Japan Travel Etiquette & Overtourism: How to Be a Respectful Visitor
Japan has become one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year with its beautiful landscapes, rich traditions, and unique blend of ancient and modern culture. From cherry blossoms in Kyoto to the iconic slopes of Mt. Fuji, tourists flock to every corner of the country in search of unforgettable experiences.
But in recent years, Japan has been facing a growing challenge: overtourism. Places like Kyoto’s Gion district, Mt. Fuji, and even quiet rural villages are experiencing the effects of overcrowding, environmental strain, and cultural disruption. This surge in tourism has sparked a national conversation about how to preserve Japan’s beauty and heritage while still welcoming travelers from around the world.
One key aspect that is often overlooked by visitors is understanding Japanese public behavior and etiquette. Japan is a country with deep-rooted customs and an emphasis on harmony, respect, and personal responsibility in public spaces. Tourists who are unaware of these social expectations may unintentionally cause discomfort or even offense to locals.
This situation has even been given a name in Japan: “観光公害 (kankō kōgai),” meaning “tourism pollution.” It refers to the negative impact that an overwhelming number of visitors can have on the environment, infrastructure, and daily life of residents.
As a Japanese person, I’m truly happy to see so many people from around the world enjoying my country and appreciating our culture. We Japanese people welcome travelers with open arms, and we’re proud to share the beauty of Japan. But some visitors may not be familiar with our customs or rules—and that lack of awareness sometimes leads to frustration or problems for locals.
That’s why I’m writing this blog post. I want to help bridge that cultural gap. I’d like to share some insights into the current over tourism situation in Japan and introduce a few basic cultural habits and Japan travel etiquette tips. I hope this helps you enjoy your trip to Japan even more—and create truly unforgettable (in a good way!) memories while you’re in Japan.
Most Affected area by Over tourism
Kyoto's Historic Districts
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most iconic cities, known for its temples, geisha culture, and traditional streets. But tourism has reached overwhelming levels, especially in places like Gion and Arashiyama. Tourists often block narrow streets for photos, enter private alleys, or try to follow maiko (apprentice geisha), making locals feel uncomfortable.
Mt. Fuji
Japan’s national symbol is suffering from its own popularity. Each summer, thousands of climbers attempt to summit (Mt. Fuji (富士山）Fuji-san), often leaving trash behind or climbing without proper gear. (Please note that Mt Fuji is not the mountain which we can climb with casual wear. In my experience, near summit zone was freezing cold even in the summer time.)In 2025, the prefecture introduced a new climbing fee and limited access to manage the crowds and protect the environment.
Nara
Famous for its freely roaming deer, Nara has seen tourists feeding the animals improper food, teasing them, or treating them like theme park attractions. The city has posted multilingual signs, but some visitors still ignore the rules.
You can learn how to interact with deers (鹿 shika in Japanese) in the Nara Park official HP.
Tokyo & Osaka
While Tokyo and Osaka can absorb more tourists than smaller towns, certain districts like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Dotonbori often become so packed that it’s hard to walk. Noise, litter, and traffic congestion are becoming serious concerns.
Over Tourism Impact on Local Communities
Disruption to Daily Life
Imagine trying to get to work while navigating through crowds of sightseers, or dealing with noise from late-night tourists when you have an early morning. These are daily realities for residents in tourist hotspots.
Disruption of Community and Loss of Authenticity
Local businesses in the major tourist destinations shift focus to their tourist.. raising prices (hotel etc), changing menus for the tourist.
Environmental and Infrastructure Strain
High number of visitors are littering even in the UNESCO World Heritage locations like Mt Fuji. Roads, public transport etc sometimes become strained by some tourists.
Government and Local Responses
Tourist Taxes
In 2019, Japan implemented a departure tax (Nick name is “sayonara tax”) of ¥1,000 (approximately $7-8 USD) for departing travelers, with proceeds going toward sustainable tourism infrastructure.
Access Restrictions
Kyoto’s Gion district now prohibits photography on private streets, with fines for violations. Gion district is a historical place so you must respect their culture and rules. You can get the detailed rules from “Gion is a good place “ HP. Some temples have introduced reservation systems or visitor caps.
Dispersal Strategies
Japan’s tourism authorities have been actively promoting lesser-known regions and attractions through campaigns like “Enjoy my Japan” and regional tourism initiatives.
