Is Kyoto Still Crowded After China’s Japan Travel Warning? (Gion, Kiyomizu, Nishiki Market)
Kyoto’s over tourism dilemma. Has the Chinese travel advisory made a difference? In a world where travel trends can shift overnight, Kyoto, Japan’s iconic city, has become a symbol of over tourism. But has the recent Chinese government advisory against traveling to Japan made a noticeable impact on this bustling destination? Let’s dive in and explore the current state of affairs. the diplomatic tensions and their impact on tourism. Amidst the political tensions between China and Japan sparked by remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sonai, the Chinese government issued a travel advisory in mid- November. This advisory urged Chinese citizens to refrain from visiting Japan, leading to a significant drop in Chinese tourist numbers. So, how has this affected Kyoto, a city known for its iconic temples, shrines, and shopping districts? A shift in Kyoto’s tourism landscape. In recent years, Kyoto has witnessed a surge in foreign tourists, often outnumbering local sightseers at its most popular attractions. This influx has prompted many domestic travelers to seek alternative vacation spots. With the sudden decline in Chinese tourists, the question arises, has Kyoto become a ghost town or is it still a bustling hub for international visitors? Our reporter Heruka Tokagi set out to explore this very question. Living in Japan’s Kai region, but not in Kyoto, she wanted to uncover the truth behind the city’s tourism scene. Haruka’s spot check, Gian Shotting Guy and Beyond. Haruka began her exploration at Gian Shotting Guy, a vibrant shopping street leading to the historic Gian Geisha district. Despite it being a weekday, the street was bustling with activity. While the crowds were not overwhelming, Haruka noticed a surprising ratio of Japanese locals to foreign tourists, a more balanced mix than expected. As she ventured further, Haruka arrived at Hanamikoji Street, an area that has been at the center of over tourism discussions. Here she noticed a significant decrease in tourist crowds compared to previous TV news reports. The security guard on duty confirmed that the number of tourists had indeed declined, attributing it to the ongoing tensions between the Chinese and Japanese governments. Kiomizu Temple, a surprise turn of events. Heading towards Kiomizu Temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks, Haruka walked along Na Na No Mikei, a cobblestone path leading up to the temple. Surprisingly, the path was comfortably uncrowded. However, as she approached Ki Muzaka, the slope leading to the temple, the crowds became overwhelming. The ratio of domestic Japanese tourists dropped with foreign visitors taking up a larger percentage. Haruko observed a diverse mix of travelers from all corners of the globe. The tour bus parking area at Kiomizu further emphasized the temple’s popularity despite the recent decline in Chinese tourism. Transportation wos and a shift in Nishiki market. While making her way back into town, Haruka witnessed a disturbing site on Kia Mizuzaka. The narrow street shared by pedestrians and vehicles often resulted in tourists crossing the street haphazardly, causing congestion and prompting taxi drivers to honk their horns. Haruka described it as a chaotic hell. Closer to the city center, Haruka visited Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, for its abundance of fresh produce and groceries. However, on this weekend evening, the market was packed with international tourists. Haruka noticed a significant shift in the market’s offerings with a move towards fancier tourist oriented foods such as sushi with high-end seafood and wiju beef skewers. The market had transformed from a local kitchen to a tourist snack spot. The overall impact on Kyoto’s tourism. Haruka’s exploration revealed that while tourist crowds in Kyoto may be slightly smaller since the Chinese travel advisory, the city remains a highly popular destination for foreign tourists. Kyoto is still significantly more crowded than it was a few years ago and the decline in Chinese tourism has not resolved its over tourism concerns. So has the Chinese travel advisory made a difference? While it has led to a noticeable decrease in Chinese tourists, Kyoto’s tourism economy remains robust and visitors should still expect crowded conditions and the need to be considerate and respectful while exploring this iconic city. What are your thoughts on Kyoto’s tourism landscape? Do you think the city can find a balance between welcoming visitors and managing over tourism? Share your insights in the comments below.
Is Kyoto actually less crowded after China’s government told its citizens not to travel to Japan?
In this video, we walk through Kyoto’s most popular spots – Gion, Hanamikoji, Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, and Shijo – to see what’s really happening on the streets. You’ll see what crowds look like now, how many visitors are Japanese vs. overseas tourists, and whether Kyoto feels any calmer than before the advisory.
We’ll cover:
– Why China issued a don’t‑go‑to‑Japan travel warning and how it affects Kyoto’s tourism.
– What Gion Shotengai and Hanamikoji look like now, including geisha district crowd levels.
– How busy Kiyomizu-dera and Kiyomizuzaka really are, plus what the tour bus parking area tells us.
– Why Nishiki Market feels more like a tourist food court than “Kyoto’s kitchen” today.
– Overtourism issues: crowded sidewalks, long bus lines, and tourist behavior around cars and taxis.
– Practical tips for visiting Kyoto now: when to go, how to move around, and how to be respectful in busy areas.
This is a must‑watch if you’re planning a Kyoto trip, wondering if it’s finally less crowded, or curious how politics and travel advisories change life in Japan’s most famous sightseeing city.
Keywords: Kyoto overtourism, China travel warning, Kyoto crowds, Gion geisha district, Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, Japan travel 2025, is Kyoto still crowded
