A popular Japanese ski destination is taking a hard line against poorly behaved visitors, introducing a new system of fines for disruptive actions starting next summer.
New Rules for Resort Conduct
The village of Hakuba in Nagano Prefecture, home to the renowned Hakuba Goryu ski resort, will implement the new regulations on 1 July 2026. The measures are a direct response to a dramatic increase in visitor numbers and subsequent complaints from local residents.
The rules will specifically target a range of anti-social behaviours that have caused friction. These include creating graffiti, making loud noises after 10 pm, setting off fireworks at night, and smoking while walking. Officials will have the power to issue an order to cease such activities immediately.
Financial Penalties for Non-Compliance
Should a tourist refuse to comply with an official order to stop their disruptive behaviour, they will face a significant financial penalty. Fines of up to ¥50,000 (approximately £237) can be levied against offenders.
This decisive action follows a period of explosive growth in tourism for the area. Visitor numbers to Hakuba skyrocketed from 330,000 in 2023 to nearly 2.71 million in 2024, placing immense pressure on the local community and infrastructure.
Part of a National Trend
Hakuba is not acting in isolation. The village is joining a growing list of approximately 20 other Japanese municipalities that have adopted similar local ordinances. This reflects a broader national concern in Japan about the challenges of overtourism and its impact on the quality of life for residents.
The move signifies a shift from reliance on polite requests to the enforcement of concrete rules, as destinations across Japan seek to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of local order and culture.
