To save Kyoto, tourism return might not be enough

Friday, September 30, 2022

Like other countries of the world, the tourism industry of Japan was affected by the pandemic in the worst ways. However relief is in sight. The government is hoped to raise the tight border restrictions of the country very soon. The ancient former capital, Kyoto, is hoping to witness tourists’ return on which its economy is dependent. However, as Anthony Kuhn reports, that return might not be enough to save the city from its monetary complexities.

Visitors hit an enormous bowl-shaped bell, and the sound echoes all through the Kiyomizu temple. It’s an extensive complex having wooden halls which was set up more than 1,200 years back. Tourists are trickling back. Till now, majority of them are Japan nationals Japan’s eternal city, Kyoto is famous for its temples, royal palaces and shrines. Its riverbanks are filled up with willow trees and bridges, its human-scaled lanes are dotted with conventional wooden Machiya townhouses. On a shop-lined street going to the Kiyomizu temple, businesses are slowly getting better. Sano Ko, a souvenir shop manager says that it’s been a rough two years. Tourists and customers were not seen anywhere. His store had to shut down several times.

The government of Kyoto has been doing an awful job for quite some time now. They should be removed and everything should be started from scratch.

Susumu Ogasawara, Kyoto City finance bureau official, accepts that the city was at risk of going broke.

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