Authorities in Japan are intensifying efforts to discourage crowds of international visitors from engaging in risky behavior while seeking the ideal photo, as part of a broader initiative to mitigate the adverse effects of a record influx of tourists. In Otaru, a small city on Hokkaido’s northernmost main island, tourism officials have recently deployed security personnel to prevent gatherings on Funami-za, a steep street known for its picturesque views of the port and sea.
This action follows a tragic incident earlier this month when a Chinese woman was killed after being struck by a train while attempting to photograph a scene from the 2015 Chinese film “Cities in Love.” Her husband informed authorities that she had not noticed the oncoming train while trying to capture the perfect shot.
The presence of security guards is a response to complaints about large groups of visitors blocking the narrow street as they take photos, particularly in an area that also featured in the 1995 Japanese film “Love Letter,” which gained popularity in China and South Korea. This latest crackdown on inappropriate behavior among tourists comes as Japan recorded a staggering 36.7 million visitors last year, with the government aiming to boost that number to 60 million by the end of the decade.
“This road is lined with houses and experiences heavy traffic,” a city official stated. “When tourists stand in the street or walk side by side, it often obstructs vehicle passage. The impact on local residents has been significant, especially this fiscal year.” Local resident Hidetoshi Itagaki, 80, expressed concern, noting, “People are even entering private property without permission to take photos.”
Otaru’s popularity has surged beyond pre-pandemic levels, with nearly 98,000 foreign tourists staying overnight in the city during the six months from April last year, marking the highest number since records began in 1997. The actual figure is likely higher, as many visitors opt to stay in nearby Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city.
Officials are encouraging tourists to explore Japan’s regions to alleviate pressure on popular destinations like Kyoto, the ancient capital, and the bustling cities of Tokyo and Osaka. However, the increase in visitors is straining local infrastructure and causing frustration among residents. In Otaru, the situation has escalated in recent months, despite the introduction of multilingual signs last year urging visitors to respect the local environment and community.
The surge in inbound tourism has been fueled by a weak yen and an increase in international flights to Japan, with South Koreans making up the largest group of visitors, followed by travelers from China and Taiwan. This influx has significantly benefited hotels and shops, with tourists spending a record ¥8 trillion ($50.8 billion) last year, according to government data.
