Japan’s Super Rude Tourist Problem

The problem is that these cases are being portrayed in Japanese media and making many Japanese very upset, the more it’s seen, the more animosity builds. Japan is a relatively new tourist destination for the world, but the kind of tourist attracted is on the decline. It’s definitely rare to find but the more people enter, the more incidents will occur and Japan is leading to deal with it.

[@janvanspauwen7792]

Someone says you should do basic research before you go to another country. Non, you need to learn basic manners before you leave your house.

[@blurdreamer]

There are always ppl who do nothing coz they know their partner or friends already booked & scheduled everything, they just follow them, zero research needed in their mindset. hard to change.

[@mrheineken88]

Some people have a complete change of personality when on holiday, disregarding everything their parents ever teach them.

[@Lana-xd7ey]

It's your typical american and Australian

[@sboinkthelegday3892]

This has nothing to do with tourism. USA already lives out a class-based system, celebrities are treated like zoo animals and their personal rights mitigated with "public interest" LAWS, that mean you LITERALLY don't have personal privacy if enough people are curious. CURIOUS, just nosy. Because you've done something like media and worked on films, now your entire life is a cartoon. These geisha also live as part of a society of very rich people, and obviously have all the same means to handle the attention as richest of the rich Americans. They would be treated the same if they were US citizens, and by people who have never toured ANYWHERE outside of USA. All your laws are to say manners don't mean anything, so don't expect your people to uphold manners. This is the entire meaning of "American", as if 700 million people in Latin America with Roman heritage are on a different continent, for having DIFFERENT set of legislation.

[@notjohnsalt2928]

You’re also dealing with subjective sense of what manners means, some places don’t want you to film at all in public without asking…

[@zel29prentice]

Japan should heavily fine them or put them to jail. Like Singapore.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Singapore is one place where the rules are certainly respected! I’ll never bring chewing gum with me!!

[@user-rv2qm1rh7p]

@@onlyinjapanGO that’s good but did you know you can bring chewing gum in Singapore but you cannot sell it. Source: Singaporean

[@maverickfox4102]

@@onlyinjapanGO I’m currently stationed in Japan and I had completely stopped chewing gum because there’s barely any trash cans 🚮

[@anchored555]

Singaporean here. You can bring in small quantities of chewing gum for personal consumption, but you are not allowed to sell gum in Singapore. As for heavy fines or jailing people, those operate more like a samurai sword on display - more as a deterrent than in actual practice.

[@flyisdancing]

Japan is not Singapore 😂, and is never going to be like Singapore. Japanese are taught since kids to follow the rules, not laws. 😂 It's something a little difficult to explain to people who grew up elsewhere. 😂

[@tamaradavis4527]

And when Japan closes its borders people will say their being unfair. Folks are so disrespectful, it truly makes me sad.

[@r-cdmx]

This is not a problem in most of Japan. Only Kyoto. Osaka is not complaining.

[@OnlyGrafting]

@@r-cdmx Osaka is pretty used to international shenanigans. It's viewed as a quirky city by the Japanese as a result. One city embracing it doesn't mean much.

[@bebebaba3442]

Facts

[@606Zodiac]

Makes me worried since I my husband was born in Japan, and he has family down there. I’m just nervous about if I’ll be able to continue to visit Japan due to these certain amount of narcissistic tourists.

[@SMHartNPC]

It's their country, they can do as they like, not obligated to tolerate disrespectful behavior.

[@user-qh7mv8np2s]

That short lady taking the photos of the geisha should be in a mental hospital. I wonder why she ended up in Kyoto.

[@FoodieWarrior]

She looks like a ‘Karen’

[@dianelipson5420]

She belongs in detention and the deported. You need a 24 hour response that instantly dumps people back into their own country with no chance of return for this level of disrespect.

[@VegardThefilmmaker]

If you can't behave wherever you go as a tourist you should stay home

[@user-uw5ty4vd3d]

一部の迷惑な観光客のせいで他の善良で文化も尊重してくれる観光客が日本人から嫌悪の目で見られるのは本当に悲しい事です。 私達は外国人が嫌いなのではなく礼儀を知らない恥知らずが嫌いなだけです。 日本人が言いづらい事を発信して頂き本当にありがとうございます😭

[@charlottesmom]

I’m an American who loves Japan, the land, the culture and the people. We will be visiting hopefully in two to three years, I have been learning Hiragana, Katakana and some Kanji and learning the do’s and don’ts and customs. I want to be respectful when we visit. 😊

[@user-uw5ty4vd3d]

@@charlottesmom他文化を尊重してくれる観光客は誰でも大歓迎です！！！

[@user-cf1xm9dh7b]

「私達」じゃなくてそれは「あなた個人の意見」でしょ 勝手に日本人の代表みたいに話すのやめてもらっていいですか✋

[@NN-dt7bt]

嫌悪の目で見る事はありませんが、一部の迷惑行為には敏感になっているかもしれないですね。多少の間違いは問題ないとしても、この動画に出てくる人たちは、観光客以前に、マナーを学ばなければならないと思います。

[@sovyc977]

Taking picture is not calling rude. What are tourist suppose to do? I would do the same and would probably ask the geisha to take picture with me. I'm sure the tourist is thinking the same. For example, If I see a celebrity, I would ask the same. Picture please. It's a special moment for tourist to see there celebrities. Don't call people rude for not knowing. The rude person is the person who makes this video and calling people rude. Why don't someone tell her not to take pictures of the geisha? If you're a real Japanese who wants respect, tell them instead of accusing someone who's innocent. If there're told, and they don't care. This is call rude.

