees for foreign visitors to Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site.
Mayor Kiyomoto Hideyasu explained, “When a lot of people climb up and down the bridge, the wooden structures become dilapidated and brittle,” and emphasized the need to “curb overtourism.”
Similarly, new crowd-control barriers have been installed at popular photo spots on Mount Fuji, following a recent incident in which a nearby town blocked off views of the iconic volcano to deter tourists.
