Reflections on the Influx of Korean Tourists in Kyoto
Creatrip Team
2 years ago
During the Lunar New Year holiday, many Korean tourists visit Kyoto, Japan. Notable attractions like the Fushimi Inari Shrine are filled with visitors, and Korean is frequently heard among the crowd, alongside Chinese. Korea had the largest number of tourists visiting Japan in 2024, due to proximity, visa-free travel, and cultural connections like shared use of Chinese characters. Popular destinations for Koreans include Osaka and Kyoto for their attractions and food, as well as Fukuoka for its hot springs. While tourism provides economic benefits, it sometimes causes inconveniences for locals. This highlights the need for policies that balance tourism growth with local quality of life.