The arrest of an American tourist for defacing a revered Tokyo shrine has highlighted a growing challenge for Japan, a country renowned for its politeness and reverence for tradition, now grappling with a surge in foreign tourists who sometimes disregard local customs and laws. As Japan experiences a record-breaking tourism boom, concerns are rising about how to handle misbehaving visitors and the effects of “overtourism” at cherished cultural sites.
The latest incident occurred on November 13, when Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested a 65-year-old American tourist, identified only by his family name due to privacy restrictions, on suspicion of vandalizing the Meiji Jingu Shrine. This revered Shinto shrine, located in Tokyo’s lush Yoyogi Park, is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and is one of Japan’s most significant cultural sites. The man is accused of using his fingernail to carve five alphabetical letters, said to represent family names, into the wooden pillar of the shrine’s torii gate—a sacred archway that traditionally symbolizes the entrance into hallowed ground. Security camera footage reportedly aided the police in identifying and apprehending the suspect at his hotel, and he is currently under investigation.
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo confirmed that staff members have met with the detained American and are providing consular assistance. In a statement, an embassy spokesperson declined to elaborate further, citing privacy concerns.
Japan has seen an unprecedented number of international visitors in 2023, with nearly 27 million people traveling to the country by the end of September. This marks the most accelerated rate of tourism growth Japan has experienced, with foreign visitor spending adding an estimated 5.86 trillion yen (US$37.5 billion) to the economy. The country’s popularity as a tourist destination surged after the government began promoting tourism to stimulate economic growth and offset Japan’s aging population and declining birth rates. However, this influx of tourists has come with a downside: reports of vandalism, disruptive behavior, and disregard for cultural norms are mounting, sparking a public debate about how to better manage the surge.
Recent years have seen cases of public drunkenness, overcrowded attractions, and defacement of cultural sites, drawing backlash from local communities, tourism officials, and authorities. The defacement of the Meiji Jingu Shrine follows two other instances this year of graffiti being scrawled on pillars at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, another site of historical importance, particularly due to its links to Japan’s wartime history. The police issued arrest warrants for three Chinese nationals in connection with the Yasukuni graffiti incidents.
“Japan’s cultural landmarks are a part of the nation’s heritage,” said Noriko Takamura, a cultural anthropologist at Waseda University. “Tourism has opened our borders to incredible economic opportunities, but we must be vigilant in protecting the sanctity of these places. It’s a delicate balance.”
The boom in inbound tourism has not been accidental. Japan’s unique blend of ancient tradition and modern allure has made it one of the most “Instagrammable” countries in the world, enticing millions of visitors from around the globe. However, this visibility has also intensified the phenomenon known as “overtourism,” in which too many visitors flock to specific locations, often spurred by social media. The consequences of overtourism have been particularly severe at sacred sites, historic temples, and national parks, where the sheer number of tourists has led to overcrowding, litter, and even structural damage.
This October, a Chilean fitness influencer faced backlash after posting a video of herself performing pull-ups on a torii gate. Following a flood of criticism on social media, the influencer deleted the video and issued a formal apology, acknowledging her actions as disrespectful.
In another incident from earlier this year, the village of Oshino near Mt. Fuji—famous for its scenic, photo-ready views of the iconic mountain—installed barriers to block off areas where visitors often gathered to capture images. The barriers were introduced after the site became overwhelmingly popular online, with authorities citing excessive littering, traffic congestion, and complaints from residents.
The impact of overtourism has not been limited to rural or remote sites. In Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya district, officials took unprecedented measures this past Halloween by covering up the iconic Hachiko statue—a popular gathering point for revelers—and banning public drinking to curb chaos during the annual celebration.
Faced with the issue of managing a growing influx of tourists, Japan has ramped up its efforts to educate visitors on proper conduct while touring the country. Many airports, hotels, and popular sites now provide informational pamphlets and videos in multiple languages, outlining cultural norms, etiquette, and rules that may be unfamiliar to foreign tourists. The aim is to create awareness among travelers about respecting local traditions, especially at sacred and historically significant sites.
Some regions have adopted stricter rules to manage visitor behavior and protect cultural sites. For instance, Kyoto, a city rich in cultural heritage, recently implemented a ban on photography in certain neighborhoods, after locals voiced frustration over disruptions caused by tourists capturing “perfect” photos of geisha and traditional townscapes. Mountain parks near Mt. Fuji introduced a first-ever trail fee and daily visitor limits this year, as overuse posed environmental threats to the mountain’s ecology.
In addition to implementing new regulations, some experts advocate for leveraging technology to better control the flow of tourists. “Crowd control tools like real-time footfall monitoring or staggered entry passes can help authorities anticipate and manage crowd sizes in real-time, minimizing the risk of overcrowding,” says Hiroshi Matsuda, a tourism consultant.
Japanese society places a high value on respect, particularly at places considered sacred. Many instances of misbehavior, however, are attributed to cultural misunderstandings, rather than intentional disrespect. Some tourists, unfamiliar with Japanese traditions, may be unaware of the significance of torii gates, the proper etiquette at Shinto shrines, or the importance of cleanliness and quietude in places of worship.
The Japanese government and tourism boards have focused on reducing these misunderstandings by providing multilingual information and educational campaigns. However, cases like that of the American tourist arrested at Meiji Jingu suggest that some visitors, despite these efforts, fail to adhere to basic guidelines. “It’s not always about intent; it’s about understanding,” said Takamura. “But with enough awareness and education, we can bridge that cultural gap.”
In addition to educational efforts, Japan’s Tourism Agency recently proposed a “tourist code of conduct” as a way to outline clear behavioral expectations for foreign visitors. The guidelines include instructions on refraining from loud behavior, respecting cultural customs, and maintaining cleanliness at public spaces and cultural sites.
Japan’s tourism industry, although celebrated for its contributions to the national economy, also strains the country’s resources and infrastructure. Managing millions of tourists annually requires significant resources, from sanitation and maintenance of historical sites to increased security. Some Japanese residents feel that while tourism brings financial benefits, the costs to local communities are also mounting. In places like Kyoto and Shibuya, where crowds overwhelm the infrastructure, locals are voicing their concerns over being crowded out of their own neighborhoods.
There are signs that Japan may need to consider limits on tourism in the future, particularly at sites of national importance. “We want people to visit Japan and enjoy its beauty, but not at the cost of our heritage,” said Matsuda. “It’s possible that controlled tourism, like timed entry or reservation-only access to certain sites, could become more common in the future.”
In a survey conducted by the Japan Tourism Agency, over half of the respondents expressed a desire for stricter policies to manage the flow of tourists. The agency has since proposed new policies focused on sustainable tourism practices that balance cultural preservation with economic growth.
