A City Caught Between Its Own Charm and Global Attention
Kyoto has always drawn travelers in — with its ancient temples, seasonal beauty, and the promise of a slower, more elegant Japan. But something’s shifted. If you visited this past autumn, you may have noticed something missing. Or rather, someone.
More and more, Japanese tourists are staying away from the city’s most iconic landmarks — the very places they once flocked to in every season. The culprit? Crowds. Not just crowds, but the swelling numbers of foreign visitors, who now dominate the city’s most photogenic corners.
Autumn Numbers Paint a Clearer Picture
Hoping to understand what’s going on, Kyoto’s local government took a close look at GPS smartphone data collected between November 1 and December 15 — right in the thick of fall foliage season. What they found wasn’t subtle.
Foreign tourists jumped by 30 percent compared to the previous year, while Japanese visitor numbers dipped by 15 percent. That’s not a small shuffle — that’s a real shift in the rhythm of the city.
Locals Look Beyond the Crowds
But Japanese travelers didn’t stop visiting Kyoto altogether. Many of them simply went elsewhere — exploring the quieter outskirts instead of squeezing into the usual hotspots. In fact, visitor numbers in these lesser-known areas climbed anywhere from 10 to 50 percent.
It’s a sign that Kyoto still holds its magic for locals — just not in the places where selfie sticks and tour groups jam the narrow lanes.
Still, the overall math suggests those peaceful detours haven’t fully balanced out the loss in high-traffic zones.
Hotels Tell the Same Story
If you’ve tried to book a room in central Kyoto recently, you’ll know it’s no easy task. And you’re not alone. A report from the city’s tourism association found that foreign guests filled over 70 percent of rooms in major hotels last April — a first. That trend kept going through the summer and beyond.
It’s not that Japanese travelers don’t want to come — they just might not want to fight for a room, or pay the steep rates that come with international demand.
A Growing Gap in Spending Power
And then there’s the money.
Before the pandemic, foreign visitors spent just under ¥38,000 on average during a trip to Kyoto. In 2023? That number soared to ¥71,661 — nearly double. Japanese tourists? They spent closer to ¥23,800, a much smaller increase over the same period.
Why the big difference? The weak yen plays a role. For travelers coming from abroad, Japan now feels like a luxury destination at bargain prices. That’s changed the game — high-end hotels, upscale souvenir shops, and curated experiences are increasingly tailored for deep-pocketed overseas guests.
Kyoto Feels Different — But It’s Still Kyoto
There’s no denying it: Kyoto is evolving. It’s becoming more international, more crowded, and in some places, more commercial. But the soul of the city — the quiet beauty, the tucked-away teahouses, the rustle of wind through bamboo groves — is still there. It just might take a bit more effort to find.
If you’re planning a visit, look beyond the obvious. Book early. Wander further. And don’t be afraid to skip the usual checklist. Kyoto rewards those who slow down and go off-script.
🧭 People Also Ask
Why are Japanese tourists avoiding Kyoto’s main attractions?
Because of crowding and rising hotel costs, many are choosing quieter areas over iconic landmarks packed with foreign tourists.
Are there still peaceful places to explore in Kyoto?
Absolutely. Outer districts and lesser-known neighborhoods are seeing more domestic visitors — and offer a more relaxed experience.
How much are foreign visitors spending in Kyoto?
On average, around ¥71,000 per trip in 2023 — nearly double pre-pandemic figures.
Is it still worth visiting Kyoto in 2025?
Yes, but consider exploring beyond the popular spots. There’s a whole other side to Kyoto waiting to be rediscovered.
Why is it hard to book a hotel in Kyoto?
With the boom in international tourism, foreign guests are filling up most rooms in central Kyoto, especially during peak seasons.
🗣 Final Word: Can Kyoto Stay True to Itself?
It’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic for the Kyoto of even five years ago — quieter mornings, shorter lines, and the chance to stumble on something special without fighting for space. But cities change. Tourism brings life, revenue, and energy — but it also asks something in return. The real question is this: Can Kyoto embrace the world without losing the very things that made the world fall in love with it?
📚 Extra Reading: More Places to Fall in Love With
If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys discovering the heart of a place beyond the usual itinerary, you might enjoy these destination deep-dives too:
AloJapan.com