sevendayweekender – Ginzan Onsen, a renowned Japanese hot springs town celebrated for its serene snowy landscapes and traditional Edo-period architecture. Has introduced new measures to manage overtourism. Located in Yamagata Prefecture, approximately 260 miles north of Tokyo. The town attracts around 330,000 visitors annually, especially during the winter peak season.
This historic destination, with a history spanning over 300 years. Captivates tourists with its scenic beauty, inspiring Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning film Spirited Away. Visitors come not only to enjoy the rejuvenating hot springs but also to capture the enchanting views of snow-draped buildings.
However, its rising popularity has led to challenges for local residents. Reports of altercations over prized photo spots, violations of traffic rules, and disputes over parking have tarnished the town’s tranquil reputation.
In response, Ginzan Onsen has begun limiting access for day-trippers during the winter season. In a statement on its website. The onsen management acknowledged the impact of its “vague management policies” on visitor behavior, which had contributed to conflicts. The new restrictions aim to restore order and preserve the peaceful atmosphere that makes the town so unique.
Ginzan Onsen Implements Entry Restrictions to Manage Crowds and Ensure Safety Amid Winter Tourism Boom
Starting January 7, visitors to Ginzan Onsen. the iconic hot springs town in Yamagata Prefecture. Visitors will face new access regulations aimed at tackling overtourism and ensuring safety during the winter peak season. According to the Ginzan Onsen Information Center. Those wishing to enter the town after 5 p.m. will need to purchase a ticket costing 1,150 yen (approximately $7). Which includes a shuttle bus ride. Visitors without reservations at local accommodations will be prohibited from entering after 8 p.m.
Private vehicles will no longer have direct access to the town. Instead, drivers must park at a nearby tourist center and take shuttle buses into the area. Hiroyuki Ishii, from the Ginzan Onsen Overtourism Measures Project Office, explained that snowy roads often trapped self-driving day-trippers, creating severe traffic congestion and obstructing emergency vehicles like ambulances.
“The photo areas in Ginzan Onsen are quite narrow, and disputes frequently arise when visitors ask others to move. There have even been instances where people nearly fell into the river after accidental collisions,” Ishii told CNN.
These new rules aim to preserve the safety and tranquility of the town, which is famed for its snow-covered Edo-period architecture and serene hot springs. The measures also seek to address issues caused by overcrowding, such as traffic jams and conflicts among tourists vying for photo spots.
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Japan’s Tourist Hotspots Implement Measures to Manage Record-Breaking Visitor Surge
The country welcomed 33 million international tourists by November 2024, surpassing the pre-pandemic high of 31.9 million in 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
The surge in tourism has prompted destinations like Ginzan Onsen, Mount Fuji, and Himeji Castle to implement measures to preserve the quality of the visitor experience and minimize disruptions to local communities. In May, Fujikawaguchiko, a town near Mount Fuji, installed a large black net to obscure a popular photo spot featuring a convenience store and the iconic mountain. This move followed complaints from residents about disturbances caused by the crowd. The net was eventually removed in August when the frenzy subsided.
Meanwhile, Mount Fuji and Himeji Castle are considering raising entry fees to manage the growing number of visitors and maintain their facilities. These steps reflect a broader trend across Japan as the nation grapples with overtourism while striving to balance economic benefits with sustainable tourism practices.
These measures aim to protect the cultural and natural heritage of Japan’s iconic sites, ensuring their enjoyment for both tourists and locals for years to come.
