With over 36 million visitors last year, tourism in Japan is booming, but it’s is coming at a cost for locals, as visitors cause chaos in once-peaceful spots. Funami-zaka is a steep slope in the harbour city of Otaru in Northern Japan. It’s famed for being featured in the 1995 Japanese film, Love Letter, and for it’s stunning views across the sea. But it’s now become so crowded that city officials have been forced to hire security guards to manage the chaos.

‘The road is lined with houses and has heavy traffic. Tourists standing on the street or walking side by side often makes it impossible for vehicles to pass,’ said city official, Mainichi Shimbun. ‘The impact on residents has been significant.’. To address the ongoing issue, authorities created multilingual posters to warn tourists against various acts of misconduct, including obstructing traffic, taking photos on the roads, trespassing, littering and stopping on railroad tracks.

And now, security guards have been deployed to monitor the area. Working daily between 10am to 4pm, the guards will warn tourists against disruptive behaviour. While city officials confirmed the move was rare, the guards will stay there until March to manage the situation. The security measure comes after a 61-year-old tourist was killed in Otaru when she was struck and killed by a train after stepping on the tracks while reportedly taking photographs.

According to the South China Morning Post, the tourist stood on the tracks for a photo opportunity and did not notice the train. Major cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, have been hit the hardest. Last year, a video emerged of hordes of people exploring the historic Sannenzaka street in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, with local authorities attempting to control the pedestrian traffic. In April last year, Kyoto banned tourists from some areas of its Gion district, famous for its geishas and maikos, after residents complained about overcrowding and harassment of the geishas.

The area is now open only to working geishas, their clients, and residents. It follows a year of rising concerns over mass tourism, especially across Europe, with many popular destinations overwhelmed by crowds. Set sail to the Mediterranean in 2025 – here's all you need to know. Private beach clubs, Art Deco delights and the world’s second-largest reef on the ultimate Caribbean cruise. Top 10 travel brands you need to know about for tour next adventure.

I spent four days on a train in the Outback — it was my idea of hell. 10 best Time Out London deals – including £1.95 Lunar New Year dishes. Overtourism is becoming a widespread problem in Japan. In 2024, the country welcomed approximately 36.87 million foreign visitors, surpassing the previous record of nearly 32 million in 2019. If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds in Japan, why not go off the beaten path? Here are five hidden gems to explore.

Tottori – Known for its miles-long stretch of sand dunes, Tottori offers a rare desert-like experience in Japan. Visitors can enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, and explore the Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Park. Matshushima – A city on the northeast coast of Japan’s Honshu Island, Matshushima is known for the hundreds of forested islands that dot Matsushima Bay. Kanazawa – Often overshadowed by Tokyo or Kyoto, Kanazawa boasts a blend of ancient and modern, with architecture preserved from the Edo period, beautiful gardens and a vibrant arts scene.

Iya Valley – Located on Shikoku Island, away from Japan’s bustling cities, this remote valley is known for its dramatic landscapes, vine bridges, and historic village. Kamakura – Just an hour outside Tokyo, Kamakura is a perfect retreat from the bustling centre. The small city offers a mix of historic temples, beaches, and hiking trails. Do you have a story to share?. Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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