Taiwanese Traveler's Hot Spring Getaway: Japan's 'Spirited Away' Town Limits Crowds

Overtourism Concerns Prompt Restrictions in a Japanese Hot Spring Town, Beloved by Anime Fans and Taiwanese Travelers Alike.

Dreaming of a serene escape? A quaint Japanese hot spring town, famed for its resemblance to the animated world of "Spirited Away," is taking steps to preserve its magic amidst a surge of tourists, including visitors from Taiwan.

Ginzan Onsen, nestled in Japan's Yamagata Prefecture, is facing the double-edged sword of popularity. Its picturesque, snow-covered townscape, reminiscent of the hidden "swordsmith village" from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," and rumored to have inspired scenes in "Spirited Away," is drawing crowds. The town's Taisho period architecture and charming atmosphere are at risk due to the influx of visitors.

The community's efforts to protect its cultural heritage and the unique character of the town are underway. Ginzan Onsen, which evolved from a silver mining town in the Edo Period, offers 13 ryokan and restaurants. In fiscal year 2023, approximately 334,000 tourists visited this town, dwarfing the local population of around 13,000. Among them, 20,000 foreign tourists contributed to the tourist influx, and their numbers are expected to increase.

The situation has created challenges such as congestion, with traffic jams hindering emergency vehicles and visitors swarming the narrow streets. Complaints arose regarding litter left by some tourists.

In response, the city and the hot springs association collaborated to implement admission restrictions for day-trippers. From December 2024 to February, visitors were required to park outside the resort and use a paid shuttle bus. Entry tickets had to be bought in advance, and visitor numbers were limited to 100 per hour during certain times.

Despite the controls, the serene atmosphere persists. A 53-year-old Taiwanese visitor expressed appreciation, highlighting the town's beauty. Mitsutoshi Terauchi, 75, from central Japan, also praised the measures for enhancing the experience.

Officials say the measures have improved congestion. Road congestion dropped, and a survey showed that 95% of visitors supported the restrictions. However, Eiji Wakimoto, head of the hot spring association, admits they are facing new issues, and the authorities are seeking to improve the format. Officials are considering implementing the visitor limits throughout the year. Kentaro Koseki, who runs a long-established ryokan, believes that it's important to preserve the town's atmosphere for visitors, creating a place to enjoy the falling snow.