Japan Sees A Record Number Of Visitors This October As Kamikōchi Faces Overcrowding Challenges: All You Need To Know

Published on November 21, 2025

Japan in October 2025 broke its previous tourism records by bringing in almost 3.9 million foreign tourists. While the fall colors attract millions of tourists to the nation, the country’s prime tourist sites like Kamikōchi in Nagano are encountering the challenges posed by overtourism. The enchanting scenery of Kamikōchi, which is located in the gorgeous Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, has been an attraction to more than 1.5 million visitors this year, thus the area has become a victim of its own fame.

Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers: The Growth of Japan’s Tourism Industry

Japan’s tourism industry continues its upward trajectory, with an impressive 35.5 million visitors recorded by October 2025. This represents a significant leap towards the government’s goal of surpassing 40 million visitors by the year’s end. The rise in tourism is especially noticeable during the fall season when Japan’s vibrant autumn colours draw both first-time and repeat visitors. South Korea, China, and Taiwan remain the largest contributors to Japan’s tourist influx, though an unexpected surge from Russia, with a 91.7% increase, caught many by surprise. The popularity of destinations like Kamikōchi and Kyoto, however, is starting to show signs of strain as the numbers climb.

While tourism growth signals a healthy recovery for Japan’s economy, the consequences of overtourism are becoming increasingly apparent. Many iconic locations, such as Kamikōchi, which is famed for its hiking trails and pristine landscapes, are facing environmental degradation due to overcrowding.

The Rise of Overtourism: Kamikōchi’s Struggle with Increased Visitors

The Kamikōchi region in Nagano Prefecture, a key destination within Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, has seen an alarming rise in visitor numbers. In 2025 alone, over 1.5 million people have visited, which has led to a surge in littering, pollution, and congestion in an area known for its natural beauty. Kamikōchi’s stunning views, crystal-clear rivers, and the iconic Kappabashi Bridge attract photographers, climbers, and nature lovers, but this popularity has come with environmental costs.

Local reports highlight the growing issue of tourists leaving garbage in public spaces, which is now threatening the delicate ecosystem of the area. In response, the city of Matsumoto is considering implementing a fee for visitors to help manage overcrowding and mitigate the environmental impact. The idea of charging a fee is not new; similar measures have been put in place at other popular tourist sites such as Mount Fuji, where entry fees and reservation systems have been implemented in an attempt to control the number of hikers on the mountain.

Although the introduction of a fee has yet to be finalised, Matsumoto city officials are actively exploring this option and plan to produce a report by the end of 2025. The move aims to strike a balance between the influx of visitors and the preservation of Kamikōchi’s natural charm. This initiative follows in the footsteps of other popular areas in Japan, such as the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, where hiking trails have also introduced reservation systems and entry fees to tackle overcrowding and reduce the strain on local infrastructure.

Tourism Numbers Reflect a Mix of Economic Boon and Overtourism Concerns

While Japan’s tourism industry continues to shine with stellar numbers, the balance between welcoming guests and protecting the environment remains precarious. As of October 2025, the country had already surpassed 35 million visitors, setting a pace that could see the total number exceed 40 million by the year’s end. For many local economies, tourism is a lifeline, offering an influx of spending that benefits businesses, particularly in rural areas like Nagano, where Kamikōchi’s dramatic landscapes have become a symbol of Japan’s natural heritage.

Moreover, flight cancellations between China and Japan have skyrocketed, with reports suggesting that nearly 491,000 flights have been cancelled. Despite this setback, other regions, such as Russia, are compensating for this decline with a surprising increase in tourism, highlighting the unpredictable nature of global tourism flows and the impact of geopolitics on travel decisions.

Addressing the Overtourism Dilemma: Balancing Growth and Preservation

As Japan continues to recover and grow as a global tourism powerhouse, the challenges of overtourism demand innovative solutions. The introduction of visitor fees and reservations systems at popular destinations like Kamikōchi and Mount Fuji is just the beginning. Municipalities across the country are now focused on finding ways to manage crowds while ensuring that Japan’s rich cultural and natural heritage is preserved for future generations.

With the government aiming for even higher visitor numbers in the coming years, Japan must balance economic gains with the preservation of its unique and fragile landscapes. Travelers are encouraged to explore lesser-known regions of the country and consider visiting during off-peak times to help alleviate the pressure on high-traffic sites.

As Japan’s tourism industry continues to grow, the country’s ability to manage overtourism effectively will be crucial in ensuring its long-term sustainability as a top travel destination. By embracing new strategies, Japan can remain a premier destination for travelers while safeguarding its natural beauty and cultural heritage for generations to come.

Final Thoughts

Japan’s tourism boom that was caused by the breathtaking autumn colours and cultural experiences has resulted in an influx of tourists; however, the challenge of managing overtourism, evident in Kamikōchi, has come along with success. The country is trying to handle this issue and at the same time, visitor fees and reservation systems are being considered as a means of achieving a balance between economic growth and