Almost one third of people living in Japan’s most popular tourist destinations are feeling overtourism to some extent, but most remain positive about tourism’s overall impact, according to a recent study by EY Japan.
The report Leading the Japanese economy towards growth in the tourism industry explores perceptions of tourism based on a survey carried out in 10 of the country’s top spots, including Kyoto, Nara, Asakusa (Tokyo), Shizuoka, Miyajima (Hiroshima), and Asahikawa (Hokkaido). It also considers how Japan can continue to promote tourism as a foundation for economic growth.
Majority of the Japanese view tourism as an important means of boosting the economy in their region; Miyajima Island, pictured
Around 40 per cent of respondents reported a positive view of the number of tourists in their area, and 60 per cent said tourism plays an important role in enriching their lives and boosting the economy in their region. Only 15 per cent said tourism plays a negative role.
Respondents also noted that their area’s popularity had sparked their own interest in local attractions including nature, history, culture and food, while giving them a sense of hometown pride.
The highest proportion of those witnessing overtourism were in Kyoto, followed by Asakusa, Nara and Miyajima, citing problems such as bad manners, traffic congestion and difficulty riding public transport due to overcrowding.
While opinions on tourism remain largely positive, the report noted that disruptions to daily life caused by visitors “highlight the challenge of tourism becoming the growth engine of the Japanese economy” in the longer term.
It recommends proper management of tourism destinations, such as by a destination management organisation, to ensure local communities receive sufficient economic benefit, thereby helping to counteract any negative impacts that residents may experience.
Almost one third of people living in Japan’s most popular tourist destinations are feeling overtourism to some extent, but most remain positive about tourism’s overall impact, according to a recent study by EY Japan.
The report Leading the Japanese economy towards growth in the tourism industry explores perceptions of tourism based on a survey carried out in 10 of the country’s top spots, including Kyoto, Nara, Asakusa (Tokyo), Shizuoka, Miyajima (Hiroshima), and Asahikawa (Hokkaido). It also considers how Japan can continue to promote tourism as a foundation for economic growth.
Around 40 per cent of respondents reported a positive view of the number of tourists in their area, and 60 per cent said tourism plays an important role in enriching their lives and boosting the economy in their region. Only 15 per cent said tourism plays a negative role.
Respondents also noted that their area’s popularity had sparked their own interest in local attractions including nature, history, culture and food, while giving them a sense of hometown pride.
The highest proportion of those witnessing overtourism were in Kyoto, followed by Asakusa, Nara and Miyajima, citing problems such as bad manners, traffic congestion and difficulty riding public transport due to overcrowding.
While opinions on tourism remain largely positive, the report noted that disruptions to daily life caused by visitors “highlight the challenge of tourism becoming the growth engine of the Japanese economy” in the longer term.
It recommends proper management of tourism destinations, such as by a destination management organisation, to ensure local communities receive sufficient economic benefit, thereby helping to counteract any negative impacts that residents may experience.