[@JHR768]

Thanks for calling these people out John. Like you, I am an American, long term Tokyo resident with a Japanese wife. It breaks my heart to see this bad behavior by foreigners in Japan. Consideration of others is what we love and makes Japan so unique and special. It's always a shock for me to return to the U.S. and see how most people are just out for themselves when in public. I hope this video might curtail this epidemic of recent rude behavior just a little bit. This type of behavior makes me ashamed to be a foreigner in Japan.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

People need to see it. Know it happens, see how locals feel, tell others esp when they see it on the streets. I know it hurts me as a foreign resident, the perception I don’t know anything about Japan, and maybe I don’t 😂 so much. If we don’t talk about it, these kinds of tourists / people won’t change.

[@ensteffo]

Man wait til you hear what European did to America.

[@ellebrook3413]

@JHR768 "This type of behavior makes me ashamed to be a foreigner in Japan." Why? Their actions have absolutely nothing to do with you. The insidious tendency to generalize that one bad apple=all apples are bad is the last thing foreign residents here should be endorsing.

[@ji1511]

Shaking the trees...that's so disgusting. Those people are so disrespectful. The flowers are so delicate and only last a few days.

[@nyantsuki1061]

Yeah right ? Besides wth ?? Who is shaking trees? Monkeys do …

[@CyborgNeko]

@@ss.1121 lol the shaking blossom tree happend in china Hubei province not just chinese do those other foreigner also

[@davidpang1763]

@@ss.1121how do you know it’s Chinese?

[@charlottesmom]

⁠@@davidpang1763 Because it says “Chinese tourists shaking cherry tree” 😂

[@davidpang1763]

@@charlottesmom maybe the source is assuming that it’s Chinese but not actually Chinese

[@adriansinpilot]

Recently travel to Japan and I can definitely say that a great number of turists are indeed being rude, disrespectful or otherwise just without manners. It was so frustrating watching all these people in different settings disrupting the cultural beauty and order the Japanese have built. People assuming they have to be understood in their own language (English or Spanish ) instead of doing some effort in communicating in Japanese or at the very least using a translator app.

[@adriansinpilot]

And as a last comment; I can only be greatful that the Japanese people was always helpful, super nice, and simply just lovely. we left with endless respect and love for Japan and their people.

[@user-tg3ru6sz2q]

Thank you for your kind words. Please come visit Japan again❤

[@adriansinpilot]

@@user-tg3ru6sz2q Thank you! I really hope we will someday, my wife and I loved it and left with a piece of Japan in our hearts.

[@lobyk9266]

サントスさん 💕 ありがとうございます！ また日本を訪れて下さい！ I love you ❤

[@user-we1un8uw3f]

また日本に来てくださいね😊 ありがとうございます🗾🇯🇵🩷 ̖́-

[@brentmillhouse3516]

It’s distressing to see the lack of respect these tourists show. When you are a guest in another country, you are representing your own nationhood. These people should be ashamed of themselves.

[@Justcetriyaart]

assuming that they don't behave the same in their country/ area. had to move my plants as the neigher would watch their kids pull out the flowers/ veggies of other's property.

[@sariechizen7414]

Because of the number of the budget travelers coming over to Japan. They obviously don’t know the meaning of culture, respect nor shame. 旅は恥のかき捨て。(Tabi ha Haji no kakisute.) This is the Japanese proverb . It means shame committed while on a journey can be scratched away and so one may do anything once over the borders.

[@anchan009]

⁠@@sariechizen7414そのことわざの意味には少し誤解があります。 本来は、旅先では普段ならできないことを平気ですることがあるが、それは自分自身に対して恥ずべきことだ、という意味です。

[@urielesparza5034]

This type of behavior is sadly disrespectful.

[@themarketingplace]

her name...

[@michelelee7977]

My husband and I visit Japan often. We were at a museum which only took yen. Anyone that does any research about Japan, knows you should have yen because not everywhere takes credit card. There was a tourist yelling to the person on the counter where am I suppose to get yen? Both my husband and I thought separately to ourselves to pay for his entrance but he was yelling and then huffed away. He was so rude and we felt so bad for the employee. We bring Omiya be from Hawai’i to thank the Japanese workers who treat us so kindly. It’s so sad to see how disrespectful some tourists are.

