KYOTO — The ancient capital of Kyoto, already a major tourist destination, is moving forward with plans to further boost the number of domestic and international visitors.
But the construction of an aquarium that will feature live dolphin shows as a way to attract more tourists is being opposed by local Japanese and foreign residents, who have called the project an environmental hazard and a slap in the face for Kyoto's cultural heritage.
Opposition groups are suing the city over the project and have launched a campaign to get foreign and domestic tourists to boycott the aquarium when it opens next year.