Visiting Kyoto? Here’s how to travel with locals in mind

Cherry blossoms are reaching full bloom across Japan, marking one of the most anticipated times of the year. In Kyoto, the sight of sakura petals fluttering alongside historic temples and shrines creates an especially breathtaking scene. This stunning combination draws massive crowds every spring, with the number of visitors peaking in April.

Kyoto ranks among the most famous tourist destinations worldwide. Yet, it grapples with a serious issue: overtourism.

According to a 2024 survey conducted by Kyoto City, residents are feeling the pressure of tourism more acutely than in the previous year. Approximately 64% of residents said they see tourists almost every day, up from 60% last year.

71% of respondents reported feeling inconvenienced by crowding in popular tourist areas: a 5-point increase from the previous year. 67% said they struggled with overcrowded buses and subways, and 60% reported being inconvenienced by road congestion. A friend of mine who lives in Kyoto told me she is completely worn out trying to get home on buses—her everyday experience puts a human face on these numbers.

Perhaps most strikingly, 55% of residents expressed discomfort with poor tourist manners, such as littering, eating while walking, or being noisy in residential areas: up more than 7 points from the previous year. Concern over the spread of accommodations like guesthouses remains steady, with 22% saying they are negatively affected by issues like noise, trash, and vehicle traffic in their neighborhoods.

While tourism remains a key economic driver, these findings suggest that its burdens are becoming increasingly difficult for residents to bear. The year-on-year deterioration in perceptions highlights a critical need for more effective, resident-centered tourism policies.

Kyoto’s initiatives for sustainable tourism

In response to the mounting pressure from overtourism, Kyoto is taking steps to create a more sustainable model of tourism, one that prioritizes harmony between visitors and the lives of local residents. The city has introduced initiatives not only to promote good behavior among tourists, but also to cultivate greater awareness of the impact tourism has on the community.

For example, Kyoto encourages visitors to practice “locally honored tourism,” a concept that asks travelers to reflect on their behavior by writing down what they will keep in mind during their trip. This initiative aims to shift mindsets from passive sightseeing to active, respectful engagement.

The city has also launched a website, LINK! LINK! LINK! (Japanese), that provides residents with accessible information about tourism, including both its economic benefits and its social and environmental impacts. While these programs are a step in the right direction, the survey results show that many residents still experience daily stress due to overcrowded buses, noise pollution, and poor manners from tourists. In this context, awareness alone may not be enough—Kyoto must continue to explore more tangible strategies that directly ease the burden on residents, such as limiting the number of visitors in sensitive areas and improving infrastructure to better absorb tourist traffic.

Smart ways to explore Kyoto while being mindful of locals

Your choices as a traveler can help ease the impact of overtourism and support Kyoto in creating a more livable city for everyone.

Travel light

Large suitcases can cause congestion on buses and trains, especially during peak tourist seasons. Try to pack as light as possible, and use designated luggage storage services when necessary. The HANDS FREE KYOTO website offers a map of storage locations. These small efforts help reduce stress for both visitors and locals who rely on public transportation in their daily lives.

Think about when and where you go

Crowding is a major issue in Kyoto, particularly in famous spots like Gion and Arashiyama. By avoiding peak hours and visiting early in the morning or later in the evening, you can enjoy a more relaxed experience while easing the pressure on local infrastructure.

Avoid peak crowds: travel off-season

April, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, is the busiest time of the year in Kyoto. While it’s a beautiful season, it also brings serious crowding that disrupts local life. If possible, consider visiting during the off-season to experience a more peaceful side of the city—and if you must come during peak times, explore lesser-known areas or nearby cities to help distribute the flow of visitors.

Japan is full of breathtaking cherry blossom spots beyond Kyoto. Places like Kanazawa, Hirosaki, Matsue, and even lesser-known towns offer equally stunning views with far fewer crowds. Expanding your travel horizons can lead to richer, more meaningful experiences, while helping preserve the delicate balance between tourism and everyday life in Kyoto.