[@maobfh]

Disrespectful tourists are disrespectful people. I don’t know that a switch is flipped when they leave their home country. I could be wrong and they relish in the autonomy of being in a foreign country but, if they use their head they would realize they are most visible when they are in a foreign country. Easily identifiable and all of the authorities have been briefed with your passport information and any trouble you might have caused in other countries. You are not autonomous simply because no one on the street seem to recognize you. Ignorance is bliss.

[@LOCATION_REDACTED]

I’d be terrified to act like that anywhere.

[@roro2k]

I've personally yelled, confronted and corrected bad mannered tourists in Japan.

[@lobyk9266]

ありがとうございます 💕

[@user-we1un8uw3f]

ありがとうございます！！

[@kiio9]

Thank you so much.

[@dstackradio]

I went off on a military wife who was having her kids sit ON TOP of shrine statues at Mt Takao! I felt obligated to so, as we are military retirees and it reflects on all military personnel. She tried to tell me to mind my own, but one of the priests (I think he was, perhaps) came over and pretty much yelled at her too. I asked her if she would mind if I jumped on the Jesus statue in her church! Sadly, some people feel entitled to act however they like. Never hesitate to call these idiots out. We’ve lived in Japan for 4 years now (hoping to be here as long as possible), and we hate being lumped in with badly behaved foreigners. I am absolutely with you! ☺️👍🏼

[@agamersinsanity]

I would have done the same. It pisses me off when tourists are being disrespectful towards another human being. It ruins for the rest of the tourists who wants to see the cultural part of Japan.

[@yaminogame7805]

really sad about this news....my japanese teacher always told us that when you visit a foreign country you should respect it because you are sort of representing your home country in a way..

[@jaejoongwannabe]

When I saw this, I was so furious. How disgusting and embarrassing is this behaviour.

[@chanchan024]

Been living in japan for more than a decade. Me and my family have a perfect spot to take photo with mt fuji as background and many asked us the location everytime we post it on social media and we always reply “somewhere in view of mt fuji.” Yes we are being selfish cuz we want to preserve how beautiful the location is with amazing nature vibe. It’s free so if it leaks many would bombard it and tourist would most likely trash the place.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Smart! Keep people guessing, looking for original spots themselves ;) no need to give people a treasure map.

[@thehighlandlife2023]

I do the same thing here in the Scottish Highlands 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 I don’t care if people call me a ‘gatekeeper’ but I won’t share the locations of our hidden gems. Because those known places are overcrowded with people and people being disrespectful of the landscape and nature.

[@Justcetriyaart]

same, even though I make videos, I'm not going to share the cool small towns we enjoyed after experiencing tokyo and osaka. we want these places to stay happy to see a tourist once in a while (they were bubbly and came up to say hi). the point is to enjoy japan as japan and not be 'international' with all the same chain stores and trash problems like we have here in the states

[@philipfirks7755]

Yes, I like this. I found my own preferred view when I was there and I think that's what everyone should do - find their own.

[@RushValentine]

When both PewDiePie and John sharing news about this (around the same month too), it really speaks in volume on how problematic this is.

[@filipaalmeida4146]

I just came back from my trip to Japan and was shocked with the majority of other tourists. Me and my partner tried so hard to learn basic japanese and customs/rules to be respectful, and everyday we dealt with other tourists that were rude, loud, just overall disrespectful. I saw a geisha in Gion, and I knew pictures are not allowed so I just enjoyed her beauty and kept it as a nice memory. But there were so many taking pictures. I had a wonderful time in Japan, and was very welcomed, but on the other hand I was very sad they had to deal with this amount of disrespect.

[@tedorsenadophotography]

Tourists feel like they have all the privilege in the world. This is very heartbreaking.

[@philipfirks7755]

Yes it is heartbreaking. I would have liked to have seen the word 'some' at the start of your comment though.

[@AdamWilliam329]

My mother told me if I ever go to another country, two things. Mind your manners. You are an ambassador of America and a reflection of us.

[@Rusu421]

It has a taste of old times, when tourism was pretty expensive for most people.

[@nicolejansen3804]

Going to Japan is on my Bucketlist , my dream destination someday . But now I have to be afraid that other tourist will spoil it for me cause Japanese people will soon get fed up with tourists.

[@OnlyGrafting]

@@nicolejansen3804 Don"t let it dissuade you. I'll be heading over in a couple days. If you end up over there, or anywhere for this matter, make sure to keep rowdy people in their lane.

[@rasalghul8195]

Americans looking for a McDonald’s and a tshirt !

