Back in fall of 2023, I finally had the opportunity to fulfill one of my oldest and most sought-after dreams: visiting Japan. Being a consummate wanderlust-er since I was a kid, setting foot on The Land of the Rising Sun had always being at the top of my travel my bucket list.

And, to nobody’s surprise, this amazing destination didn’t disappoint. With Japan’s almost seamless blend of otaku culture, ancient history, and hi-tech technology everywhere you go, I found myself completely in love with its affordable and mouthwatering food, deep contrasts, and above all, kind people.

And the best part? I was lucky enough to enjoy all of this without having to deal with hordes of crowds. Granted, China’s Golden Week — a week-long holiday favored by mainland Chinese to take on vacation to the Japanese archipelago — was in full bloom, so I had to wake up at the crack of dawn to properly enjoy marvels such as the famous Golden Pavilion or the Arashiyama bamboo forest. The early bird gets the worm, and all that.

But even with the influx of Chinese tourists, Japan still wasn’t jam-packed, by any standard. It was a mostly quiet, calm, and stress-free experience, with the proper number of people where it seemed appropriate. After all, crossing the famous Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo wouldn’t be nearly as fun without being completely surrounded by other fellow pedestrians, now would it?

Coming back home from such an exhilarating vacation was a bummer, but as soon as I returned I knew for sure that it wouldn’t take long until I’d return to Japanese shores.

Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama, Kyoto

A year flew by, and I found myself planning another epic autumn trip to my beloved Japan. This time, it was for another two weeks, allowing me to make my way through new places like Osaka and revisiting some of the amazing places that left me breathless on my last visit.

Among these last ones, Kyoto was, of course, an absolute no-brainer. Monumental and gorgeous beyond measure, the former capital of the Japanese Empire had astonished me at every turn with its untamed green wilderness, exquisite shrines, and vast array of things to do. I was especially excited to roam once again the beautiful neighborhood known worldwide as home of Kyoto’s geishas: Gion.

But I was in for a surprise.

Then…and Now

I just returned from my most recent trip to Japan. Barely 12 months ago, as I traversed the main street where geishas live and work, it was completely devoid of people and I was enjoying the moment under the cover of a starry night. Now, at that same spot, an unbearable number of tourists was disturbing the peace with dozens of phone flashes pointed directly at the houses where the revered geishas try go on with their lives.

I decided to keep roaming through the district, searching out one of the temples that I liked the most the first time I was here: Yasaka Shrine, an impressive temple complex with a main central building surrounded by traditional paper lanterns. As you can imagine, being there at night is a surreal and magical experience, and that’s exactly how I felt a year ago in almost absolute solitude.

Gion, Kyoto. Picture by Javier Peinado

That’s why this one hit hard. There were so many people that I couldn’t even take a decent unobstructed picture. Worse than the number of people was their behavior. Teen girls singing at the top of their lungs while racing each other to who knows where. Wannabe influencers blocking the way while posing for the best selfie without a single care about their surroundings. Entire families yelling for no reason right next to monks’ domiciles. The place had become some sort of amusement park for the loud and the disrespectful.

It was more than just annoying. It was heartbreaking.

If you haven’t experienced Japanese hospitality before, just know that they are the most patient, cordial, and polite people you will ever know, even in the face of insufferable behavior from noisy gaijins (that is, foreigners). To see such extreme cordiality repaid with the rudeness of uncontrolled masses hit me hard. An unsettling mix of anxiety and sadness started to come over me, and all I wanted to do was to leave the place as soon as I could. The same place where I had such a terrific time not so long ago, and now I couldn’t stand it anymore.

What happened? Had I come too early? Too late? Nope, same hours. Even the dates were practically the same, with just a few days of difference. But, somehow, the vibe changed for the worst just one year after that unforgettable first visit. Now, depressing signs asking to please treat the sacred complex as a place of prayer and not a tourist attraction were everywhere, and some of them even forbid access to magnificent little areas formerly unrestricted. None of this was in effect, again, just one year ago.

