
TOKYO: The Japan Tourism Agency has released a “Travel Etiquette” guide for travelers to Japan in response to a surge in the numbers of tourists and a rise in “inappropriate behavior.”
“Inbound tourism has rapidly recovered in the last few years and is now exhibiting strong growth,” the agency said. “With the increase in tourists, instances of inappropriate behavior have risen in some regions of the country.”
To address this problem, the Japan Tourism Agency has introduced “Travel Etiquette for the Future” and “Tourism Pictograms” to encourage “courteous and considerate behavior.”
The Japan Tourism Agency is encouraging people to use these to raise awareness of proper behavior when traveling in Japan. It notes: “Manners that are commonplace for locals may not necessarily be the same for travelers with different cultures and customs.”
The agency added: “As a courteous and considerate traveler, your good manners help protect and preserve the destinations you visit while enriching your own travels. Become a ‘responsible traveler’ and get the most from your travels by respecting the local environment and people, as well as other visitors.”
It says a responsible traveler doesn’t litter, doesn’t take photos without permission, and doesn’t take large luggage into crowded spaces.
The sections include: “Know your destination,” “Avoid the crowds,” “Travel smart and travel light,” “Respect cultural assets,” “Dispose of trash responsibly,” “Buy local” and “Take your time.”
It adds that it wants to “protect and preserve local culture, traditions, and natural environments as well as to develop the economy and society of local areas.”
It also advises travelers to prepare for possible illness or injury and to be prepared for a natural disaster, which are commonplace in Japan.