[@AdamWilliam329]

@@saxophoneplaya yes

[@user-we1un8uw3f]

日本に来たら、日本人が嫌がることをしないでください。 困ります( ⌯᷄ ·̫ ⌯᷅ก ) 日本の文化、礼儀を知ってください。学んでください。 日本には日本人が暮らしています。外国人の感覚を日本人に押し付けないでください。 よろしくお願いいたします🙏

[@brittatv219]

I'm ashamed of people like that. We are German and are coming to Japan for the 7th time this week. We are respectful, polite and follow certain rules. We avoid typical tourist spots and travel to the countryside. We planned a road trip through Hokkaido by car. Personally, I don't think the spot with the Lawson in front of Mount Fuji is that great, nor the spot with the stairs. I would prefer a rural image. We always make nice acquaintances with locals. I think the way we dress and our calm demeanor tell the locals that we are not the “typical” tourists. Kind regards from the German North Sea coast…. Britta and Heiko

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Hey Britta & Heiko! Nice to hear from you! Yes, it’s shameful. You are both wonderful travelers here and know so much! That Lawson spot is not a great shot, finding an original scene isn’t so hard 😂 ask a local! Everyone has a favorite spot they may share.

[@matthewfairley4101]

7 times in one week. Now that is dedication.

[@brittatv219]

@@matthewfairley4101😂 No, not 7 times in one week, it’s 7 times since we started in 2018.

[@brittatv219]

@@onlyinjapanGOOur destination in a few days is Wakkanai. You inspired us 👍. We start from Ooarai by Ferry to Tomakomai and then by car. Excited 😀

[@ask4982]

​@@matthewfairley4101 I was thinking the same thing lol

[@GilAsakawa]

Thanks for posting this, John. These scenes make my gut clench in anger, embarrassment and sorrow. I've shared it with the group I chair, the Denver Takayama Sister City Committee, because we're planning a trip to Japan in November, and we train our travelers the cultural rules of going to Japan, and have trip leaders who know and understand Japanese society. I tell everyone they need to travel to Japan, but man, they need to be respectful! The old stereotype of the "Ugly American" should stay in the past -- the world is much more interconnected today than it was decades ago!

[@PowderedVoltage]

I think the stereotype of Americans will remain in the past, when the behavior that created that stereotype changes.

[@thegeekathlete]

It should be common sense to know and respect the culture and laws of the country that you are visiting. The problem is a lot are poisoned by social media, clout chasing and the fear of missing out.

[@nish221100]

However, jaywalking, shaking blossoms off of trees, etc are illegal, or at least bad manners regardless of the country..

[@kristofkozari9040]

@@nish221100 jaywalking in the UK is completely acceptable though, but of course it doesn't mean that it's acceptable in other countries.

[@nish221100]

@@kristofkozari9040 really?!? Didn’t know that.

[@tirednsnarky9555]

Yeah, some members in my tour group were complaining about all sorts of things that really don't matter in the grand scheme of things. The poor hotel staff tried so hard to accommodate them and to make up for the complaints. I kept telling the staff that things were fine and that most of us were very happy with everything but you could tell they were very distressed over the whole thing.

[@user-iy4zr6mv2c]

問題を取り上げてくださりありがとうございます。 もちろん日本だけでなく、何処の国にも観光へ行く際はルールやマナーを守ってもらいたいです。

[@gotakazawa408]

As you mentioned in your video, a foreign tour guide residing in Japan displayed extremely rude behavior at Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. He claimed to have lived in Japan for eight years and could speak basic Japanese. Moreover, he stated that his wife is Japanese, implying he should be familiar with Japanese customs. However, when confronted by a brave Japanese woman for his disrespectful actions, he responded with insulting remarks in Japanese and English. It is common sense to apologize when called out for rude behavior. Currently, this incident has been viewed over 10 million times on social media, and its details are rapidly emerging. Despite not being formally registered, he was working as a tour guide. While his reputation was already poor, as the situation escalated, he deleted his social media accounts and his own website. There are even doubts about whether he pays taxes properly. With a police report filed against him, he may be preparing to flee.

[@cobrabeebop]

is there footage of the tour group ringing the bell at the shrine?

[@Tam_Eiki]

Thank you for the extra information. I hope he is properly punished for his rude actions.

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

Who's he ?

[@gotakazawa408]

@@peekaboopeekaboo1165 His name is mentioned in the video, so please check it out. There was a website where he was listed as the CEO of a company called ONE KYOTO TOURS, but it has now been deleted. For your information, this company is not officially registered as a corporation in Japan.

[@bebebaba3442]

He must be deported.

[@wileyumstead9236]

I lived in Japan from 1965 to 1973. 10 years old to 18. So few foreigners. My most incredible cherry blossom season experience. Cherry blossoms in full bloom, rain that night, the next day all the ground is pink and the trees full of cherry blossoms. No one shaking the trees. Went back in 2002 and foreigners everywhere. I do wish to go back to Yokohama were I was raised. These things you will only know about as a local. YIS, YCAC, YYC, ASIJ, CAJ.

[@forced-to-change-name]

Note that the Japanese woman does not want to be photographed and yet that tourist continues to photograph her. It cannot be that there is not enough information or that the tourist does not understand. That tourist is very rude and knows what she is doing. She just doesn't care because that's who she truly is - a narcissistic tourist.

