Last Updated: Aug 26, 2024
What to Know When Visiting Japan
My List of 47 Key Things
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably already heard about the massive tourism boom Japan is experiencing. Driven by a weak yen and a deluge of social media-induced FOMO, it seems like everyone, their mother, and even their great-grandmother are flocking to Japan right now. While the brunt of this overtourism is concentrated in a few select areas like Kyoto and other iconic spots, the barriers to entry for Japan have certainly fallen compared to just a few years ago.
With Japan now more accessible and affordable than ever, I’ve noticed a concerning rise in the… let’s just say, “quality” of visitors. Years ago, Japan was a destination for those with a deep appreciation for its culture. Today, it feels almost as mainstream as a trip to McDonald’s. Worryingly, the tourists now crowding attractions like Senso-ji and Kiyomizu-dera are not always the same caliber as those who visited when the yen was stronger.
That all said, I know the readers of this blog are cut from a different cloth. After all, you wouldn’t be reading articles about off-the-beaten-path adventures if you were seeking an overcommodified travel experience. Since I trust you all want to avoid cultural faux pas and do right by Japan, I’ve put together…
