Hakuba Village in Japan Imposes Fines on Disruptive Tourists to Combat Overtourism and Protect Local Quality of Life

Published on December 23, 2025

In response to rising tensions between residents and visitors, the popular Japanese ski resort of Hakuba Village, located in northwestern Nagano Prefecture, has implemented new regulations to combat disruptive behaviour on its slopes. The updated “village manners” ordinance, approved in 2025, imposes fines on tourists who engage in unruly actions, with penalties up to ¥50,000 (approx. €315). The new enforcement measures are scheduled to take effect in July 2026.

This move is an update to the 2015 ordinance, which initially aimed to encourage visitors to behave respectfully, such as keeping noise levels low and following local customs. However, the ordinance lacked teeth, relying entirely on voluntary compliance. The updated rules now impose significant financial penalties for unacceptable behaviour, addressing a pressing issue that has grown in importance as the region’s popularity has increased in recent years.

The Rising Popularity of Hakuba and the Emergence of Overtourism

Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hakuba Village has witnessed an unprecedented influx of visitors, with the local authorities reporting a record 2.71 million visitors in 2024. While the growth in tourism has brought substantial economic benefits to the region, it has also raised concerns about overtourism.

Residents and businesses in the tourism sector have increasingly voiced complaints about disruptive tourist behaviour, such as loud late-night noise, fireworks, drunkenness, and hazardous traffic conditions. These disturbances have placed a strain on the community, leading to growing calls for stricter measures to restore a sense of peace and harmony to the village.

The implementation of fines for disruptive behaviour is seen as a necessary step in maintaining the balance between tourism and the well-being of local residents. Hakuba’s mayor, Toshiro Maruyama, has expressed his commitment to creating a space where both locals and tourists can enjoy a comfortable and peaceful environment. His vision seeks to address the growing frustration among residents, who feel that the essence of the village’s charm is being overshadowed by the excesses of tourism.

The New Regulations: A Comprehensive Approach to Disruptive Behavior

The new ordinance subdivides unacceptable behaviour into eight specific categories, ranging from noise disturbances to dangerous activities on public roads. These categories include:

1. Graffiti and sticker placement on public or private property
2. Late-night fireworks in public spaces
3. Late-night noise, including amplified sound or shouting above 45 decibels
4. Skiing or snowboarding on public roads
5. Drinking alcohol while walking on roads
6. Smoking while walking on roads
7. Unauthorised parking on private land
8. Dangerous winter driving, including driving without anti-skid tyres

Under the revised law, fines will mostly be issued if individuals fail to comply with official warnings or if the disruptive behaviour is deemed to endanger public safety. However, in cases of road skiing or hazardous driving, which pose a significant risk to the public, fines may be imposed immediately.

This comprehensive approach reflects the village’s commitment to not only curbing disruptive behavior but also ensuring the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors. The authorities hope these measures will reduce the strain on local infrastructure, restore calm to the streets, and help protect the village’s stunning natural landscape.

A Response to Global Issues of Overtourism and Cultural Disrespect

Hakuba’s move is part of a broader trend across Japan, where increasing frustration over overtourism is leading to the introduction of stricter regulations. High-profile incidents involving tourists disrespecting Japanese customs and sacred spaces have ignited public outrage. In particular, incidents such as the defacing of historical landmarks, disrespectful behaviour at Shinto shrines, and mistreatment of wildlife in places like Nara have contributed to the mounting pressure for stronger enforcement measures.

Japan is not the only country grappling with the impacts of overtourism. Many popular destinations around the world have faced similar challenges, as rising numbers of visitors put pressure on local communities and natural resources. The increase in international tourism to Hakuba, particularly from countries like Australia, Europe, and North America, has only intensified these issues, forcing local authorities to take action.

Hakuba’s new fines are a reflection of the growing need to balance tourism growth with the preservation of local culture and the environment. As the village continues to attract tourists from around the world, it is becoming increasingly important to find ways to ensure that tourism remains sustainable and respectful of local customs.

The Future of Tourism in Hakuba: Striking a Balance Between Growth and Sustainability

Moving forward, Hakuba’s new fines are expected to set a precedent for other Japanese ski resorts and tourist destinations. Several municipalities in Japan have already implemented local “manners” ordinances, and 20 are currently enforcing them. Only six, including Hakuba, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and a few others, impose financial penalties on violators.

The success of these regulations will most likely depend on how well they are enforced and whether visitors follow the new rules. Local officials hope that the imposition of fines will encourage greater adherence to the village’s cultural norms while also serving as a clear deterrent to those considering disruptive behaviour.

As the village moves forward, officials will continue to monitor the impact of these measures and look for new ways to improve the visitor experience while protecting the local community’s integrity. The challenge for Hakuba and other tourist destinations will be to strike a balance between attracting international visitors and providing a peaceful, sustainable environment for locals.

To summarise, Hakuba’s decision to fine disruptive tourists is an important step in the ongoing effort to preserve the village’s charm and ensure that tourism remains a positive force for both the local community and the visitors it serves. With these new regulations, the village hopes to preserve its distinct character while accommodating an increasing number of international tourists who visit to enjoy the beauty of the Japanese Alps.