Shirakawagō has said it wants to welcome tourists to teach them about the village’s history and traditions. However, it may be a victim of its own success. The village continues to struggle to accommodate demand. Recent reports now say it’s considering moving to a reservation-only system for large groups.
A struggle to keep up
Built in an area that’s 96% forest, Shirakawagō in Gifu Prefecture is home to 300+-year-old gassho-zukuri (合掌造り) houses, houses with slanted thatched roofing. The village is a top destination for inbound tourists, with yearly visitors amounting to 1,000 times the number of residents.
However, the fame has also led to issues with tourists walking into people’s houses, trespassing on property, and littering. The village has taken measures to prevent issues, such as preparing a website in multiple languages detailing the rules you should follow when visiting.
However, that hasn’t addressed issues with overcrowding. Shirakawagō’s current plan to cut down on crowds is to make it more expensive to park. The village announced earlier this year it would raise individual parking rates from 1,000 yen (USD $6.70) to 2,000 yen ($13.50). It’s also raising parking rates for tour buses from 3,000 yen ($20) to 10,000 yen ($67).
However, TV Asahi says the village may go a step further. It’s considering a plan to require tour buses to reserve parking spots in advance. The move could cut down on parking congestion and create a smoother experience for everyone.
"Noah [at Unseen Japan] put together an itinerary that didn’t lock us in and we could travel at our own pace. In Tokyo, he guided us personally on a walking tour. Overall, he made our Japan trip an experience not to forget." - Kate and Simon S., Australia
Asahi interviewed a few Japanese citizens, who were all behind the idea. And no wonder. The spike in inbound visitors to spots like Shirakawagō has made it harder for Japanese citizens to enjoy their own cultural heritage.
If implemented, the reservation system would go into effect next year. It would likely lead to a decrease in bus trips to the area, requiring more advanced planning for anyone who wants to visit by tour bus.
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Sources
訪日客“多すぎる”白川郷 “予約制”検討 どう変わる？ TV Asahi News
