Kyoto is Japan’s cultural and historical heart, attracting many tourists who want to see the ancient temples, cherry blossoms, and traditional streets. One of the least expected consequences of this tourism boom is the crushing crowds, which make one wonder if the city is large enough to accommodate all the visitors.
By the end of 2024, Japan received approximately 35 million tourists, but the increase has been most felt in Kyoto. A video posted by social media user @yoohoo.gogo captures the congestion on the famous Sannenzaka street in the Higashiyama district. The video, showing local officials trying to control the flow of pedestrians on the cobblestone street that leads to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, brings out the plight of the pedestrians in trying to find their way through the narrow and crowded lanes.
The situation has sparked frustration in both locals and tourists. The owner of the Japanese art blog “Spoon & Tamago”, Johnny Waldman, recently expressed his displeasure on X, referring to Kyoto as “the seventh ring of hell” for the overwhelming amount of tourists that throng its streets.
The intense foot traffic has raised discussions on “overtourism,” and some residents call for tighter regulations to curb the numbers. According to experts, without managing the surge of visitors, the city’s charm and historical integrity might be at risk as Kyoto tries to balance tourism with its traditional beauty.
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Since tourism is now a significant driver of Japan’s economy, cities like Kyoto, which are in dire need of solutions that safeguard the city’s heritage while preserving its welcoming nature for visitors, will require even more regulations to protect the city from losing its charm and manage tourist flow.
