Otaru Deploys Guards Amid Tourist Influx

Otaru, a port city in Japan's Hokkaido prefecture, has deployed security guards to manage overwhelming tourist crowds at the scenic Funamizaka slope, famous for its appearances in films like 'Love Letter' and 'Cities in Love.' This measure follows the tragic death of a tourist who was struck by a train while taking photos on the tracks. The influx of tourists, partly driven by a weaker yen, has led to issues such as road blockages, trespassing, and traffic congestion, prompting local authorities to implement stricter controls and increase police patrols. Multilingual signs have been posted to deter disruptive behaviors, and these efforts will continue through March. Residents and officials have expressed significant concern over the impact on local life, with similar overtourism issues reported in other popular Japanese cities like Kyoto and Osaka. Authorities aim to balance tourism benefits with the well-being of the local community, as Japan recently saw a record number of 36 million tourists in 2024.