[@donnapalmer3066]

Its happening in Europe too. Lots on the news in the UK right now. Locals in Menorca, Ibiza and Barcelona protesting about over tourism right now

[@JP1050x]

A core value in Japan is respect for one another. So much so, that it’s a culture shock for western people. People in Japan don’t take photos of strangers, and when they share videos, they blur out strangers. Not because of any privacy law, but because they know it’s not respectful to do so. As a westerner, it can be very difficult at times to follow Japanese rules and customs, but being on your best behavior at all times will go a long way in Japan.

[@BioCful]

I've watched this happening on other youtube channels. I'm appalled at how people act when they go to your beautiful country. Even more appalling that shrines have been desecrated and folks complaining about the foods you eat. Horrific. ( I lived in Japan 71 years ago for about 3 years, I'm now 73. I have always found Japan elegant in their art, their kabuki, the geishas...just a very elegant country...the manners, everything.) I love Japan. One of the things that lived in my life was the love of Mt Fuji. I love that mountain, and that goes back to my very early childhood.)

[@gokaijourney2105]

It is because of the rules, the respect for others, and the culture that they create that I love visiting Japan! In my three past visits, I tried so hard to follow the behaviors that I saw. It makes me so sad and angry to see how disrespectful people can be.

[@HawaiiJapan808]

Its the same group of tourists mostly.

[@ciello___8307]

eh, its a good mix. Other asian tourists, aussies, americans, some europeans, etc. I'd say all countries can have bad tourists

[@Gary-in5gi]

I cannot believe the mentality of these people ,it’s shameful and so disgraceful! I was lucky to visit Japan in March ,such a beautiful country with beautiful friendly people,keep up the great work John ,well done for highlighting this problem ,take care!

[@Mitsukozzle]

The flight to Japan lasts more than 24 hours, they could show a video of good customs in Japan to respect on the planes. Just as the flighthostess teaches safety measures on the plane, they could teach measures of community respect, since Japan is a very very good-mannered country, and other countries have more open customs and different customs. Visas should also include small tutorials on respect and customs of the destination country. It is my humble opinion.

[@charlottesmom]

That is actually a great idea! 👍🏻

[@TATOOINETABLEFLIP]

While I wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts about some basic education about the country, where are you flying from that it takes more than 24 hrs to fly? From here in the US it’s only about 12hrs.

[@charlottesmom]

@@TATOOINETABLEFLIP Yeah it says almost 14 hours for me from Boston. I imagine from the middle of America you could add another 2-3 hours but not much more unless they are counting layovers (‘which would be silly).

[@ArouzedLamp]

That old lady DEFINITELY isn't an American. I don't know of any 60yo's here who can move like that

[@ciello___8307]

lol

[@dstackradio]

Truth! 😂

[@OnlyGrafting]

she's got that vibe I've only seen once, old scottish women meeting the King in a town square event

[@shaunabradley9747]

Makes me so sad to see this type of behavior in any country. Especially in Japan where me and my family experienced nothing but kindness and respect everywhere we traveled💔

[@ItsGareth]

This is just ridiculous ... It creates a problem for people that genuinely want to visit the country and experience its culture.

[@charlottesmom]

We are visiting in 2-3 years and I’ve been studying Japanese on and off for about a year, along with learning about the people and culture. This kind of behavior from tourists really makes me mad. RESPECT is really missing in some folks.

[@ItsGareth]

@charlottesmom - we visiting in November and I’m just seeing more and more of this type of behavior. They’ve already started banning tourists from certain areas. It just puts a bitter taste in your mouth to be honest .

[@user-mv3ri6bj6x]

こういう観光客って日本じゃなくても世界中どこでも同じような事やってそう。

[@TheKingOfBeans]

The world has gone absolutely nuts

[@charlottesmom]

Too true!! People (SOME) have zero respect anymore. Disgusting….

[@gaikichipinfiri]

You're right. It changed for a purpose that the tourist took a selfie photograph of Instagram than photographed scenery.

[@katrinaluxford6400]

my daughter and i are going to Japan in a year or 2 for the first time, this makes me sad to see this this happening.

[@magnustan841]

Don’t worry too much, just don’t be like them. I recommend travelling to the smaller towns and the countryside to find the most hospitable Japanese people. I recently went to Tome, a small town in the northern Tohoku region. I told some shop owners I was a foreign tourist and they were so happy and so interested in knowing more about me. Lovely interactions, that’s the kind of Japan I hope every foreign tourists gets to experience.

[@KeepOnStitching]

Please do your research before going and educate yourself about the etiquette there. Have fun

[@gene9537]

I am from the mid-west in the US. Seeing things like this sickens me. I hope to one day take a trip to Japan. I worry that these entitled people will ruin my chance of a respectful and peaceful trip.

[@raikitsune]

It's genuinely painful. We managed to get back across just after lockdown and there was such a huge feeling of relief from everyone and a real sense of good will. Now it's all sadly been spent by people who couldn't even take the time to get to know basic rules and manners!

[@kevlarcardhouse252]

I'm of the controversial mindset of harsher tourist punishments like some Italian cities have started to do, especially if the alternative is banning everyone. Some might call it draconian but I bet if there are a few stories of tourists spending a couple nights in a Kyoto jail cell or fined the equivalent of a Waygu dinner, a lot of these people will either smarten up real quick or stop coming.

