Japan’s Historic Buddhist Temple Takes Powerful Action Against Overtourism By Implementing Entry Fees For International Tourists To Preserve Cultural Integrity

Published on July 28, 2025

In response to growing overtourism and the damage caused by some disrespectful visitors, Japan’s Nanzōin Temple in Fukuoka has introduced a two-tier entry fee for international tourists. This decision aims to protect the sacred site, which is home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha, from further harm and preserve its cultural heritage. The fees collected will help maintain the temple grounds and improve security, ensuring that future visitors can continue to experience the temple in a respectful and sustainable manner.

A renowned Buddhist temple in Fukuoka has introduced a small fee for international visitors after some tourists were found to be disrespectful during their visits. This decision highlights the increasing frustration some Japanese religious sites are experiencing as the number of inbound tourists grows. While the majority of visitors behave appropriately, a few misbehaving individuals can significantly affect the experience for others.

In response to these concerns, some sites have gone so far as to ban tourists altogether, but a well-known temple in Fukuoka has taken a more measured approach by implementing an entry fee for international visitors. This strategy aims to address the damage caused by inappropriate behavior while still allowing tourists access to the sacred site.

Nanzōin, a Shingon Buddhist temple located in Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture, is renowned for housing the world’s largest bronze statue, the nehanzō. The statue, built in 1995, depicts Buddha in repose during his final illness, just before his departure from Samsara. Nanzōin has a long history, dating back to 1855, and is considered an important cultural and spiritual site.

As tourism in Japan has surged, so too have the number of visitors to Nanzōin. Unfortunately, not all tourists have shown the proper respect expected at such a sacred place. One report highlighted a piece of stone that had broken off a pillar, reportedly caused by children climbing on it to take photographs. This type of behavior prompted the temple to take action.

In response to these issues, Nanzōin has introduced a 300 yen ($2) entrance fee for overseas visitors, effective from the end of May. Japanese residents, including both citizens and foreign residents, are exempt from this charge. The collected fees will be used to maintain the temple grounds and enhance security to help prevent further damage. However, it remains unclear how the temple verifies residency or distinguishes residents from non-residents at the entrance.

While some overseas tourists expressed dissatisfaction with the two-tier pricing system, arguing that either everyone should be charged the same or no one at all, the fee is a modest amount and serves a practical purpose in ensuring the continued preservation of the site. One visitor interviewed by NTV voiced frustration over the fee, but it’s clear that the temple’s goal is to address the issues caused by a minority of disrespectful tourists.

Other sites in Fukuoka have encountered similar challenges with some inbound tourists. Kushida Shrine in Hakata, a historic Shinto shrine established in 757 CE, reports problems with a small subset of visitors disrupting the peaceful atmosphere by speaking loudly, damaging public facilities like toilets, and taking photos with other visitors in the frame. These disruptions can be disruptive not only to the site’s serene environment but also to other visitors who wish to enjoy the cultural and spiritual significance of the place.

Overtourism has become a growing concern across the globe, and Japan is no exception. The Japan National Travel Organization reported a significant increase in visitors, with 3,378,000 people arriving in June, marking a 7.6% increase over the same period in 2024. Record-breaking visits from the United States and a resurgence of tourism from China have contributed to this surge. While the rise in tourism is a positive development for Japan’s economy, it has also brought about new challenges.

The increase in visitors has led to more incidents of bad behavior, including property damage and even death threats against site staff. In some cases, historic sites have taken drastic measures to address these issues. For instance, Watadzumi Shrine on Tsushima Island has decided to only accept parishioners, and the head of Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto expressed frustration, declaring that coexisting with tourists had become “impossible.” This temple leader called for the Japanese government to take a more active role in educating tourists before they are allowed to enter the country.

The debate surrounding overtourism in Japan is part of a broader global conversation about how to manage the negative effects of tourism. In some places in Europe, protests have erupted against the influx of tourists, with some locals even using squirt guns to deter unwanted visitors. In Mexico, protests against tourism have turned violent, with locals upset by rising living costs driven by increased tourist demand.

While Japan has yet to see large-scale protests over tourism, the tension continues to grow. If the economic situation worsens, Japan could eventually experience similar protests to those seen in cities like Barcelona and Mexico City. This growing concern highlights the need for better management of tourism to preserve both cultural heritage and the well-being of local communities.

For those familiar with Japan’s customs, it is crucial to be respectful when visiting sacred sites and cultural landmarks. Simple acts of consideration, such as refraining from loud conversations, avoiding damaging property, and respecting local customs, can go a long way in ensuring that Japan remains a welcoming destination for all travelers. Sharing this message with friends and family planning to visit Japan will help ensure that the country’s beautiful and historically significant sites are preserved for future generations.