Kyoto, a symbol of overtourism in Japan, is experiencing a decline in visitors, particularly from China, following diplomatic tensions and travel advisories issued by the Chinese government. Chinese tourists have historically made up a significant portion of foreign visitors to Japan, leading to concerns about how this decline will impact major tourist destinations like Kyoto.
Despite a noticeable decrease in tourists, an on-site investigation by reporter Haruka Takagi revealed mixed results in Kyoto. In busy areas like the Gion Shopping District, there were still large crowds, with a surprising number of Japanese tourists. In contrast, popular spots like Hanamikoji Street were less crowded than expected, suggesting a calming of tourist activity.
At Kiyomizu-dera Temple, crowds were substantial but predominantly consisted of international tourists, with a variety of nationalities present. Haruka noted that while the absence of Chinese tourists was felt, other foreign visitors helped maintain high foot traffic.
The bustling Nishiki Market showed significant changes, leaning more towards upscale offerings instead of traditional foods, reflecting its popularity as a tourist destination.
Overall, while there has been some decrease in the volume of tourists since the advisory, Kyoto remains vibrant and crowded, indicating that the drop in Chinese visitors is unlikely to fundamentally change the city’s tourism landscape. Tourists planning visits should still prepare for crowds and practice respect in their sightseeing endeavors.
Source link
