Ginzan Onsen, a picturesque hot spring town in Japan’s Yamagata region, has begun limiting day-tripper access to address overtourism concerns during its busy winter season. Known for its nostalgic, snow-covered streets and lamplit wooden buildings, the town attracts approximately 330,000 visitors annually, many of whom share its photogenic beauty online.
Starting Monday, only guests staying at local accommodations can access the town after 8 p.m. Visitors wishing to explore between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. will now need to make reservations, while day trippers must park 2 kilometers away and use a paid shuttle service to enter. These measures, in effect until the end of February, aim to reduce road congestion, enhance safety, and maintain Ginzan Onsen’s serene atmosphere.
Addressing Growing Challenges
Overtourism has sparked complaints across Japan, with destinations like Kyoto and Mount Fuji facing similar issues. In Ginzan Onsen, improper driving practices, such as using normal tyres in snowy conditions, have led to frequent traffic jams and accidents. “Emergency vehicles have sometimes been unable to reach the town due to congestion,” explained Takayuki Saito, head of commerce and tourism for Obanazawa, the municipality overseeing Ginzan Onsen.
A recent incident underscored the urgency of these restrictions. According to the town’s official website, an ambulance was forced to halt due to blocked roads, leaving emergency responders to run to the scene. “It was a life-or-death situation,” the statement read.
Visitor Cooperation and Community Impact
Authorities hope the trial restrictions will foster a better relationship between visitors and the local community. “Some travelers become verbally abusive when assisted by officials after getting stuck in the snow,” the website noted, calling such incidents “unbearable.”
The surge in foreign tourists, fueled by a weaker yen and a post-pandemic travel boom, has further strained popular destinations across Japan. More than 33 million international visitors have entered the country this year, surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 32 million set in 2019.
Nationwide Measures Against Overtourism
Ginzan Onsen’s efforts mirror broader trends in Japan, where overcrowding has prompted innovative solutions. In Kyoto, tourists are banned from entering private alleys after reports of harassment toward geisha. Meanwhile, Mount Fuji now enforces entry fees and daily caps on visitors to its busiest trails, with barriers installed to prevent accidents near popular photo spots.
Through its new rules, Ginzan Onsen seeks to strike a balance between welcoming tourists and safeguarding its unique appeal, ensuring that the charm of its snowy streets endures for generations to come.
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