by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 11:15 AM ET, Fri October 20, 2023
Japan’s tourism ministry outlined its new plans to combat overtourism this week, ranging from strengthening transportation systems in large cities like Tokyo to encouraging a greater spread of tourism to lesser-known destinations.
According to The Japan Times, a large part of the program is expanding bus and taxi fleets in popular areas, especially during heavy tourist seasons. Direct bus routes to popular destinations from major stations that are designed specifically for tourist use are also being considered.
The tourism ministry will also consider ways to encourage a wider spread of travelers to lesser known areas to direct traffic away from Tokyo, Kyoto and other popular destinations.
While the country has nearly reached its pre-pandemic level of visitor totals, the majority of these travelers tend to concentrate in popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, leading to overcrowding in these cities.
The ministry also encourages local regions to consider their own unique ways and methods to attract more travelers to lesser-known destinations or curb overtourism in popular areas.
“With tourism minister Tetsuo Saito at the center, I would like all related ministries to work to incorporate the content of the prevention plan into economic policies in order to create a sustainable tourist location where everyone can ‘live, visit and accept (tourists),’” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at the meeting.
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