Top 10 Overcrowded & Price-Hiking Tourist Spots in Japan - Complete Guide 2024-2025
To travelers coming to Japan from abroad
Japan, a compact island nation, boasts diverse scenic spots and a thousand-year history. However, this charm has led to a rapid increase in reports of "crowds when visiting" and "hotels being more expensive than expected" in recent years. The yen's depreciation and the resumption of international flights have resulted in record-breaking inbound visitors in 2024, with some regions experiencing overtourism.
This guide highlights 10 areas where congestion and price hikes are particularly notable in 2024–2025, summarized into three key points:
Why Go? ─ The value and experiences you can enjoy
Crowd & Cost Now ─ How crowded and expensive they are
Smart Tips ─ How to avoid crowds and enjoy responsibly
Your satisfaction during travel depends on "timing" and "how you spend your time." Use this list to plan a comfortable and sustainable trip to Japan tailored to your interests, budget, and schedule.
Quick Overview of Congestion and Price Hikes
| Rank | Area | Main congestion/price indicators | Typical issues | Tips to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyoto City | Average ADR ¥20,195 (record high) | Unauthorized entry into geisha districts, long lines on city buses | Visit early on weekdays + stay in suburbs |
| 2 | Osaka City | 14.64 million inbound visitors / ADR ¥22,622 | Full-day congestion at USJ and Dotonbori | Book half a year in advance during expo period |
| 3 | Central Tokyo | Hotel occupancy 82%, high ADR | Crowds at Asakusa and Shibuya / ¥30,000 per night | Visit before 8 am or late at night |
| 4 | Mount Fuji Area | Climbing fee ¥2,000 + restrictions | Climbing traffic jams, confusion at Lake Kawaguchi | Visit on weekdays in July + reserve mountain huts |
| 5 | Niseko | Accommodation tax up to ¥2,000 | Winter luxury accommodations, hotel shortages | Book six months ahead / consider Hakuba |
| 6 | Takayama & Shirakawa-go | Parking fee ¥1,000→¥2,000 | Crowded observation decks, accommodation shortages | Visit before 7 am or in the evening |
| 7 | Miyajima | Entry tax ¥100 | Ferry and shopping street saturation | Take early ferry or stay on the island |
| 8 | Okinawa Main Island & Remote Islands | 9.66 million tourists | Car rental shortages, high hotel prices | Visit immediately after rainy season or on weekdays in fall |
| 9 | Kamakura & Enoshima | Increased complaints about crossings | Crowded Enoden train, photo spots | Visit early morning 6-8 am or on weekdays |
| 10 | Hakone | Accommodation + ¥8,000 | Ropeway waits over an hour | Visit on weekdays Tuesday-Thursday + use free passes |
1. Kyoto City (Kyoto Prefecture)
Attractions & Highlights
- A city steeped in over 1,000 years of history as Japan's ancient capital. UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji, along with Gion geisha district and Kamo River with its riverbed dining, showcase Japan's cultural essence.
- Seasonal scenery—cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves, and winter snow—are a photographer's delight.
Congestion & Price Trends in 2024–25
- The average hotel ADR in the city has reached ¥20,195, a record high, with an occupancy rate of 78.5%【(travelvoice.jp)】.
- Videos of crowds stopping traffic on Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka went viral, and signs prohibiting entry into private alleys with fines of ¥10,000 appeared【(news.com.au)】.
Impact on Travelers
- City buses are always full; temple visits can require 30–60 minutes wait. Affordable accommodations sell out months in advance, making overnight stays in nearby Shiga Prefecture more practical.
Smart Visiting Tips
- Visit popular temples and shrines early in the morning before 7:00.
- Base yourself in Otsu, Uji, or northern Osaka, and travel via JR.
- For a quieter experience, consider spreading out to Kanazawa or Hida Takayama.
2. Osaka City (Osaka Prefecture)
Attractions & Highlights
- The latest attractions at Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
- Dotonbori's neon lights and street food like takoyaki and kushikatsu.
- Osaka Castle with its impressive tower and the local culture of Shinsekai.
Congestion & Price Trends in 2024–25
- Record-breaking inbound visitors in 2024, with 14.64 million foreigners【(asahi.com)】.
- Hotel ADR in December 2024 reached ¥22,622, a 66% increase over 2019【(asahi.com)】.
Impact on Travelers
- Rides at USJ can have 3–4 hour waits. During the Expo period (April 13–October 13, 2025), hotels are in chronic shortage.
Smart Visiting Tips
- Book during weekdays and at least six months in advance for expo visits.
- Consider staying in Kobe, Nara, or Wakayama, and travel via JR or private railways.
- Use USJ Express Pass to reduce wait times.
3. Central Tokyo (Tokyo)
Attractions & Highlights
- Experience Edo atmosphere at Asakusa and cutting-edge culture at Shibuya Scramble.
- From anime shops in Akihabara to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Congestion & Price Trends in 2024–25
- Hotel ADR in December 2024 is ¥19,028, a seven-year high【(neomount.co.jp)】.
- Crowds are present throughout the day at Asakusa and Shibuya; during cherry blossom and Halloween seasons, movement becomes difficult.
Impact on Travelers
- Mid-range hotels cost around ¥30,000 per night; subway cars are crowded with large suitcases.
Smart Visiting Tips
- Take photos early in the morning before 8:00 or after 10:00 pm.
- Stay in Chiba (Maihama, Funabashi), Saitama (Omiya), or Kanagawa (Kawasaki) for convenience.
- Use the "Tokyo Subway Navigation" app to check real-time congestion.