Yasaka temple, Kyoto, Japan

Sadly, this is not an isolated example. Overtourism has been an unwanted and ever-growing phenomenon for many years now. The real problem, of course, is that overtourism creates environmental and social challenges that can greatly alter the integrity of both protected landmarks and previously hidden gems, as well as diminish the quality of life of the affected local communities.

Of course, Kyoto is just one of many examples of what’s sadly becoming true worldwide. Countries like Spain, Croatia, Italy, and Mexico have been dealing with the undesired repercussions of rampant overtourism for years now. Capping the number of visitors to wildly popular — or extremely fragile — spots and introducing tourism taxes are among the most frequent ways to fight mass tourism. But these efforts seem insufficient.

So, What Can We Do?

I know what you might be thinking. “You’re the one to talk, setting foot in the same place twice in the lapse of just two years.” In my defense, I can only argue that I usually pride myself of being somebody who tries to respect the foreign culture I’m exploring. Of course, nobody is perfect, but I’ve been around long enough to know that there’s nothing more infuriating than an obnoxious tourist causing a scene. Especially at a sacred place! So, as long as we strive to not be that guy, that’s a big first step in the right direction.

Because, you see, the sheer number of people traveling is not the only issue here. It’s also how you do it. We all need to act in a responsible, respectful, and non-intrusive way, no matter where we are. Of course, any sociologist will tell you that, just by physically being in one place, you’re affecting it in some way, no matter how inconspicuous you are. But there has to be some sweet spot right in the middle, so we can enjoy our destination without being an embarrassment to locals and fellow tourists alike.

You Might Also Enjoy: Sustainable Traveler? Here Are Some Destinations That Are Actively Combating Overtourism

Osaka, Japan. Picture by Javier Peinado

As you might’ve guessed, social media is mostly to blame for this worrying uptick in overtourism. We’re seeing a seemingly endless number of travel influencers urging us to rush on masse to places that were, until very recently, blissfully unknown. But no potential social media praise is worth the cost these revered places and people are paying. Because if the only thing that seems to matter is to share the most impressive, Insta-worthy pic you can manage to take, no matter the consequences, then we don’t really deserve these places or the cultures and history that they represent.

So be kind, fellow traveler. Act in a considerate way with those who are forced to endure the endless hordes of visitors flocking at their homeland. Think of the impact you’re making, and how you could lessen it. Leave a positive mark when you bid farewell to your hosts, and don’t be afraid to thank their hospitality and patience with a small gift from your country of origin.

FAQs:

Q: How can I find less-crowded alternatives to popular tourist destinations?
A: Research destinations that offer similar experiences without heavy tourist traffic. Many travel sites and apps highlight “hidden gems” or alternative spots that are less frequented but equally enjoyable.

Q: Are there specific times to visit that help avoid overtourism?
A: Yes, try to travel during off-peak seasons. Many popular destinations experience fewer crowds outside of major holidays or summer months, allowing for a more relaxed and respectful experience.

Q: What are some ways to support local communities in heavily touristed areas?
A: Consider supporting local businesses, staying in locally-owned accommodations, and eating at neighborhood restaurants. These choices help boost the local economy while respecting community resources.

Q: How can I minimize my environmental impact when traveling?
A: Simple choices like reducing plastic waste, conserving water, and using eco-friendly products can help. Walking, biking, or using public transportation are also great ways to lessen your footprint.

Q: Is it okay to post pictures of famous sites on social media?
A: Posting respectfully taken photos is fine, but avoid tagging exact locations of hidden spots to prevent them from becoming overly popular. Encourage others to visit thoughtfully and responsibly.

Q: How can I be a more responsible traveler in crowded areas?
A: Practice patience, follow local rules, avoid disturbing locals, and remember that some places are culturally or spiritually significant. Respect these areas by keeping noise and disruptions to a minimum.

Have you experienced the effects of overtourism, too? Tell us all about in our comments section below!