Last Updated: Sep 26, 2022

Kyoto During the Pandemic

How the Old Capital Used to Be

Note: Sadly, the announcement that Japan's borders would again open on Oct 11, 2022 brought the fleeting dream of a Kyoto without tourists to an end...

It’s no secret that I’ve been very vocal about my animosity for Kyoto. While I certainly hold much love for the city, the former capital has been plagued by over tourism in recent years. The local residents of Kyoto have started referring to the dilemma as “tourism pollution.” Prior to the pandemic, Kyoto often seemed comparable to a cultural Disneyland. Overrun and brimming with visitors from all over, Kyoto’s major attractions felt tainted and materialistic. After all, it’s a challenge to appreciate the serenity of a place such as Kiyomizu-dera when you’re dodging selfie sticks at every turn.

Remaining true to my adamant commitment to focus on off the beaten path destinations, I’ve largely steered clear of Kyoto. Alas, our new reality is one in which the dreaded coronavirus is ever-present. Consequently, the endless legions of travelers that have beset Kyoto entirely vanished. While this outcome has been tragic for those eking out a living from tourism, the change arrives as a welcomed breath of fresh air for those living in Japan. Moreover, as sad as it is for hoteliers, the…