{"id":42594,"date":"2025-02-03T01:32:21","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T06:32:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/this-snowy-japanese-town-represents-love-but-overtourism-is-turning-the-sweetness-sour\/03\/02\/2025\/"},"modified":"2025-02-03T01:32:21","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T06:32:21","slug":"this-snowy-japanese-town-represents-love-but-overtourism-is-turning-the-sweetness-sour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/this-snowy-japanese-town-represents-love-but-overtourism-is-turning-the-sweetness-sour\/03\/02\/2025\/","title":{"rendered":"This snowy Japanese town represents love. But overtourism is turning the sweetness sour"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Tranquil and blanketed in pristine white snow, the Japanese city of Otaru serves as the backdrop of a popular 1995 romance blockbuster that continues to bring starry-eyed travelers to the region every winter.<\/p>\n

But this sleepy city tucked away on the west coast of the island of Hokkaido<\/a> has become the latest flashpoint in Japan\u2019s ongoing battle against overtourism.<\/p>\n

Local authorities recently deployed security guards to remind tourists to refrain from unruly behaviors, including trespassing onto private premises and obstructing road traffic.<\/p>\n

The increased focus on foreign travelers follows the death of a Hong Kong woman on the outskirts of Otaru. The 61-year-old tourist was hit and killed by a train on January 24 while reportedly snapping photos on the tracks at Asari Station, known for its view of the coastline juxtaposed by trains passing through the snow.<\/p>\n

However, Otaru City Hall officials told CNN tourists had been causing disruptions since before the traveler\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

Otaru, which has a population of about 100,000 people, recorded 98,678 overnight international visitors last year, the highest number on record. That figure doesn\u2019t include those making day trips from Sapporo, Hokkaido\u2019s capital, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southeast.<\/p>\n

Parts of Japanese director Shunji Iwai\u2019s \u201cLove Letter\u201d \u2014 a film in which the death of a man brings his fianc\u00e9 and his high school crush together to retrace his life \u2014 were shot there.<\/p>\n

Funamizaka is one particular area that rocketed to unwanted fame after being featured in the film. The neighborhood offers an elevated view of a quintessential Japanese street lined with wooden houses with snow piled up on their doors. At the end of the slope is a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan.<\/p>\n

Since late last month, City Hall has deployed three security guards to Funamizaka to display banners warning against bad tourist behavior.<\/p>\n

The security personnel also reminded visitors that littering and obstructing roads are prohibited and that offenders will be fined, officials told CNN. During peak hours, local police have also been deployed to assist in managing the area.<\/p>\n

The security measures will last until at least March 31, Otaru officials said.<\/p>\n

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