Japan is taking drastic steps to tackle overtourism as visitor numbers hit record highs. In 2024, over 35 million travelers flooded the country, drawn by the weak yen. The surge has overwhelmed popular destinations, forcing the government to act.
Starting July 2025, Japan will roll out tiered pricing at major attractions. Foreign tourists will pay more than locals, with the extra funds going toward maintenance and preservation. The move aims to balance tourism’s economic benefits with the need to protect fragile cultural sites.
Higher Fees for International Visitors
At Niseko Ski Resorts in Hokkaido, tourists will pay ¥6,500 (69)perday,whilelocalsenjoyadiscountedrateof¥5,000(53). Sacred sites like Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple may also adopt dual pricing. However, questions remain over who qualifies as a “local”—whether it’s all Japanese citizens or just nearby residents. Himeji Castle, for example, offers discounts only to those living in the area.
Capping Crowds at Key Sites
To prevent overcrowding, Japan has set strict limits at some attractions. Only 4,000 climbers per day will be allowed on Mount Fuji. The government is also pushing travelers to explore lesser-known regions. Nagoya, often overlooked as an industrial city, is being promoted for its cultural treasures, including sumo tournaments and cherry blossom festivals.
By spreading visitors across the country and charging higher fees at hotspots, Japan hopes to make tourism more sustainable. If the tiered pricing system works, it could expand to even more locations in the future.
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