This snow-covered Japanese city symbolizes love, but over-tourism clouds it

This snow-covered Japanese city symbolizes love, but over-tourism clouds it

The quiet city of Otaru, enveloped by Pristine Weißem Snow, was a backdrop for a popular romantic blockbuster from 1995, who still moves into the region every year in winter.

The problem of mass tourism in Otaru

This sleepy city on the west coast of the Insel Hokkaido is the latest focal point in combat Japan's against mass tourism. The local authorities have recently used security forces to remind tourists, behave respectfully and, for example, not to pass in private areas or to hinder road traffic.

a tragic incident and its consequences

The increased focus on international travelers takes place after the death of a Hong Kong woman on the outskirts of Otaru. The 61-year-old tourist was killed on January 24th when she reports on the tracks of the Asari Bahnhof, which is known for his view of the coast, while trains drive through the snow. However, officials from the Otaru Rathaus reported that tourists were held responsible for disorders before the incident.

tourism numbers and their effects

otaru, with a population of around 100,000 people, recorded 98,678 international overnight guests last year, which has been the highest number since the start of the records. This value does not include the day trippers from Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, which is about 40 kilometers southeast. Part of the Japanese film "Love Letter", in which the death of a man brings his fiance and his school swarm together to understand his life, was shot there.

measures to protect the popular sights

In particular, the Funamizaka area, which was presented in the film, has achieved unwanted celebrity. The neighborhood offers an increased view of a typical Japanese road that is lined with wooden houses, on the doors of which the snow tiles. At the end of the slope there is a panoramic view of the Japanese sea. Since the end of the last month, the city administration has sent three security forces to Funamizaka to hang up posters against inappropriate behavior of tourists.

international attractiveness and challenges

The security forces also point out that waste disposal and blocking roads are prohibited and that culprit must expect fines. The local police were also used for support during the main times. These security measures should be maintained at least until March 31.

a global problem

reports from the local media report that the security forces distribute information in English, Chinese and Korean. The reinforced security measures became particularly before the Festival of Chinese New Year's Period when many Chinese tourists travel abroad. On the Chinese social media platform xiaohongshu To whom users give tips on how to reproduce the best angles from the film.

residents are upset about the rush

The Otaru residents are not the only ones who are frustrated in Japan over the increased attention. In May last year, the small town of Fujikawaguchiko had to build a large black network at the foot of Mount Fuji to block the view of a popular photo spot. The shop, which is in the background of the mountain, attracted a large crowd every day, which affected the residents. The network was removed in August when the rush subsided.

The reaction of popular tourist locations

other well -known tourist destinations have also taken measures to control the growing influx of visitors. Ginzan Onsen, a popular place for hot sources in Japan, which is known for his picturesque snow landscapes, began to restrict access to day trippers in the high season in December last year. The city in the Yamagata area, about 420 kilometers north of Tokyo, is famous for its picturesque backdrop, including traditional Edo-time buildings that are covered with snow and probably served as inspiration for the Oscar-winning animated film "Spirited Away" by Hayao Miyazaki.

Also other places such as the Mount Fuji and the HIMEJI CLOSS-The largest castle Japans, located in the western prefecture Hyogo - consider to increase the admission prices for visitors.