Skip the Crowds! Insider Tips for a Serene Kyoto Journey

by kyoto unveiled

Discover the initiatives taken by Kyoto to alleviate the concentration of tourist crowds. With this guide, wander leisurely without being swamped by hordes of tourists.

Subheading: Essential Tips for Kyoto Travel: Don’t Miss Out!

In the first half of 2023, the number of visitors to Japan soared past 10.71 million, a record high in four years. The influx of tourists has caused many areas to face the issue of “overtourism”. Given the early closing hours of most shops in Japan, tourists flock to popular attractions during the morning and afternoon, leading to traffic jams and noise pollution. To counter this, Kyoto is implementing strategies to distribute tourists across different times and locations, aiming to mitigate traffic and noise issues near popular spots.

1.Time Diversification

Most shops at Japanese tourist spots close early, leading tourists to visit between 10 AM and 6 PM, resulting in overcrowded areas during these times. To combat this, Kyoto has devised strategies to encourage visitors to choose off-peak hours for their tours, like before breakfast or after dinner. For instance, the tea ceremonies at Kōdai-ji now commence at 6 PM and run until 9:30 PM, helping to prevent overcrowding during popular visiting hours. The official Kyoto Travel Guide website offers Morning & Nightlife recommendations, allowing you to explore temples before breakfast, such as the must-visit Kiyomizu-dera, which opens at 6 AM. Early birds might capture some magical shots devoid of crowds! Additionally, consider visiting the gift shops listed on the official website post-dinner, some of which are open until 9 PM, making them perfect for a relaxed post-meal shopping spree.

2.Location Diversification

Another issue with overtourism is the massive crowds at one place at the same time. To address this, the Kyoto Travel Guide website has launched an AI-powered tool that predicts the crowd levels at popular tourist spots. Just input the date, time, and weather, and the AI will help you gauge the potential crowds in different areas, facilitating a crowd-free experience. Moreover, the website offers live streams of popular destinations on YouTube, allowing you to check the real-time crowd situation from your phone or computer, thus ensuring a peaceful visit.

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal, Kyoto Live camera
Hanamikoji Street, Kyoto Live camera
Bamboo forest path, Kyoto Live camera

Utilize these tools to enhance your travel experience and contribute towards alleviating the overtourism issue in Japan.

Klook.com

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