TOKYO — Japan’s Environment Ministry has unveiled a draft revision to its ecotourism policy, aiming to address concerns that a surge in inbound visitors could harm valuable ecosystems.
The proposed update—the first since the policy’s establishment in 2008—includes measures to strengthen monitoring and encourage responsible travel practices. Finalization could come as early as March.
The draft highlights that social media and other factors have driven excessive tourist traffic to certain destinations, causing congestion, illegal waste disposal, and potential damage to wildlife and plants.
At the same time, it emphasizes that ecotourism “balances conservation of nature and culture with visitor experiences” and can help build sustainable local communities.
Recommendations include continuous monitoring of tourism’s impact on ecosystems and residents, creating usage rules in consultation with local communities, and providing government support for training specialized guides and enhancing multilingual services.
