Tourism in Japan has increased significantly, with nearly 37 million visitors last year. Ryusuke, a tour guide in Tokyo, explains that the city is crowded with tourists from all over the world. However, many visitors do not understand local customs, such as avoiding eating while walking.
As tourism grows, some local residents are frustrated with visitors behaving inappropriately, such as climbing shrine gates, harassing geisha entertainers, and trespassing. The most affected areas include Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji, where large crowds disrupt daily life.
The Japanese government plans to increase tourism to 60 million visitors, but many locations are not prepared for more tourists. Experts warn that the situation may worsen as popular tourist spots become too crowded. To manage the situation, the government is encouraging tourists to explore quieter rural areas.
With spring approaching, Tokyo is expecting another surge in visitors, making it crucial to find better ways to balance tourism and local life.
Vocabulary:
• Custom (noun): A traditional way of behaving in a specific culture.
• Shrine (noun): A sacred place for religious worship.
• Geisha (noun): A Japanese female entertainer trained in music and dance.
• Trespass (verb): To enter a place without permission.
• Temple (noun): A religious building.
• Crowd (noun): A large group of people in one place.
• Famous (adj.): Known by many people.
• Friction (noun): Conflict or tension between people.
• Surge (noun): A sudden increase in something.
• Respectful (adj.): Showing politeness and following the rules.
• Destination (noun): The place where someone is travelling.
• Accompany (verb): To go somewhere with someone.
• Guide (noun): A person who helps and explains things to visitors.
• Saturated (adj.): Completely full or crowded.
• Encourage (verb): To suggest or motivate someone to do something.
• Visitors (noun): People who travel to a place.
Source: FRANCE 24 English