Bad Tourist Behavior in Japan: What It Means for Travelers
Read about how rising tourist misbehavior in Japan is leading to new rules, local backlash, and what respectful travelers can do to avoid cultural missteps.
Although I may be a little late to the conversation around “bad” tourists, I want to take a moment to reflect on how certain behaviors have led to increased regulations in Japan — and what that might mean for the rest of us moving forward.
Firstly, let’s discuss why this sort of behavior has become more prevalent and why Japan is seems to be particularly vulnerable.
Virality and the Social Media Effect
Japan isn’t the only country dealing with disrespectful tourist behavior, but the issue feels especially visible here. With the ever-growing pressure to create viral content, more and more tourists seem to be chasing their moment of online fame — sometimes at the expense of cultural respect. Whether it’s climbing sacred structures, harassing geisha for a photo, or recording inappropriate stunts, the chase for clicks has normalized behaviors that used to be unthinkable.
Cultural Differences — Or Disregard?
Some argue that Japan is particularly vulnerable to this behavior. Why? Many tourists seem to mistake Japan’s renowned hospitality for leniency or passivity. Japan’s customer service culture is famously kind and accommodating — but that doesn’t mean anything goes. On top of this, some visitors treat Japan as so “other” or foreign that they seem to mentally separate it from the need for basic courtesy.
Because Japan is a collectivist society, public confrontation is rare — and that silence is often misinterpreted as permission. The result? Tourists feel emboldened to behave however they like, assuming there are no consequences.
The Impact on Everyday Travelers
I won’t waste time listing the specific behaviors that have made headlines — things like trespassing, vandalizing temples, or harassing locals — because they’re obviously unacceptable. But what is worth discussing is how the actions of a small but loud minority are starting to affect the broader travel experience for everyone else.
Already, the Japanese government has taken several steps to address poor behavior from foreign tourists. These efforts aim to protect cultural values, preserve public order, and minimize friction between locals and visitors.
Japanese Government Initiatives
1. Awareness Campaigns and Etiquette Education
Initiatives like "Enjoy My Japan" and "Be a Good Visitor" are designed to teach tourists about local norms. These include:
Signage in multiple languages
Videos and brochures at airports, stations, and major sites
Clear instructions on things like quietness on trains, trash disposal, and religious site conduct
Visuals of this signage could be great additions to this section for illustration.
2. Stricter Rules at Tourist Hotspots
Kyoto’s Gion District: Photography has been banned in certain alleys after incidents involving tourists harassing geisha and maiko. Fines are being imposed for rule violations.
Mount Fuji: Overcrowding and littering have prompted officials to launch a reservation system and consider charging climbers an entry fee.
Kamakura & Nara: Local governments have urged tourists not to eat while walking, to respect temple etiquette, and to avoid bothering Nara Park’s sacred deer.
3. Enforcement and Penalties
Some areas have introduced tougher penalties for vandalism and public disturbances. Offenders may face steep fines — or even deportation. Train companies have also started cracking down on inappropriate behavior, such as blocking aisles with luggage or sitting in priority seats without need.
Otaru City, January 2025: Security guards were deployed after a fatal accident involving a tourist trying to take photos in a dangerous area. This reflects a growing push to prioritize safety and minimize disruptions to locals.
How Are Locals Responding?
The Japanese public has been increasingly vocal about the challenges caused by mass tourism. Japan is known for its warm hospitality — but even the most gracious hosts have their limits.
A Growing Sense of “Tourism Pollution”
A 2024 study by the Jalan Research Center found that residents are feeling more strain than ever. The term "kankō kōgai" (観光公害) — literally “tourism pollution” — has gained traction to describe how unchecked tourism is disrupting daily life.
Top complaints include:
Disrespecting customs, especially at shrines, temples, and hot springs
Loud behavior on public transport
Littering and inappropriate photography in residential areas
What’s Next? More Restrictions on the Horizon
Unfortunately, with tourism predicted to continue to rise and increase concerns of bad tourist behavior, the Japanese government is now discussing potential changes to help offset the impact of mass tourism:
Dual pricing systems: Some restaurants and attractions may charge higher prices to tourists. I personally noticed this once — an English menu listing slightly higher prices than the Japanese one — but it could be happening more subtly in other places.
Higher tourist taxes: As of early 2025, officials are considering increasing the International Tourist Tax (currently ¥1,000) to help fund infrastructure and tourism control efforts.
And more may still be to come.
So What Can You Do?
It’s easy to dismiss these issues as the result of “a few bad apples,” but the truth is that all tourists have a responsibility to minimize their impact. When you visit another country, you’re not just exploring — you’re entering someone else’s home. Locals aren’t background props for your travel vlog. They’re people trying to go about their daily lives.
Even small actions can make a big difference:
Do your research: Learn about local customs before you go.
Respect public spaces: Don’t treat shrines, stations, or side streets like photo ops.
Be humble: You’re a guest — act like one.
At the end of the day, you can never be too respectful when visiting another country. The more mindful we are, the better travel becomes — not just for us, but for everyone else too.
Thanks for reading! Subscribe for more 😜 じゃあね！