Otaru, a city in Hokkaido, Japan, became famous for the 1995 film “Love Letter” and its winter snowscapes that attract a large number of tourists. However, this quiet small town has now become a focal point in Japan’s efforts to combat overtourism.
Recently, the Otaru city government has dispatched security personnel to remind visitors to follow rules, including prohibiting trespassing on private property and obstructing traffic. This action was partly prompted by the tragic incident on January 24 when a Hong Kong tourist was hit by a train while taking photos at Asari Station. The Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) stated that the accident led to the suspension of 19 train services, affecting approximately 8,200 passengers.
This is the second recent incident in Japan where a tourist was hit and killed by a train. On January 9, two Chinese female tourists in Kobe were tragically struck by a train and lost their lives after being trapped inside a railway fence.
With a population of about 100,000 people, Otaru recorded 98,678 international overnight visitors in 2023, reaching a historical high. The movie “Love Letter” brought a surge in popularity to various local attractions, with Funamizaka being particularly well-known. This area features typical Japanese streets, wooden houses blanketed in white snow on both sides, and offers stunning views of the Sea of Japan at the end of the slope, attracting numerous fans to come for sightseeing and filming.
Especially during the Chinese New Year period, a large influx of Chinese tourists visited. Many people shared on social media platforms like Xiaohongshu how to recreate classic scenes from “Love Letter”. However, the surge in tourists has also brought challenges related to overtourism to the region.
According to CNN reports, since late January, the Otaru city government has deployed three security personnel at Funamizaka and set up banners warning visitors not to litter or block roads, with violators facing fines. During peak times, the police also assist in managing the situation. The city government stated that these regulatory measures will be in place at least until March 31.
Local officials emphasized that these measures are not specifically targeting Chinese tourists but are a response to the overall increase in international visitors. Official warning signs in English, Chinese, and Korean have also been put up to remind tourists from various countries to follow the regulations.
Otaru is not the only city affected by overtourism, as various places in Japan are taking measures to manage the crowds. In Fujikawaguchiko, black curtains were set up in front of a convenience store in May 2023 to block visitors from taking pictures of Mt. Fuji to reduce the impact on residents. The curtains were removed after tourist numbers decreased in August.
Ginzan Onsen has limited day-trip visitors since December 2023 during peak season to protect the local environment. Known for its Edo-era architecture and snowscapes, Ginzan Onsen is considered one of the inspirations for the Miyazaki Hayao anime film “Spirited Away”.
Moreover, popular attractions like Mount Fuji and Himeji Castle are planning to raise ticket prices to control visitor numbers and maintain environmental conservation efforts.