A major article on overtourism appeared in the local paper over the New Year holidays. One story focused on traditional residential areas in Higashiyama and Shimogyo wards. There, individuals who appeared to be foreigners were photographing private homes. Residents, troubled by the increase in foreign tourist-targeted private lodgings nearby and by loud voices late at night and outdoor smoking, asked, "Don't take pictures without permission when people still live here. What purpose does that serve?" The two men reportedly answered, "We thought it would be just the right property for a private lodging." They seem to have made up their minds even before any business negotiations, intending to buy it immediately if they could agree on a high price.
During the high-growth era, children enjoyed Jizo Bon festivals in the back alleys, and it was safe with no car traffic. According to the neighborhood association president, over 80% of residents used to join the association. But now, with the proliferation of private lodgings, membership has dropped to about 20%. Private lodgings are just accommodations; guests are essentially strangers. There's no neighborhood interaction or greetings, and they don't follow Kyoto's street customs or rules for garbage disposal.
　Last year, I traveled to Sapporo and shared a table at an izakaya with a group of five who appeared to be foreigners. They were incredibly loud and showed no consideration for the other customers. My family and I were eating there, but it was so noisy we couldn't talk, so we left the place early.
Coming to Japan and experiencing a different culture is undoubtedly beneficial. However, ignoring the rules and manners of the people who live there is absolutely unacceptable. Kyoto City is basically non-smoking. Yet, many foreigners smoke on the streets. And the noise from private lodgings—this is an act that destroys Kyoto's culture and manners.
When Japanese tourists once visited Dutch tulip gardens on a tour, some spat, and the tour conductor received a stern warning. In countries where people wear shoes indoors, the outdoors are also kept clean. Littering, let alone spitting, is frowned upon.
If foreigners are going to create private homes and tourist-oriented private lodgings in Kyoto's town, they should consider the balance with the residents who cherish their homes. If you live in your own home, you should participate in fire drills. For private lodgings, I want Japanese landlords to live together and have travelers who can enjoy themselves with the neighbors.
Japan and Asian nations share 2000 years of exchange, built on mutual respect.
Yet in just 15 years, foreigners adopting attitudes like "As long as I'm having fun, that's all that matters," "Quality can be bought with money," and "I can use my land however I please" have flooded in.
Imperial properties like Katsura Imperial Villa and Sento Imperial Palace impose entry restrictions to maintain their buildings. Kyoto City should not accept tourists without limit. To ensure its citizens can live with peace of mind, it should stop increasing the number of lodgings and adopt the proper stance: "We apologize, but we are fully booked at the moment. Please wait a while." It is clearly absurd that abnormal overcrowding prevents domestic travelers from visiting. Kyoto City must bring an end to overtourism.
*** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ***