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Exactly one week there was a stir for the decision that Venice had adopted to stop mass tourism. It was an update of a measure that took months ago: an entry rate for the tourist, which was now going to duplicate In view of the good results he had given to public coffers. Japan had already “flirted” with something similar with A double pricing system in menus. Now Kyoto wants to go further with public transport.
First was the menu. As we said, last summer the nation hospitality saw an opportunity before the massive arrival of tourists. Japan’s restaurant industry implemented A two -level price system in the most tourist places in the nation. You don’t have to be very lynx to understand it: restaurants seek to take advantage of the influx of foreign visitors, a strategy where it is also not scare to local customers.
Behind this price increase there was something as evident as purchasing power. Restoration companies were or more towards tourists because, in essence, they are willing to pay more. Miki Watanabe, president of the important Watami restaurant chain, I explained it that way: “The Japanese do not buy 3,000 yen sirloin skewers, but tourists who arrive in Japan say it is cheap and buy them.”
The thing now is different. The news today takes us to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. They want Implement a system of differentiated rates in public transportbecoming the first city in the country to adopt this measure to manage the growing number of foreign visitors.
Mayor Koji Matsui has proposed that Tourists pay a higher rate on buses operated by the city compared to local residents, with the aim of generating funds to mitigate congestion and preserve cultural heritage.
Living with mass tourism. We have told it countless times. From the reopening of borders after the pandemic and with a weak yen that favors the spending of tourists, Kyoto and many others Japanese cities have experienced a massive influx of tourists. In 2024, the city, which has 1.5 million inhabitants, received seven million international tourists, which has generated concerns about its impact on everyday life.
This phenomenon is part of a broader trend in Japan, than In 2024 he reached a record of 36 million foreign visitorswith a total expense that exceeded 8 billion yen. The negative effects of mass tourism in the city include Aglomerations in public transport, garbage in the streets and cultural conflicts. In fact, some residents have reported difficulties in accessing buses due to excess passengers, which especially affects students and people who need to move to hospitals.
Proposed measures. To counteract these problems, the Kyoto authorities have promoted several initiatives, including, The commented differentiated rate in urban buseswhere tourists would pay more than residents, allowing funds to improve infrastructure and reduce the impact of tourism. In addition, the administration also plans An increase in accommodation tax for those who stay in hotels in the city or the creation of exclusive buses for touristswith routes to the main tourist sites, thus relieving the pressure on public transport used by the premises.
Moreover. There is also talk of the Distribution of awareness brochures to educate visitors/tourists about the rules of Japanese behavior and cultural sensibilities. In this regard, Mayor Matsui has emphasized that these measures seek to balance the daily life of residents with the tourist influx, ensuring that the local community also receives benefits of tourism activity.
Other examples. In this way, Japan joins other enclaves such as The commented in Venice. The truth is that from a while to this part, the so -called differentiated tarification has already been implemented or will do so in other places.
For example, in Himeji, Japan, It was proposed to raise the entrance fee to Himeji Castle for not residentsParis plans Apply higher rates at the Louvre Museum For visitors outside the EU, and in India it has been applied Differentiated rates in emblematic monuments such as Taj Mahalwith higher prices for foreign tourists. All initiatives that seek a balance between the promotion of tourism and the preservation of heritage and the quality of life of the residents.
A cultural problem. It is the last of the legs to be treated in the nation and its tourist boom. Beyond the quantitative theme and logistics impact, mass tourism In Japan it has also generated cultural conflicts. In Kyoto, and due to the inappropriate behaviors of tourists, Mayor Matsui has pointed out some “tips” to take into accountsuch as eating while walking through the streets, which is considered of bad education in Japanese culture.
In addition, Matsui also recalled that making strong noises in sanctuaries and other sacred spaces, chasing the geishas to take photographs without permission or entering tea houses without prior reserve, interrupting their traditional functioning, it is everything but educated for the nation. Plus: The geographical design of the city, surrounded by mountains and with narrow streets in its historic center, aggravates these problems, making the city particularly sensitive to tourist saturation.
The future of tourism. That said, and despite the difficulties, Kyoto says he remains committed to receiving tourists and sharing his cultural and historical wealth. However, the local administration works to ensure that this growth is managed sustainably. Matsui reaffirms that these initiatives do not seek to restrict tourism, but to administer it efficiently and respectfully with the community and the environment.
The proposal of differentiated rates is part of a two -year planwhich must still be approved by the City Council. If implemented, Kyoto would mark a precedent in Japan and could influence other regions that face similar problems with mass tourism.
Image | Robert Thomson
In Xataka | Venice invented an entry rate to stop mass tourism. It has come out so well that it will double the price
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