Japan’s Ginzan Onsen limits day trippers to tackle overtourism and safety concerns

The picturesque mountain town of Ginzan Onsen plans to impose a cap on day trippers as it struggles to deal with an influx of tourists, the latest Japanese city forced to take action to deal with overtourism that is threatening to overwhelm the community.

While the problem of too many visitors is well-known in places such as Kyoto, Kamakura, and Hiroshima, it is particularly severe in this 400-year-old town in Yamagata Prefecture, which has designated certain areas as vehicle-free. Unfortunately, the remaining narrow roads have previously made it difficult for ambulances to reach individuals needing medical care due to congestion.

On November 14, the Ginzan Onsen Association announced new traffic restrictions starting December 23 and lasting until early March. These restrictions coincide with winter, which is the busiest season for the town, as many foreign visitors come to experience the region’s renowned deep snowfall.

Visitors will be required to park and take a shuttle bus to the town. Starting at 5pm, the number of day trippers will be limited to 100 per hour.

The association has been exploring various solutions to this issue since 2013. However, the situation has worsened in recent years as tourist numbers soared, even leading to confrontations among visitors jostling for photos.

Local residents have also been unable to rescue people stuck in snow drifts and have been met with “unbearably abusive comments” by visitors, one town official said.