Panic in beautiful city in ‘friendliest country’ as tourists told ‘go somewhere else’

is often ranked amongst the world’s friendliest , with its citizens being described as kind, helpful, and thoughtful.

used to welcome a relatively small number of every year.

In 2000, it received just four million in a country of nearly 127million.

But, in 2024, , a 74% increase on the previous year, reports.

This is as Japan’s ageing population had declined to fewer than 124million people.

Recently, there had been target implemented of 30million by 2030.

In Kyoto, Japan’s imperial capital until 1868, tourist numbers have become so large that the Japan National Tourist Organisation in Australia recently took the extraordinary step of calling on visitors to go somewhere else in Japan.

This is part of an effort to ensure that other less visited cities, towns and regions, which care yearning for more tourists, receive more attention.

Kyoto is encouraging travellers, if they do visit the city, to use it as a base to go to other places.

These are easily reached via Japan’s incredible public transport system.

Although Japan has become a more popular destination,visitors are reportedly unaware of the country’s strict codes and unique society.

Tokyo resident Jay Allen writes on the website: “Being a respectful guest means following local customs, such as not eating while walking, as well as keeping the volume of your voice low inside stores, trains and restaurants.”

Kyoto plans to increase its accommodation tax in a move to generate a larger income from tourists and cut visitor numbers, reports.

Masaru Takayama, president of Kyoto-based Spirit of Japan Travel, told This Week in Asia: “Yes, overtourism is a problem in many parts of Kyoto and at particular times of the year, but I am sure that foreign tourists will very quickly realise they can stay in a neighbouring city or town and just visit Kyoto for the day.

“That will not be good for hotel operators and will not effectively reduce the number of tourists [in Kyoto].”