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Local governments in Japan battle overtourism challenges

Tourists board a ferry to Iriomote Island, Okinawa Prefecture, from Ishigaki, another island in the prefecture. The local government of the town of Taketomi, which includes Iriomote Island, is planning to introduce a visitor's tax to fund environmental protection measures in the face of rising tourist numbers. | Kyodo

Jiji

Jan 30, 2024

Rapid growth in the number of post-pandemic tourists has left many local authorities in Japan confronting the challenge of overtourism and its negative impact on residents and the environment.

Issues such as overcrowding on public transportation systems and problems related to garbage disposal have emerged in various parts of the country.

The challenge has caught the attention of the central government, which is aiming to support local efforts at overcoming these problems.

Local governments in Japan battle overtourism challenges

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