Japanese town that inspired spirited away restricts tourists amid complaints of overcrowding
The picturesque town of Ginzan Onsen, located in Japan’s Yamagata region and widely believed to have inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s iconic animated film Spirited Away, has introduced strict measures to tackle overtourism.
Known for its historic charm and stunning hot springs, Ginzan Onsen attracts approximately 330,000 visitors annually. With its 300-year history, the town is famed for its Edo-period wooden buildings and snow-draped scenery in winter. However, its popularity has led to severe overcrowding, causing frustration among residents and visitors alike.
Local authorities have reported various issues stemming from the surge in tourist numbers, including traffic jams, disputes over popular photo spots, and breaches of traffic rules. Emergency services have even been forced to abandon their vehicles in gridlocked conditions and proceed on foot.
In response to these growing concerns, the town has announced a series of measures to limit visitor numbers and restore a sense of calm. From 7th January to the end of March, new restrictions will be in place during peak hours. While tourists will be allowed free access between 9am and 4pm, those without prior reservations will be asked to leave after 5pm.
A special evening slot from 5pm to 8pm will allow access to only 100 day-trippers, each required to hold pre-booked tickets. Additionally, from February, stricter parking regulations will be enforced. Day visitors will need to park 2km away from the hot springs and use shuttle buses to reach the town, at a cost of 1,150 yen (approximately £5.87).
The decision follows a string of incidents linked to overtourism, including conflicts at popular photo locations. According to the town’s website, “Many guests became angry over good spots for the purpose of taking pictures, leading to traffic rules being broken, cheating, and making people seek better places and easier ways than others.”
Another issue has been the influx of ill-prepared tourists. Takayuki Saito, head of commerce and tourism for the Obanazawa municipality, told AFP that some travellers caused traffic jams by using vehicles without the snow tyres required for winter driving.
The restrictions come amid a landmark year for Japanese tourism. Between January and November 2024, the country welcomed a record-breaking 33.38 million visitors, surpassing its previous peak of 31.88 million in 2019. Ginzan Onsen has been a significant beneficiary of this tourism boom, with its timeless beauty drawing fans of Spirited Away from across the globe.
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However, the influx has come at a cost to the town’s residents, who have voiced growing frustration with the chaos caused by overcrowding. For many, the measures represent a necessary step to preserve Ginzan Onsen’s unique charm and ensure that the town remains a tranquil retreat.
Ginzan Onsen is not alone in facing the challenges of overtourism. Across the world, destinations that attract significant tourist attention have been forced to impose restrictions to protect their cultural heritage and quality of life for residents. From Venice to Machu Picchu, balancing the demands of visitors with the preservation of local communities has become a pressing global issue.
For Ginzan Onsen, the new rules mark a turning point in how the town manages its popularity. By introducing limits and prioritising the well-being of both residents and visitors, the town hopes to strike a balance between welcoming tourists and maintaining the peace and beauty that has made it such an enduring destination.
As these measures take effect, they may serve as a model for other tourist hotspots grappling with similar challenges. For now, Ginzan Onsen’s message is clear: the preservation of its rich history and serene atmosphere takes precedence over unchecked visitor numbers.