Japan Travel Etiquette Every Tourist Should Know
Respecting the local culture doesn’t require perfection—it just needs a little effort and awareness. Here are some important basics:
Be Quiet on Public Transport
In the USA, I see many peoples talking on the phone or talking loudly with friends but in Japan, we don’t talk on the phone while on trains or buses. For example, If you are on Shinkansen and you want to call someone, you should leave your sheet and go to deck which is located between the train car. There are also priority seats reserved for elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities.
Stand in Line and Wait Your Turn
Japan has a strong culture of queuing politely. Whether it’s at a train station, elevator, or store, always line up and wait patiently.
Take Your Trash With You
Public trash cans are rare. Bring a small bag and take your garbage home or dispose of it properly later. You can get the idea of Japanese recycling system from this page : Navigating Japan’s Recycling System: Tips for Visitors and Long-Term Residents
Permission Before Photographing People
It’s important to ask before taking photos of individuals, especially in areas like Gion.
How to Be a Respectful and Responsible Traveler
Planning Strategies to Avoid Contributing to Over tourism
Visiting During Off-Peak Seasons
- May (after Golden Week): Warm, pleasant weather and fewer tourists as the rush from cherry blossom season and the national Golden Week holidays subsides. Accommodation prices also tend to decrease from their April highs. (NOTE: Golden Week : End of April to Early May. Many national holidays are in this week so we take many holidays in raw.)
- June (rainy season): While it’s wetter, this period sees fewer international visitors, making it a quieter time to explore popular spots.
- Mid-September to mid-October: After the summer heat and before the peak of autumn foliage, this window offers comfortable weather and smaller crowds. Most office workers in Japan can’t take long vacation this period if they take paid holiday voluntarily.
- January to early March (winter): Tourist numbers drop significantly after the fall foliage season. January and February, in particular, are the quietest and most affordable months, with many attractions nearly empty and hotel prices at their lowest.
Exploring Lesser-Known Destinations (Beyond the Golden Route)
Regions like Tohoku, Shikoku, and Sanin offer beautiful landscapes, authentic cultural experiences, and warm hospitality without the crowds of major tourist centers.
If you plan to go rural area, check my page : Japanese Food Culture: The Complete Region-by-Region Guide.
Even within popular cities, look beyond the top attractions. In Tokyo, for example, neighborhoods like Yanaka offer traditional atmosphere without the crowds of Asakusa.
Stay in family-owned inns or local guest houses
Choose locally-owned accommodations, restaurants, and shops where possible. The money you spend will benefit the community you’re visiting.
My Personal Thoughts
Currently, I live in the United States, but I return to Japan once a year for a short visit—usually just about a week. Each time I go back, I see more and more tourists from all over the world. Honestly, I feel happy and proud that so many people love Japan and are willing to travel such a long way to explore our nature, culture, food, and traditions.
But at the same time, I can’t ignore the growing concerns I hear every year. Whether it’s from the news or from friends and family, the topic of overtourism is always there. And it’s not just about crowded sightseeing spots. The price of domestic travel in Japan has increased dramatically—especially hotel rates, which have gone up so much that even local Japanese people (like myself) can no longer casually stay at accommodations like we used to.
Tourism is wonderful, but when certain behaviors go unchecked—like ignoring local rules, making noise in quiet places, or disrespecting cultural sites—it affects how locals feel. We still welcome everyone with kindness, but there are moments when we feel uncomfortable or even sad.
I truly hope that all visitors to Japan will take a little time to learn about our culture and follow the local customs. By doing so, your experience will be deeper, more authentic, and more appreciated by the people who call Japan home. Let’s work together to keep Japan a welcoming and respectful place for everyone—now and in the future.
Have you visited Japan before? Share your experiences in the comments below!
FAQs About Responsible Tourism in Japan
Q: How can I communicate effectively if I don't speak Japanese?
A: Learn a few basic phrases, carry a translation app, and don’t be afraid to use gestures. Many Japanese people understand basic English but may be shy about speaking it.
If you can speak a few words in Japanese at some occasions, we can be relaxed and start talking with you. Great help for Japanese people.
Q: Are there any specific behaviors that are particularly offensive in Japan?
A: Eating while walking, being loud in public places, and pointing directly at people are generally considered impolite.
Q: Do I need to remove shoes everywhere in Japan?
A: Not everywhere, but in traditional ryokans, some restaurants, homes, and certain areas of temples. Look for shoe racks, slippers at the entrance, or follow what locals are doing.
Q: How can I best prepare for Japan's complex waste sorting system?
A: Carry a small bag for your trash until you find appropriate bins. Hotels often have proper sorting facilities. See my page :Navigating Japan’s Recycling System: Tips for Visitors and Long-Term Residents
