As foreign visitors return in droves following the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan has outlined new plans to counter problems associated with overtourism, including bolstering transportation systems in major cities and drawing visitors to lesser-known rural areas.
The tourism ministry unveiled its overtourism prevention plan at a meeting on Wednesday, summarizing the various efforts that have begun to be made in areas around the nation.
The new plan includes a measure to strengthen infrastructure — especially boosting bus and taxi fleets — in order to welcome tourists and better cope with overcrowding in popular cities. Taxi companies in some cities are struggling to keep up with demand.