Japan tourism divide on display in Kanazawa calm, Kyoto crowds

Tourists take a selfie in front of Kanazawa Station. Steeped in history and Japanese culture, Kanazawa has a similar allure to Kyoto but far fewer visitors, highlighting the concentration of tourism in Japan's major urban centers that has stoked resident-visitor tensions and placed overtourism on the political agenda.  (Photo by Yuki Kohara) 

Record visitor numbers boost economy, but 'foreigner fatigue,' overtourism tensions grow

January 31, 2026 06:00 JST