Unveiling Japan's Ingenious Solution to Tackle Overtourism: Discover the Trendsetting Tourist Tax at the Enchanting Floating Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima prefecture has introduced admission fees starting October 1st as a proactive measure against overtourism, ensuring sustainable tourism management
Visiting Japan's beloved Itsukushima Shrine has recently become slightly pricier. This iconic shrine boasts a captivating bright-orange torii gate which gives the illusion of floating gracefully on a lake. It is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite and easily recognizable photography spots in the country.
In Hatsukaichi, a town in Hiroshima prefecture, there is a torii, a shrine gateway, that is a notable component of a 1,400-year-old Shinto complex acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its remarkable appearance, it has become one of Japan's most recognizable attractions, drawing even President Joe Biden to visit earlier this year.
However, this popularity has brought about some drawbacks. Overtourism has been a persistent issue for Hatsukaichi, prompting officials to introduce a tourist tax, which officially commenced on Sunday. Originally scheduled for implementation in 2021, the tax was postponed due to the pandemic.
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To visit the shrine on Miyajima, visitors are now required to pay a fee of 100 yen (67 cents). For those interested in frequent visits, a one-year pass is available for 500 yen ($3.33).
The funds will be allocated towards the development and enhancement of tourism infrastructure. This includes the construction of public bathrooms, preservation of the architectural integrity of the shrines, and the promotion of ecotourism in the region.
According to Shunji Mukai, an official from the city's planning department, there is a strong belief in the necessity to establish a welcoming atmosphere for tourists, while also ensuring the wellbeing of the local inhabitants. The hope is for tourists to actively participate as stakeholders in safeguarding Miyajima by taking shared responsibilities.
The preservation and care of Miyajima and the Itsukushima Shrine is being carried out by a project known as Another Thousand Years.
A mission statement on the project's website expresses the hope that future visitors will take on the role of island guardians, much like the current residents. It also calls for action to be taken with pride, emphasizing the island's significance as a place of divine worship. The commitment is to cherish and protect it for another millennium.
