Japan’s Scenic Hot Springs Town Limits Access Amid Overcrowding and Photo Spot Disputes
Ginzan Onsen, a picturesque hot spring town in Japan, is taking steps to combat overtourism by limiting access to day trippers during the peak winter season. Known for its stunning snowy landscapes, the town has become a hotspot for travelers, especially those seeking traditional Japanese onsen experiences amidst scenic views.
A Popular Destination Under Strain
Located in the Yamagata region, about 260 miles north of Tokyo, Ginzan Onsen attracts approximately 330,000 visitors annually. The town, which dates back over 300 years, is famous for its charming Edo-period buildings draped in snow, inspiring many, including the creators of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away.
However, the influx of tourists, particularly in winter, has led to tensions among visitors and local residents. In particular, disputes over prime photo spots and parking spaces have created chaos in the otherwise tranquil town.
Rising Tensions Over Photo Opportunities
According to Ginzan Onsen’s official website, the growing number of tourists has resulted in angry confrontations over the best photo spots. This has led to traffic violations, and visitors trying to find easier ways to secure the perfect shot, often disregarding the rules. The situation has become unsustainable for the town, and the onsen has acknowledged that its “vague management” contributed to these problems.
New Ticketing System for Day Trippers
To address these challenges, Ginzan Onsen is implementing new restrictions starting January 7. Visitors planning to enter the town after 5 p.m. will be required to purchase a ticket, priced at 1,150 yen (around $7), which includes bus rides. Visitors without hotel reservations will not be allowed entry after 8 p.m. Those arriving by car will need to park at a nearby tourist center and use shuttle buses to reach the town.
Hiroyuki Ishii, from the Ginzan Onsen Overtourism Measures Project Office, explained that day trippers who drove themselves often became trapped on snow-covered roads, leading to traffic congestion and even blocking access for emergency vehicles. There have also been incidents where visitors nearly fell into the river after clashing with others while trying to take photos.
Ginzan Onsen Joins Nationwide Overtourism Efforts
Ginzan Onsen’s decision follows a growing trend across Japan, where popular tourist destinations are implementing measures to curb overcrowding. The country has seen a record influx of tourists, with 33 million overseas visitors recorded by November this year, surpassing the 31.9 million visitors in all of 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
Other locations, including Fujikawaguchiko at the base of Mount Fuji and Himeji Castle, have also implemented controls due to overcrowding. In Fujikawaguchiko, a black net was erected in May to block the view of a convenience store near a popular Mount Fuji photo spot. The net was removed in August once the tourist rush subsided. Similarly, places like Mount Fuji and Himeji Castle are considering raising entry fees to manage the increasing number of visitors.
A Growing Concern for Sustainable Tourism
While Japan’s tourism boom is a positive development for the economy, it has raised concerns about overtourism, which threatens the sustainability of some of the country’s most beloved landmarks. Ginzan Onsen’s new restrictions serve as a proactive approach to maintaining the town’s charm and ensuring that visitors can still enjoy the unique experience of this historic onsen town without overwhelming the local community.
