Why Ginzan Onsen is implementing visit restrictions this winter

Ginzan Onsen in Obanazawa City, which offers one of the most magical snow scenes in Yamagata Prefecture, is implementing a series of visit restrictions this winter to tackle the growing issues of overtourism. These measures include limiting the number of visitors to 100 per hour during regulated hours (5 pm to 8 pm), prohibiting private vehicles from entering (8 pm to 9 am), and requesting tourists to use a park-and-ride system with shuttle buses to access the hot spring area during specific times.

When restrictions like these are introduced to address the symptoms of overtourism, it hurts to see some of the reactions mistaking them for anti-tourism. Media often overlook the careful planning behind these decisions, leading to misinterpretations and negative reactions from both the public and the media.

But as responsible tourists, we delay any conclusions, and start by attempting to understand why the restrictions were introduced. The overtone is about overtourism, but is really about protecting the local culture and lifestyles that allow the upkeep and eventual sharing with visitors.

A short restriction for a long-term future

The visit restriction is a direct response to the challenges of overtourism that have arisen during peak tourist seasons. Japan is looking at a boom in tourism, estimated to reach about 3.3 million visitors to Japan in October 2024, up 31.6% from October 2023.

The surge in visitor numbers has exacerbated issues like congestion, conflicts over the best photo spots, violations of traffic rules, and unsafe conditions. The lack of empathy and respect for others has led to more problems that prevent tourists and the local community from enjoying the 300-year-old historical area to its fullest. (Just to be clear, the issues arose from both international tourists and Japanese tourists.)

Furthermore, these changes also address critical safety concerns, such as the inability of emergency vehicles to access the area during times of heavy congestion. Ginzan Onsen is in a region with heavy snowfall, and rescue operations are conducted by local volunteers.

The most troubling incident was one where an ambulance couldn’t reach an accident site in the hot spring area due to illegal parking and resulting traffic congestion, forcing the rescue crew to run 500 meters to the scene, turning it into a life-or-death situation.

Ginzan Onsen has always included the local community in their discussions on how to accommodate visitors while minimizing the impact on both visitors and locals. Their decision to regulate visits is aimed at ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for all guests, while preserving the charm and atmosphere of Ginzan Onsen. Measures like limiting the number of visitors during certain hours and implementing a park-and-ride system allow the town to manage traffic more sustainably.

When and how the restrictions will be implemented

If you are planning a trip to Ginzan Onsen, here’s a quick breakdown so you can navigate the restrictions:

When:  From December 23, 2024, to February 28, 2025

Entry: There is no limit to number of people from 9am to 4pm. No entry allowed in between 4pm and 5pm. Tickets are required for 5pm to 8pm, limited to 100 visitors per hour.

Tickets: Ticket price includes admission and the bus fare (600 yen/person for traffic management cooperation, 500 yen/person for the bus fare, and 100 yen/group as a cooperation fee. Total about 1,200 yen). Reservations here.

Drivers: Use park-and-ride. Visitors should park at the Taisho Romankan (Google Map link) and take a paid shuttle bus (included in the ticket) to reach the hot spring area. Private vehicles will be turned away after 8pm.

Choosing to be responsible travelers too

Ignoring traffic rules. Defacing cultural buildings and vegetation. Rudeness and abuse. Regrettably, issues like these will not be the last of mischief and malice in Japan, or any popular tourist spots in the world. We need not venture a discussion about The Tragedy of the Commons, which is about the demise of a public commons through overexertion. But know that controls like these safeguard lives and lifestyles, and allow the locals to continue proudly sharing the wonders with visitors far and wide.

One of the principles to sustainable tourism is the respect of local culture. This means thinking about how our presence impacts local communities and culture, and how we can be a positive force for a virtuous cycle of sustainable travel.