Kyoto, Japan: Record Foreign Visitors in 2024, Satisfaction Remains Strong Amid Overtourism Challenges

Published on June 26, 2025

The former capital city of Japan, Kyoto, welcomed 10.88 million international visitors during 2024, an all-time record high, and was largely responsible for its 56.06 all-time record-breaking number of visitors, which was its second highest recorded year to date, next only to 2015. In spite of rising tourist traffic and increased concern about overtourism, Kyoto was nevertheless able to maintain very high foreign and Japanese tourist satisfaction ratings, reported from its latest study on its inbound tourists.

The city’s charm as a cultural hub is evident, with temples, shrines, and other historic sites remaining at the top of the sightseeing list. Kyoto’s role as a world-renowned travel destination continues to be bolstered by its rich cultural heritage and an ever-growing interest in experiencing traditional Japanese life, art, and architecture.

Kyoto’s Rising Visitor Numbers and Satisfaction Levels

Kyoto’s tourism figures have seen a dramatic increase in 2024, surpassing previous records. The city recorded 16.3 million overnight stays, with 8.21 million of these being foreign visitors. This is a direct reflection of the growing popularity of Kyoto among international tourists, drawn by its famous historic landmarks, including the Kiyomizu Temple, Nijo-jo Castle, and Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. Despite the increasing number of visitors, 97.2% of foreign visitors and 94.6% of Japanese visitors expressed satisfaction with their trip, based on the findings from the Kyoto tourism survey.

The survey also revealed that the satisfaction levels of both foreign and Japanese tourists remained largely unchanged from the previous year, with the majority of respondents praising the city’s beauty, culture, and historical significance. However, despite high satisfaction, the issue of crowds has become more prominent, especially for Japanese tourists.

Challenges of Overtourism: A Concern for Japanese Visitors

While foreign visitors continued to express satisfaction, Japanese tourists appeared more affected by the city’s crowded attractions. 48.4% of Japanese respondents reported experiencing some form of disappointment during their visit due to overcrowding, compared to only 19.4% of foreign tourists. Issues such as crowded transportation, long queues at popular attractions, and improper manners by fellow tourists were cited as the main causes of frustration.

Foreign visitors, however, seemed to take a more tolerant approach, possibly due to their greater interest in Kyoto’s historical and cultural significance rather than expecting a leisurely experience. This divergence in perception highlights the growing concerns about overcrowding and the challenges posed by overtourism, which has become a prominent issue in major tourist cities worldwide.

Kyoto’s Response: New Lodging Tax to Tackle Overtourism

To address the increasing strain on Kyoto’s infrastructure and the impact of overtourism, the Kyoto city government has announced plans to introduce a lodging tax starting in March 2026. The new tax will charge a maximum of 10,000 yen ($68.18) per person for stays costing 100,000 yen or more per night. The revenue generated from this tax will be earmarked for initiatives aimed at sustainable tourism development and measures to tackle overcrowding.

The lodging tax is part of Kyoto’s broader strategy to manage tourism more effectively, ensuring that the city’s cultural and natural assets are preserved while also addressing the negative consequences of mass tourism. With the revenue from this tax, the city aims to enhance tourist infrastructure, improve public transportation, and implement sustainability programs.

The Role of Sake Tasting Experiences and Cultural Appeal

Kyoto’s increasing popularity is also linked to its unique cultural experiences, such as sake tasting, which continues to be a draw for foreign visitors. Kyoto, known for its traditional sake breweries, offers a rich opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in Japan’s distinctive culinary culture. These cultural experiences help foster deeper connections between visitors and the destination, offering authentic insights into Japanese traditions.

Kyoto’s Vision for Future Tourism

Looking ahead, Kyoto plans to maintain its appeal as one of the top tourist destinations in Japan while addressing the challenges posed by overtourism. Efforts to improve public transportation, increase tourism offerings, and maintain sustainable growth will be essential as the city works to balance the demand for tourism with the preservation of its historical heritage.

As Kyoto continues to evolve, it aims to not only remain a top destination for tourists but also to enhance the experience for all visitors. By focusing on sustainable tourism and visitor management, the city hopes to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy its beauty and cultural richness.

Conclusion: Balancing Growth with Preservation

The 2024 Kyoto tourism surge is evidence that it remains an ageless destination for travel. While there are challenges linked to overtourism for Kyoto, there is high tourist satisfaction which shows there is still an experience that cannot be forgotten at its points of attraction. The impending lodging tax and infrastructure development are testimonials to Kyoto’s adoption of sustainable tourism, where its culturally rich heritage will be preserved while still remaining an attraction to international travelers.

(Sources: Kyoto City Government, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO))