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Shirakawago Tourist Booklet Advises Against Overtourism for Sustainable Travel
Resumen
In Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture, local officials have created a distinctive tourism guidebook designed to address the challenges of overtourism in this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
The guide, named “Reconnecting Shirakawago,” highlights the reality that the village, renowned for its traditional gassho-style houses characterized by steep thatched roofs, functions as a residential community rather than a tourist attraction.
The guidebook outlines pressing issues faced by the village, which is home to around 1,500 residents.
It offers valuable insights for visitors and includes useful information on local attractions.
An official from the village’s tourism bureau expressed that the increasing visitor influx has overwhelmed the locals, making it difficult for them to extend warm hospitality.
The intention behind the guide is to encourage responsible tourism.
This year marks a significant milestone: the 30th anniversary of Shirakawago’s designation as a World Heritage site.
To commemorate this, the village has rolled out its inaugural tourism guidebook.
The A5-sized, 34-page leaflet has been distributed at the Gifu Prefecture office in Tokyo and at a specialty shop in Nagoya.
While the guidebook includes some information on the World Heritage district, it prioritizes guidelines on local etiquette.
These regulations are meant to safeguard the quality of life for residents while promoting a mutual understanding between tourists and locals.
Key Rules and Guidelines
The guidebook explicitly outlines five fundamental rules for visitors:
- No Nighttime Sightseeing: To maintain the tranquility of the village.
- Ban on Smoking in Public Spaces: A strict prohibition on street smoking and littering, especially concerning cigarette butts.
- No Fire Use: This includes fireworks and any other fire-related activities.
- Trash Responsibility: Visitors are encouraged to take their litter back home, emphasizing the importance of leaving no trace.
- Parking Regulations: All vehicles must be parked in designated village-run parking areas.
Additionally, a comic strip illustrates the potential cultural misunderstandings that can arise.
A QR code included in the pamphlet directs readers to a video that provides further etiquette guidance.
Overtourism Challenges
Shirakawa has experienced a significant increase in tourist numbers, with 2.15 million visitors recorded in 2019, a considerable rise from 770,000 in 1995.
The recovery of inbound tourism saw approximately 2.08 million visitors in 2024.
This surge often leads to severe traffic congestion, particularly during holidays, which disrupts daily activities for locals.
The guidebook suggests lesser-known sites such as the Former Toyama House, a cultural property located about 20 minutes away by car.
It also encourages exploration of areas like Miboro Dam and nearby onsen, or hot springs.
The municipal government encourages tourists to broaden their itineraries beyond the immediate World Heritage area.
Shirakawago encompasses a larger geographic scope than many may realize.
Travel Recommendations
Visitors are encouraged to consider detouring from the Shokawa Interchange in Takayama rather than heading directly to the Shirakawago area.
This alternative route can significantly reduce traffic buildup near popular spots.
The guidebook is accessible for download on the Shirakawa village website, making it easy for anyone planning to visit.
Local authorities are also contemplating translating the guidebook into several languages to reach a broader audience.
This effort underscores the commitment to fostering an environment where tourism can coexist harmoniously with village life.
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Mis escritos se centran en los diversos aspectos del estilo de vida japonés, desde las ceremonias tradicionales del té y los arreglos florales hasta las tendencias modernas de la moda y la cultura pop. Con mis artículos pretendo compartir mi pasión por Japón y ofrecer a los lectores una visión del rico y diverso mundo de la cultura japonesa.
Creo que la clave para entender el estilo de vida japonés es apreciar el equilibrio entre tradición e innovación. Aunque Japón tiene un rico patrimonio cultural que se remonta a siglos atrás, también es un país que evoluciona constantemente y adopta nuevas ideas y tecnologías.
Tanto si te interesa conocer las últimas tendencias de la moda en Tokio como si quieres explorar el antiguo arte de la caligrafía, mis escritos te llevarán de viaje por las múltiples facetas del estilo de vida japonés. Acompáñame a explorar juntos la belleza y la complejidad de esta fascinante cultura.
