Kyoto City is visitor ready as tourism begins to rebound to Japan following the lifting of visa restrictions on October 11, 2022. The city maintains a strong focus on a roadmap towards sustainable tourism. Following the development, almost 2 years ago, of the ‘Code of Conduct for Sustainable Tourism in Kyoto’* the city continues to roll out initiatives that make tourism that is satisfying and enriching for everyone: communities, businesses, residents, tourists, and all those who love Kyoto throughout the world. The online tool Kyoto Travel Congestion Forecast, recently launched in English, is one such initiative.
Kyoto Travel Congestion Forecast launched in English on October 6, 2022, just days ahead of Japan’s reopening. The easy-to-use online tool provides predictions on how congested or pleasant popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto may be during different hours and days, as well as providing real-time information through livestream cameras for the most popular areas. The website carries useful information encouraging travellers to avoid crowds, by including suggestions of places that may be less busy during daytime hours when other areas are likely to be crowded. Previously the website existed only in Japanese, now the English version can give many visitors useful indicators about crowding, how to avoid busy times, enhancing the safety and comfort of their visit to Kyoto.
To see the Kyoto Travel Congestion Forecast
(https://kyoto.travel/info/maps-apps/congestion.html)
Forecasts & Livestream cameras* available for:
- Kyoto Station
- Central Kyoto (Nishiki Markets)
- Gion & Kiyomizu (Hamamikoji Street & Kiyomizuzaka -Nene no michi)
- Saga Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge & Bamboo Forest)
- Fushimi (Fushimi Inari Taisha)
- Philosopher’s Path & Okazaki Park**
- Kinugasa / Kitano / Nishijin (Kitano Tenmangu Shrine & Kinkaku-ji Temple**
**no livestream camera available
*About the ‘Code of Conduct for Sustainable Tourism in Kyoto’
Created in November 2020, in response to the “Kyoto Declaration on Tourism and Culture,” following the UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture held in Kyoto in December, 2019. The Kyoto Declaration pointed out the necessity for a code of conduct to raise the ethical awareness of all those involved in tourism, in order to promote sustainable development of tourism and culture. Kyoto City Tourism Association believes that tourism in harmony with Kyoto’s local communities and residents will enhance the visitors’ experience and encourage the inheritance and development of traditional and contemporary culture, protect the beautiful townscape and natural environment, and nurture the economy. As a result, making Kyoto a wonderful place to live, visit, or work.
Code of Conduct for Sustainable Tourism in Kyoto
To maximise visitor appreciation and enjoyment of Kyoto:
(Contributing to the local culture and community while promoting harmony between residential life and tourism)
1. Support the transmission and development of the history, culture, and traditions of Kyoto while respecting the daily life of the residents by behaving in accordance with local rules and customs.
(Preserving the natural environment and scenic landscape)
2. Protect the beautiful, natural landscape and townscape of Kyoto as well as the global environment: Show consideration for the local natural environment and scenic landscape while engaging in environmentally friendly tourism.
(Mutual understanding and cultural exchange)
3. Make your visit to Kyoto a valuable experience of learning about another region’s community and engaging in mutual cultural appreciation: Actively interact with the people and community of Kyoto and inform others of the charms of Kyoto.
(Establishing resilient tourism against crises such as disasters and infectious diseases)
4. Enable everyone to live in peace and safety by exercising precautions towards disasters, infectious diseases, or accidents, and take appropriate actions at the time of a crisis.
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