A Japanese hot spring town popular for its photogenic snowy scenes began limiting entry to day trippers on Monday in a trial to tackle overtourism during winter.
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Ginzan Onsen, a remote town in northern Yamagata region, draws around 330,000 visitors each year.
Many share photos online of its old-fashioned buildings blanketed in snow and illuminated by lamplight that create a nostalgic atmosphere.
However, authorities in Ginzan Onsen, as in more famous destinations such as Kyoto and Mount Fuji, have become fed up with a rise in road problems, quarrels and other nuisances.
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Mount Fuji climbers face US$13 charge to curb overtourism
Mount Fuji climbers face US$13 charge to curb overtourism
From Monday, only people staying at local hotels will be allowed to enter the town after 8pm, while those wishing to visit between 5pm and 8pm will need a reservation.
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Japan has seen a record influx of foreign tourists this year as the weak yen swells a post-pandemic travel boom.