Japan's Hands-Free Travel? How Overtourism is Impacting Japan's Public Transit

As Japan welcomes an influx of tourists, the country is grappling with a growing concern: the clutter caused by large suitcases in public transit systems. With over three million visitors each month, cities like Kyoto and Tokyo are feeling the pinch, leading locals to voice their frustrations over the inconvenience caused by oversized luggage. A solution that they could think of is Japan’s hands-free travel system.

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What it means for Japan’s hands-free travel system

The surge in tourism has resulted in overcrowded public transport, with residents sharing their grievances on social media. One viral image from Kyoto depicted buses so packed with suitcases that passengers could hardly navigate the aisles. In another post, a traveller was reprimanded for blocking a space reserved for passengers, responding dismissively, "Who cares? I don’t care." Such incidents have sparked calls for tourists to adopt "hands-free travel" practices.

The situation has escalated to the point where local authorities are taking action. In Kyoto, dedicated buses for tourists have been introduced to alleviate pressure on the regular transit system. However, the growing number of large suitcases poses an additional challenge on trains and at stations. As tourists rush to catch their trains during peak hours, the resulting congestion hampers the movement of commuters, especially those with disabilities or parents with strollers.

In response to this ongoing issue, the Japan National Travel Organization (JNTO) has launched a campaign aimed at promoting lighter travel. Their "Hands-Free Travel" initiative encourages visitors to consider various luggage transfer services available throughout Japan. This includes options for shipping luggage directly from airports to hotels, minimising the need for large bags on public transport.

Additionally, new services are being tested, such as Tokyo’s pikuraku Porter, which allows travellers to deposit their luggage at train stations and arrange for delivery to nearby hotels. Meanwhile, Kyoto is sponsoring a “hands-free tourist bus” dedicated to transporting oversized luggage, providing a much-needed solution for travellers.

However, the issues caused by over tourism extend beyond just luggage. Locals have reported encounters with rude tourists, language barriers in service interactions, and even instances of trespassing in culturally sensitive areas like Kyoto's Gion geisha district.

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Despite these challenges, Japan aims to boost its tourism numbers from 35 million to 60 million by 2030. Achieving this ambitious goal will require not only enhancing infrastructure but also fostering a culture of respect and awareness among travellers. As the nation continues to navigate these growing pains, the call for more sustainable tourism practices has never been more urgent.

Featured image credit: Mikhail Nilov via Canva Pro