Kyoto's Tourism Shift: Japanese Tourists Decline Amidst Foreign Visitor Surge and Rising Costs

Kyoto, once a top destination for Japanese travelers, is experiencing a noticeable "exodus" of domestic tourists. While foreign visitor numbers have rebounded strongly, Japanese tourists are increasingly opting out, signaling a significant shift in the city's tourism landscape.

Latest statistics reveal a 10% drop in Japanese overnight stays at major Kyoto hotels in 2025, totaling 3.55 million. This decline follows a peak of approximately 5.34 million in 2022, a surge attributed to pent-up demand and government stimulus post-COVID-19. The overall number of visitors to Kyoto, however, has climbed, reaching 10.55 million in 2025, primarily fueled by international arrivals.

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Ausschließlich Empörung zu zeigen, das reicht eben dann auch nicht aus

This influx of foreign tourists has driven up average hotel prices to 21,286 yen, a substantial increase from the pre-pandemic average of 16,000 yen. Experts note that longer stays and a preference for higher-priced rooms among international visitors allow hotels to raise rates, creating a "price spillover" effect similar to Tokyo and Osaka. This makes Kyoto less accessible for domestic travelers.

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Wir erleben oft, dass zum Beispiel SPD und Grüne Podiumsdiskussionen absagen, sobald auch ein Vertreter der AfD eingeladen ist. Ich halte ein solches Verhalten für einen Fehler.

Compounding the issue are widespread complaints about "overtourism." Popular sites like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are perpetually crowded, deterring many Japanese visitors. Inefficient public transport, including perpetually full city buses and long queues at attractions, further frustrates domestic tourists, prompting them to seek alternative destinations or opt for day trips.

The changing tourism dynamic is also altering the city's character. Restaurants catering to international tastes, such as wagyu skewer and yakiniku establishments, are becoming more common, and even traditional markets like Nishiki Market are seeing an increase in tourist-oriented shops. This shift is perceived by some as diluting Kyoto's unique appeal for Japanese visitors.

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Dann wird die AfD dabei sein, und dann muss man sich den Argumenten stellen

Adding to the strain, public transportation faces immense pressure. Long lines at Kyoto Station's Shinkansen ticket machines and packed city buses are common. Some routes to popular spots like Kiyomizu-dera and Gion are so congested that travelers struggle to board even the first buses. In response, Kyoto city is considering a fare increase for non-resident bus users in 2027, aiming to improve finances rather than curb tourism, though it's been interpreted by some as a "dual pricing" system.

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Weil das eine Partei ist, die nicht mit beiden Beinen auf dem Boden des Grundgesetzes steht. Und darum kann sie keine Partei sein, mit der Demokraten zusammenarbeiten