Go Tokyo Your Experience
When it comes to traveling in Japan, which city is your first reaction? Is it the city full of the charm of an ancient capital, gathering various traditional cultures like Kyoto? However, a surprising topic that has recently been discussed among Japanese netizens is: regarding the question of “how to best enjoy Kyoto”, many people actually believe the answer is “just do not go to Kyoto at all”!
The reason behind this is that Kyoto has long attracted a large number of domestic tourists, and in recent years has also welcomed a significant influx of foreign visitors. The result is that the surge in tourists has brought about the issue of overtourism, while the tranquil beauty of Kyoto feels like an illusion, leaving people inevitably disappointed. Next, let’s take a look at the pessimistic views that Japanese netizens hold about traveling to Kyoto.
The best way to enjoy Kyoto is to ‘not go to Kyoto.’
I’m not joking. There are actually two best ways to enjoy Kyoto:
- Went there ten years ago.
- Enjoy the beautiful memories from that time.
For those who have never been to Kyoto, I suggest giving it up.
A Japanese netizen named ‘Kuzukiri’ recently proposed that ‘the best way to enjoy Kyoto’ is actually ‘not to go to Kyoto at all,’ and this viewpoint immediately sparked heated discussions. Not only did many travelers who have visited Kyoto in recent years express their agreement, but many locals living in Kyoto also admitted that it is no longer an ideal place for sightseeing.
Many people support this view mainly because Kyoto has always been a popular tourist destination in Japan. Coupled with the recent influx of foreign tourists, this has resulted in tourist-related issues such as garbage, noise, and traffic chaos. As a result, the local residents are complaining, and the travel experience for tourists has significantly declined, with many even stating they don’t want to come back!
Recently, NHK reported on the situation of domestic and international tourists flocking to Kyoto to view cherry blossoms…
Kyoto’s Gion is packed with flower-viewing tourists!
Worse yet, hotel prices in Kyoto have skyrocketed, far exceeding those in Tokyo.
At the bus station in front of Kyoto Station, the lines are endless, and vehicles are in short supply!
Famous sights including Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama are also not spared from being congested with tourists!
The reaction of Japanese netizens to the viewpoint that “the best way to enjoy Kyoto is to simply not go to Kyoto” is…
The recent sightseeing pollution has indeed become increasingly serious.
I often travel to Kyoto for business, and I can truly say it is worthwhile.
About six years ago, I lived in Kansai for a while, and I completely agree.
To be honest, even going back to 2014, which is ten years ago, isn’t enough; at least twenty years ago would be needed to experience Kyoto.
It was probably before the popularization of smartphones that one could truly enjoy Kyoto the most.
Sigh… Looking at the photos from the past, how empty it was then. Although I really want to go to Kyoto again, I’ve still given up on the idea…
There is no doubt that those who visit Kyoto for sightseeing now will find that the ‘leisurely charm’ is far outnumbered by the crowds.
Indeed, it is almost impossible to enjoy a trip to Kyoto properly now.
Today’s Kyoto is noisy and chaotic, having long lost its original charm, almost like a theme park that astonishes me. Once tranquility vanishes, Kyoto loses its appeal.
The number of foreign tourists in Kyoto is truly outrageous these days. If you still fantasize about ‘Oh, let’s take a stroll in Kyoto♪’, you’re really asking for trouble. The crowds are so overwhelming that even the locals in the city can hardly bear it.
Kyoto is no longer a city for sightseeing; it feels more like a gathering place for foreigners.
I wonder what friends who have recently visited Kyoto would think of this statement?
