Japan is buckling under the weight of overtourism, with international arrivals soaring from 3.8 million in 2022 to a record 42.7 million in 2025. In the country’s most recognisable cities – Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo – overcrowded attractions and fully booked hotels have become the norm.
Then there’s Kobe – known for its namesake marbled beef, though otherwise it’s an enigma to most travellers.
