is located in JapanNorthern Yamagata area, Ginzan Onsen It has been a tranquil spot for travelers for a long time. This picturesque town, adorned with snow-capped buildings and twinkling lamplights, exudes a timeless beauty that has become a staple of social media feeds. Yet, beneath this allure, Ginzan Onsen grapples with the dark side of its growing popularity.

much like KyotoDue to strained relations with tourists and Mount Fuji’s struggle to preserve its trails, Ginzan Onsen is now struggling with pressure. overtourismAuthorities have faced life-threatening emergencies due to street chaos, unruly visitors and overcrowding. In response, the city has introduced measures to limit daytime visitors, in hopes of restoring some calm to its snow-laden streets.

tourist problems

The appeal of Ginzan Onsen is undeniable, attracting approximately 330,000 visitors annually. However, the influx of tourists has created many problems. Local officials say traffic jams are caused by commuters driving with standard tires instead of snow tires, causing cars to get stuck in the snow. On several occasions, emergency vehicles were unable to reach their destinations due to road blockages.

Adding to the tension, some visitors displayed aggressive behavior when officials attempted to assist stranded cars. These verbal altercations, described by local officials as “intolerable”, have further strained the town’s relations with its guests.

New measures to protect Ginzan Onsen

Starting this week, Ginzan Onsen has implemented strict restrictions to prevent chaos. Day travelers arriving between 5 pm and 8 pm will now have to secure reservations, while after 8 pm only overnight hotel guests will be allowed in the city. Visitors arriving during the day must park two kilometers away and use a paid shuttle bus service to reach the town. These changes will remain in effect till February.

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Japan is struggling with overtourism

The struggles at Ginzan Onsen are emblematic of a broader trend across Japan. This year the country has seen a record-breaking increase in the number of foreign tourists. This unprecedented influx has taken a toll on other iconic sites. In Kyoto, locals are tired of tourists harassing geisha and wandering down private alleys, leading to restrictions and strict rules. At Mount Fuji, authorities have introduced entrance fees, daily visitor limits, and physical barriers to manage crowds and protect the environment.

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