In an effort to combat wintertime overtourism, a Japanese hot spring town known for its picturesque snowy landscapes started restricting day visitors’ access on Monday.
About 330,000 tourists visit the isolated village of Ginzan Onsen in the northern Yamagata region each year.
Many people post pictures of its historic buildings online, which evoke a sense of nostalgia as they are covered in snow and lit by lamps.
But like in more well-known locations like Kyoto and Mount Fuji, the authorities in Ginzan Onsen have grown tired of the increase in traffic jams, fights, and other annoyances.
Starting on Monday, visitors who want to visit between 5 and 8 p.m. must make a reservation; only those sleeping at nearby hotels will be permitted entry after 8 p.m.
