Otaru hired bouncers as tourists continue to clog up its streets. (Image: Getty)
Japan is often ranked among the world’s friendliest countries – but locals in several areas across the nation are getting increasingly fed up with tourists.
Japanese authorities are ramping up efforts to discourage foreign tourists from going to serious lengths to take selfies. In Otaru, a quaint city on Hokkaido, the northernmost main island of , bouncers were deployed this week at tourist attraction Funami-za.
This steep street offers an ideal vantage point for capturing images of the port and sea in the distance.
The decision to station security guards about groups of visitors obstructing the narrow street while trying to take pictures of the area.
This latest clampdown on irresponsible behaviour by tourists coincides with data revealing that a record-breaking 36.7 million people visited Japan last year. The government has set a target to boost this number to 60 million by the end of the decade.
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Otaru visitors go to great lengths to take pictures there. (Image: Getty)
A city official expressed concerns to the Mainichi Shimbun: “This road is lined with houses and has heavy traffic. or walking side by side often make it impossible for vehicles to pass.
“The impact on residents has been significant, and this fiscal year has been particularly severe.”
Otaru’s popularity among tourists has skyrocketed, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. From April last year, nearly 98,000 foreign tourists stayed overnight in the city, marking the highest number since records began in 1997, according to the Mainichi.
This figure is likely an opt to stay in nearby Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city.
To alleviate pressure on popular destinations like Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka, officials have been promoting visits to other Japan’s regions. However, the influx of visitors is straining infrastructure and causing discontent among locals.
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In Otaru, tensions have escalated in recent months, despite last year’s introduction of multilingual signs urging visitors to respect the local environment and residents.
in an increase in complaints about overcrowding, littering, street drinking, and other disruptive behaviour.
Authorities have implemented fees and limited the number of visitors on Mount Fuji, as well as installing a screen to deter crowds from gathering at a popular photo spot.