With international borders reopening and the pandemic easing, Kyoto has seen a massive influx of foreign tourists. However, the downside of overtourism has become increasingly severe, reaching a critical point for local residents.
Multiple Japanese netizens have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share their frustrations, reporting that foreign tourists are frequently seen sitting on the ground, loudly chatting, eating, smoking, and even littering in front of private homes in Kyoto. This behavior is significantly disrupting the daily lives of locals and sparking widespread public anger.
One X user, whose post garnered significant attention, lamented, "Tourists sitting in front of homes or shops, loudly talking, eating, drinking, smoking, and leaving trash behind is getting out of hand. Even other Kyoto residents might not fully grasp this pain; it's truly disheartening." The user expressed dismay that entire neighborhoods are now dominated by guesthouses and hotels, earnestly hoping the government will enact regulations to curb these behaviors, as Kyoto residents are feeling increasingly helpless.
Another X user, "Fujino," echoed the sentiment, stating, "This is what Kyoto residents find most unbearable right now." Fujino shared an incident where they witnessed a Chinese woman, dressed in a rented kimono, sitting on a flower bed in front of a private residence, ultimately breaking it and leaving the homeowner in despair.
Netizen Yummy also shared that their elderly mother, fearing collisions on crowded buses, now avoids public transport and places like Shijo Kawaramachi and department stores. "Even hospital bus stops are packed with tourists, making it incredibly difficult for seniors and those in wheelchairs. Why, after so many years, are there still no countermeasures?"
Some users even reported instances of tourists having "picnics" directly in front of friends' houses and then leaving their trash behind. In one case, the infuriated homeowner called the police, and the incident was treated as "illegal dumping." Furthermore, many netizens expressed frustration, saying, "Foreigners often just sit on the ground or treat shop chairs as rest stops, which directly impacts businesses."
Of course, many point out that sitting on the ground or eating in public spaces is common practice in some Western countries and even China. Consequently, many foreign visitors might not realize the inconvenience or offense such actions cause when in Japan.
The current situation has reached a point where Kyoto locals feel their daily lives are being completely disrupted by tourists. While tourism undoubtedly boosts local consumption, it has undeniably thrown their routines into disarray. The question of how the local government will respond remains the crucial next step in finding a solution.
via： togetter