In recent decades, Japan has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of people with its unique culture, traditions and magnificent natural scenery. However, along with the growth of tourism, serious problems have also emerged, especially in historic cities such as Kyoto.
The heart of Kyoto, the Gion quarter, famous for its beautiful architecture, traditional tea houses and geishas, has recently been plagued by excessive tourist traffic and moral violations by visitors. Visitors often behave quite unceremoniously, asking geishas and their maiko apprentices to take pictures, chat, etc., which is completely unacceptable according to local concepts. Due to the uncontrollable flow of tourists coming here in search of an authentic Japanese experience and beautiful photographs, locals and businessmen have had to decide to close the neighborhood to tourists in order to preserve its unique character.
The same thing happened to the popular viewpoint of Mount Fuji at the Lawson store in Kawaguchi City. This store has become a famous photo spot due to its convenient location and beautiful view of Japan's highest peak. However, in recent years, the large gathering of tourists at this location, eager to capture the view that has become fashionable, has led to serious problems with litter and parking violations. Local authorities have been forced to impose a ban on photography there.
These cases emphasize the importance of balancing tourism development with the preservation of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Strategies for managing tourist flow, informing tourists about local traditions and values, and cooperation between the authorities, local communities and the tourism industry are becoming increasingly important to maintain Japan's uniqueness and attractiveness as a tourist destination.
