On April 15, 2023, the Japanese government announced a new initiative to tackle the growing issue of unruly tourists in the country. According to Yoshio Takahashi, Deputy Director of the Japanese Tourism Agency in Tokyo, the goal is to reduce the number of incidents involving disorderly conduct by foreign visitors.
“The first sign was subtle,” said Takahashi, “but we realized that the problem was becoming more serious and needed to be addressed.”
The move comes after a significant increase in tourist-related incidents, with over 1,200 cases reported in 2022, up from 800 in 2020.
In recent years, Japan has experienced a surge in tourism, with over 32 million visitors in 2022, a 10% increase from the previous year. While the influx of tourists has boosted the local economy, it has also put a strain on the country’s infrastructure and resources. Disrespect for local customs and traditions has become a major concern, with many tourists ignoring basic rules and etiquette. For example, in the city of Kyoto, there have been numerous instances of tourists entering temples and shrines without removing their shoes, or not respecting the quiet atmosphere of these sacred spaces.
The new initiative aims to educate tourists about Japanese customs and traditions, as well as promote respectful behavior. The government will be working with local authorities, tourism operators, and foreign embassies to spread awareness and prevent incidents. Takahashi explained that the plan includes the distribution of informational materials, such as brochures and videos, as well as the establishment of a hotline for reporting incidents. The government will also be increasing the number of multilingual staff at tourist information centers to provide assistance to visitors.
As part of the effort, the Japanese government has established a set of guidelines for tourists, which includes respecting local rules and regulations, not littering, and not engaging in loud or disorderly conduct. The guidelines will be available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean.
- Key points of the guidelines include:
- Respect for local customs and traditions
- No littering or dumping of trash
- No loud or disorderly conduct
- Respect for sacred spaces and temples
The initiative has received support from local communities and tourism operators, who welcome the effort to promote responsible tourism. As the number of tourists continues to rise, the Japanese government will be closely monitoring the situation and making adjustments as needed. What happens next will depend on the effectiveness of the new initiative and the cooperation of tourists and locals alike.