[@InfamyJunkie]

Be careful. What you hope for is the Italian solution to tourism, but in reality, you might end up with the Egyptian solution, which is horrible for all tourists.

[@masamatu736]

Geisha isn't Mickey Mouse. Japan isn't Disneyland.

[@ndyajeff]

I just spent 3 month in Japan and want to go back soon. I am so appreciative that you are making these videos! Thank you so much!

[@susanmizen9493]

It breaks my heart to see how the Japanese are being disrespected. I love Japan and it’s people, they are kind and generous and don’t deserve to be treated this way.

[@TATOOINETABLEFLIP]

Seeing this kind of nonsense makes me so angry. I’ve been to Japan many times over the last 20 years and have encountered a few nitwits like these, but also a few folks who simply didn’t know any better and when you clue them in are super thankful for the help! Unfortunately the state of the yen has made it super affordable for some of these people to get over there, so until the yen stabilizes and/or Japan starts coming down harder on these folks, I’m worried it’ll only get worse before it gets better. Thanks for bringing this to everyone’s attention!

[@amyr3285]

Thanks for pointing this out to people who aren’t aware of what goes on in Japan. I’ve seen the video on that “journalist” (!!?) and found it unbelievable. The Chinese tourists shaking the Sakura tree, honestly someone needed to tell them to stop. I believe laws should be stricter as much as there are already a lot of strict rules in Japan, but these should be geared to tourists. Perhaps fines need to be given immediately? I think that since the pandemic things have gotten bad with tourists. I was lucky to see Japan in April and I was so happy to be there, but I would never act that way. I agree places without so many people allow you to experience the true, natural beauty of Japan.

[@TheSimArchitect]

They need to fine that kind of behavior, heavily.

[@dazzlingdinodannucci5328]

This is Absolutely disgusting. I have been wanting to go to Japan with my family for many years. But unfortunately financial problems are holding me back. I love the country so much, everything about Japan makes me so excited. I would go there with the outmost respect for the people and the culture. I've been watching John since he started Only in Japan back in 2013, and my lifelong dream is to go.

[@lobyk9266]

ディノさん 💕 ありがとうございます！ ぜひ 遊びに来て下さい！

[@philipfirks7755]

I obviously don't know what your financial situation is, but when I have been I stayed in local Minshuku and ate in local places - travelling around was the biggest financial drain. This was in the early 1990's and early 2000's - I don't think prices have gone up that much since. I found with planning Japan was not much more expensive than, say, Thailand. I hope you get to go - its a lovely country.

[@apophisstr6719]

In an era where people believes that basic respect of rules and others is an infringement of one's "freedom", what do you expect would happen when they flocked into a place that was built entirely upon a cultural structure of self-discipline? Unless authorities in Japan began to start really taking serious actions to set an example, things are only gonna get worse.

[@halaumelehonoluluhawaii9093]

I’ve seen several of these bad tourist videos. Sad and sick behavior especially in a polite country like Japan. Thank you for this post, I hope it is a learning moment for anyone looking to visit Japan. Might be worth pitching an educational video to JTB to be shown on incoming flights before landing. We have similar videos on incoming flights to Hawai’i.

[@ChrisN5544]

I recently witnessed a mainland Chinese lady standing in an Onsen and used her towel to dip in the water and scrubbed herself. She also used a bucket to pour the water all over her body while standing in the onsen. I was also in the onsen so I pointed at her and shouted Stop!!! I turned myself to directly stare at her the whole time. There was no one else in the room. She cursed at me in Chinese and got out of the onsen 😂. I later reported the incident to the front desk.

[@Yamato-tp2kf]

Nice!👍

[@731sheena2]

中国人に何か注意すると、謝罪するどころか、ほとんどが逆ギレして、暴力を振るうこともあるので、とても危ないです。あなたは、ラッキーでした。

[@user-we1un8uw3f]

ありがとうございました (´・ω・｀)中国人は気が強くて謝らないことで有名ですからねなやむ😅ありがとうございました😊🙏✨

[@ck-bs2ms]

@@731sheena2yeah just like western

[@Yamato-tp2kf]

@@731sheena2 If they try something against me... Let them try... LET.THEM.TRY!!! The Japanese justice system will have the pleasure of taking care of them!

[@scooternak53]

How can people be so rude!

[@jamesbeach5445]

this makes me really really angry im from australia and i visited japan in september 23 and i had an amazing time and found the people polite friendly respectful and i had no issues but then again i respect other peoples cultures tried my best to learn japanese and to be respectful

[@KolzManz]

We need more of you in Australia, mate - respect! 👍

[@lobyk9266]

ジェームスさん 💕 ありがとうございます！ また日本へ遊びに来て下さい！

[@jamesbeach5445]

@KolzManz nah ill be to busy in japan.