4. Mount Fuji Area (Yamanashi & Shizuoka)
Attractions & Highlights
- The sacred mountain and UNESCO World Heritage site. Sunrise from the summit, water reflections at Fuji Five Lakes, and thrilling rides at Fuji-Q Highland.
Congestion & Price Trends in 2024–25
- Yoshida route introduces a ¥2,000 climbing fee and limits to 4,000 climbers per day【(romancing-japan.com)】.
- The pedestrian flood at Lake Kawaguchi's Lawson store has led to the installation of a 25-meter fence【(japan-forward.com)】.
Impact on Travelers
- Climbing traffic jams can disrupt schedules and increase altitude sickness risk. Even 3-star hotels around Lake Kawaguchi can charge over ¥30,000 per night.
Smart Visiting Tips
- Aim for weekdays in July with mountain hut reservations.
- Photographers should visit quiet lakes like Motosu or Shōjiko.
- As an alternative, consider high-altitude trekking in the Northern Alps or Yatsugatake.
5. Niseko (Hokkaido)
Attractions & Highlights
- World-renowned powder snow and extensive ski slopes.
- Summer activities include rafting, mountain biking, and outdoor adventures year-round.
Congestion & Price Trends in 2024–25
- Accommodation tax (up to ¥2,000 per night) starts from December 1, 2024【(niseko-grand.com)】.
- Luxury villas in winter can exceed ¥100,000 per night.
Impact on Travelers
- Backpacker accommodations are limited; English signage is common, but Japanese-only signage may be inconvenient.
Smart Visiting Tips
- Book hostels and private lodgings six months in advance.
- For budget options, consider nearby Furano or Shirakawa-go for similar snow experiences.
6. Takayama & Shirakawa-go (Gifu Prefecture)
Attractions & Highlights
- Historic townscape of Hida Takayama with morning markets.
- UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go with gassho-style houses, especially picturesque with snow.
Congestion & Price Trends in 2024–25
- Village parking fees increase from ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 starting October 1, 2025【(shirakawa-go.gr.jp)】.
- Observation decks and bus terminals are crowded.
Impact on Travelers
- Limited parking causes day-trippers to concentrate, leading to peak daytime crowds.
Smart Visiting Tips
- Visit before 7 am or after 5 pm.
- Spread out visits to Gokayama (Toyama) or other regions.
7. Miyajima (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Attractions & Highlights
- The iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its floating torii gate, considered one of Japan's three most scenic views.
- Deer roam freely, and local delicacies include anago rice and oysters.
Congestion & Price Trends in 2024–25
- An entrance tax of ¥100 was introduced on October 1, 2023【(gethiroshima.com)】.
- Ferry and shopping streets become crowded with group tours around midday.
Impact on Travelers
- Meal waits can exceed an hour; accommodations are limited, with prices ranging from ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 per night.
Smart Visiting Tips
- Take the first ferry or stay overnight on the island to enjoy early mornings or quiet evenings.
- Alternative destinations include Okuno Island in Seto Inland Sea or Dōgo Onsen in Matsuyama.
8. Okinawa Main Island & Remote Islands (Okinawa Prefecture)
Attractions & Highlights
- Pristine beaches with emerald waters, world-class coral reefs for diving.
- Unique Ryukyuan culture and history.
Congestion & Price Trends in 2024–25
- Tourist numbers reached 9.66 million in 2024, recovering to 95% of 2019 levels【(fukuoka-now.com)】.
- Hotels on Ishigaki and Miyako Islands range from ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 per night; rental cars are in short supply and expensive.
Impact on Travelers
- Summer beach and tour bookings fill up quickly; traffic congestion and parking shortages are common.
Smart Visiting Tips
- Visit immediately after the rainy season (late June) or on fall weekdays for fewer crowds.
- Consider Amami Oshima or Kochi's Kashima for less crowded alternatives.
9. Kamakura & Enoshima (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Attractions & Highlights
- Kamakura's Great Buddha, Zen temples, and Yuigahama beach—combining historic and seaside charm.
- The Kamakura High School Front Crossing from Slam Dunk is a global icon.
Congestion & Price Trends in 2024–25
- Unauthorized crossing incidents have increased, leading to security personnel on weekends【(matcha-jp.com)】.
- Enoden train and Komachi Street are crowded throughout the day; accommodation prices are rising, leading many to do day trips.
Impact on Travelers
- Photo spots require waiting in line; train cars may be full.
Smart Visiting Tips
- Explore temples and crossings early in the morning (6–8 am), then leave before noon.
- Alternative destinations include Kawagoe in Saitama or Tateyama in Chiba.
10. Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Attractions & Highlights
- Hot spring resort with views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi cruises, and outdoor art museums.
- Art lovers can enjoy the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Glass Forest.
Congestion & Price Trends in 2024–25
- Inbound demand has increased accommodation costs by an average of ¥8,000 per person per night compared to five years ago【(news.ntv.co.jp)】.
- Ropeway and pirate ship rides often have waits exceeding an hour.
Impact on Travelers
- Public baths and outdoor hot springs are crowded; taxi waits can be over an hour【(toyokeizai.net)】.
Smart Visiting Tips
- Visit on weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) and take the Romancecar early in the morning to avoid traffic.
- Spread out visits to hot spring towns like Izu, Nasu, or Nikko.
Summary
- Japan's popular tourist destinations offer immense魅力, but capacity and pricing issues are becoming apparent.
- Balance the value of visiting with potential crowd stress, and plan accordingly.
- Check official websites and live cameras for the latest information, and a few smart adjustments can significantly enhance your travel experience in Japan.