Tourism Ginzan Onsen restricts tourists after altercations over photo spots

Ginzan Onsen (銀山温泉), a renowned hot spring town famous for its winter beauty, has implemented restrictions on day trippers during peak season to combat overtourism. Located in Yamagata, this 300-year-old town attracts around 330,000 visitors annually, many drawn by its picturesque snowy scenery and traditional buildings, often compared to the setting of Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away." However, this popularity has led to overcrowding and disruptions for residents, with issues like disputes over photo spots and parking congestion becoming increasingly common. These restrictions are part of a growing trend in Japan as the country experiences a record influx of travellers.

"Many guests became angry (were shouting) 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," the onsen said on its website, regretting that its "vague management" had caused issues. [...] Hiroyuki Ishii, from the Ginzan Onsen Overtourism Measures Project Office, told CNN daytrippers who drove often got stuck in snow-covered roads, causing traffic congestion and blocking ambulance access. "The area for taking photos is narrow, and sometimes visitors have a dispute with each other telling them to move out of the way. There have been times when people almost fell into the river after bumping into each other," he added. Ginzan Onsen is joining a raft of popular tourist destinations to regulate visits as Japan receives a record tourism boom in recent months.

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Starting 7 January, those wanting to enter the onsen town after 5 pm must purchase a ticket, according to Ginzan Onsen Information Center. Visitors without bookings at local hotels will be banned after 8 pm—tickets, including the bus rides, cost 1150 yen, about $7.