[@jamesbeach5445]

@@lobyk9266 im coming back in april 2025 coming for a month i cannot wait

[@jamesbeach5445]

@@lobyk9266 ありがとう ございます

[@LetsgowithHyro]

Always great info and your take on things, especially the over tourism and rude tourists problem in Japan. Thanks John.

[@NyaNyaJP]

Japanese are getting a lot more assertive these days. They are telling foreigners off a lot quicker and are being just downright rude recently. As someone who has lived here for 27 years and never taken advantage of anyone, ever..it disturbs me that Japanese have had to learn how to be New Yorkers to surive.

[@user-yy1xu3ed5j]

stand up or Japan 'll be rolled over by entitled gaijin who just expect to take, take, take. "Give an inch and they'll take a mile"

[@LothoOdy]

Thanks for bringing this up! I hope many tourists can watch this video and learn the dos and don'ts before visiting.

[@ZebraLens]

Its time for an updated *_"Do's and Dont's"_* video. Coming from you, John, would have more weight to a video about this topic. I would love to see you give an insightful video for those planning to travel to Japan🗾 and also give examples of these bad habits. Its embarrassing for us to see the disrespect on behalf of the innocent Japanese citizens who are just heading to work or going about their livelyhood.

[@MPbmfm]

There are almost no trash cans in Japan... That means... You take your trash with you until you find a trash can even if it's the one back at your hotel

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

Something to do with the Serin Gas Attack in 1990s ... a counter measure against Terrorism.

[@user-we1un8uw3f]

テロ対策としてゴミ箱が街中から撤去された過去があります。

[@joefroelich4934]

When we where in Japan for Sakura we enjoyed the season and just walked around and took pictures like many Japanese where doing. In Gion we just stood back and watched and took no pictures.

[@World0fWowcraft]

Imagine a female Danny Devito running and snapping a picture of you

[@onlyinjapanGO]

😂 at least Danny has a nice smile! Great actor.

[@Cyman75]

It’s the first time I see these rude tourists shaking the cherry trees. I am shocked and upset. I swear that if I would see any of these obnoxious tourists do that, I would definitely yell at them and make them stop and threaten to call police, no question! They would definitely learn their lesson. I think that Japan needs to take some measures. It’s too much already and the silly social media zombies get dumber and more obnoxious by the day. It really makes me miss 5e days of the pandemic where the country was empty. I felt bad for the people whose livelihoods depend on tourism, but now I really feel that something needs to be done about this issue.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

It’s such a dispicable thing to do, to have to witness, heart breaking. There needs to be a penalty, I don’t think the police would do much.

[@Cyman75]

@@onlyinjapanGO You’re right, John. Usually the police here doesn’t do much. But I think that most tourists don’t know that and I imagine if I yelled at them and threatened with police, they would stop acting obnoxiously, at least for the moment. Unfortunately I am afraid that it has to be foreigners like us to call them out. Did that before with some young dudes on the train, didn’t even have to get loud. They understood and I hope they would behave better next time.

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

​@@onlyinjapanGO Nice pandering . Nothing "heartbreaking" or "despicable" about shaking trees, littering, crowding sidewalks, jaywalking and disturbing the Geishas . The act of vandalism is the only thing that's despicable and heartbreaking .

[@GeekedOutGaijin]

It seems to me that a lot of people from outside of Japan seem to view the country as some form of giant Disneyland and therefore treat it as such. I love that Japanese people are respectful upfront and don’t like confrontation but I really wish that they would do more to stand up for themselves, their country and communities. If these disrespectful tourists were arrested, deported and banned from Japan they would be the first to complain. It seems like Johnny Somali has unfortunately influenced a lot of people..

[@TheKerokitty]

As someone who lived in Japan, I cannot imagine visiting someone else's 'house' and being so disrespectful to them and their home, but I have found it to be more and more obvious in the current day that not everyone was raised with those sentiments of common respect. The entitlement that people feel to impose themselves on everyone else around them has become so prevalent. As a past resident I would have found it difficult to NOT do say something to those people.

[@youreprettygood2603]

Karen thinks Kyoto is Disneyland and the Geisha are here for her amusement.

[@PowderedVoltage]

Great way of putting it

[@silviatrinidad4948]

Sadly we saw someone shaking a tree at Osaka Castle.

[@PavisGladius]

did u do anything to stop them from doing that?

[@ciello___8307]

just boggles my mind how people think its ok to do that

[@christinewedge8980]

I lived 20 years in Washington DC. Every year around late March, the Cherry blossoms of the tidal basin are celebrated. I have never seen a tourist do this kind of hrrendous behavior.

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

Funny twist and spin ! Shaking trees isn't "horrendous" . What's horrendous are carving and breaking parts of the tree.

[@philipfirks7755]

@@peekaboopeekaboo1165 Try again when you've woken up

[@thebajets]

So disgusting. I saw this coming because they have done this to Hawai’i. We are no longer the same here and its because of our hospitality. I really hope they put a stop to foreigners buying property there. Just look at Hawai’i.

[@kiddadd]

I think they dhould probably stop this too. I dont think japan realizes whats actually going on.

[@X1erra]

If an immigration process can be filtered to people who can respect the more streamlined rules, then it may be possible to bring about positive change.

[@philipfirks7755]

It's a nice idea but as I commented elsewhere, I don't think it would work. Give immigration the correct answers and then go and shake the tree? It's possible. Educational videos in tourist hotels maybe?

[@tmimi8316]

Hi John, love this new format! it's good to change up once in a while. Doing this on rainy days is good. See you in the next stream :)

[@johnrb9397]

I went to Japan recently during Golden Week! I’m glad I did nothing to worry about it was wonderful. Lovely country and people.

[@user-we1un8uw3f]

良かったです❀.(*´▽`*)❀.

[@f.s.s.j]

ありがとうございます❣️

[@user-ue2vt7pd5x]

ジョンさん、東京駅や隅田川からの配信をいつも楽しんでいます。 今回は一部の観光客の迷惑行為問題を取り上げ、注意喚起までしていただきありがとうございます。

[@onlyinjapanGO]

You’re very welcome! We’re going to find good solutions and I’m going to help as much as I can because it breaks my heart (and so many Japanese hearts) to see this behavior.

[@susanmizen9493]

Love your new format. Thank you.

[@stephensnyder6818]

Just got back from Japan. Spent 3 weeks there. Truly is a beautiful country, with the most kindest and most intelligent people on the planet. Japan should require a course with a test in which a passing score is required prior to visiting. The course should cover social mores, etiquette, basic language and some other pertinent knowledge. They need to also charge for the test. Ignorance and bad behavior is rarely left at the airport unfortunately. To bring this disgusting behavior to the amazing people of Japan is unacceptable and unfair.

[@HacksignKT]

A typical Karen bothering people, I feel bad for the Japanese woman.

[@Fccluduslitterarius9441]

I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the behavior of some tourists in Japan who fail to respect the rich cultural heritage of the country. Instances of disrespect, such as littering, loud behavior in public spaces, and disregard for local customs, not only tarnish the experience for others but also undermine the dignity of the host culture. Japan is renowned for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, and it is imperative that visitors adhere to cultural norms and show the utmost respect to maintain this delicate balance. Tourists must educate themselves on local etiquette and act as ambassadors of their own cultures, promoting mutual respect and understanding. Additionally, the weakening of the yen poses significant challenges and opportunities for the Japanese economy. While it makes Japan a more attractive destination for foreign tourists, leading to increased tourism revenue, it also raises concerns about the economic stability and purchasing power of Japanese citizens. It is crucial for policymakers to address these economic fluctuations to ensure a balanced and sustainable growth trajectory.

[@stava7]

I just came back from TK (5th trip)and I was shocked to see so much dirt around Shibuya and people smoking and drinking on the streets and by the convenance stores. Too many tourists around seems like Tokyo is losing its charm and rules that everyone used to respect before.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Yes, Shibuya is particular has been a mess with drinking in front of convenient stores for a while. The level of disrespect for the area, not cleaning up after yourself or following basic rules will lead to it being a non-alcohol zone in 2025, like extending the Halloween policy year round. Being able to drink alcohol outside is a nice freedom in Japan that can be taken away if things get bad. The cherry blossom season is nice to be able to sip sake and beer with friends. I hope tourists don’t ruin it finger 🤞

[@Datdaniel90]

Looking at that video PISS me OFF!!..

[@goatqi]

I wouldn’t do that here in the US let alone in Japan to a Geisha.

[@visit_shizukuishi]

Great info John! We just came back from camping in Hachimantai. If you ever want to try camping in Iwate Id be happy to show you some great spots.

[@michaelcampion8199]

Have been visiting Japan for over 15 years now and have notice this tourist issue get worse every time I visit. This year during cherry blossom season saw exactly what John shows with people shaking and bending limbs on the trees to get that perfect photo. I was also on the Sanriku railway in the Tohoku Region when a bus load of tourists took over the carriage, they were so noisy and running up and down the train, even at a time they were all singing. There were two Japanese and myself in the carriage and it was so uncomfortable.

[@gypsywilkerson197]

This behavior is disrespectful and disgusting. These ppl are grown adults they should know better..😔

[@saldiven2009]

It's kinda crazy. It's really easy to not be a jerk. It's wild how people seem to lose all sense of propriety and consideration when they go on vacation.

[@user-pi8ly8kq3h]

日本人は本当に困っています。これ以上続けば、怒りに繋がります。もう限界です。

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

Funny ! Those tourists committed no crime . Japanese love acting hollier than thou !

[@user-mv3ri6bj6x]

「天誅」

[@user-we1un8uw3f]

日本人は我慢強いですが、いつまでも怒らないわけじゃないので( ͡ ͜ ͡ )あまり日本人を怒らせないようにしてくださいね。 どうなっても知りませんよ。

[@relaxinbali]

@@peekaboopeekaboo1165 Actually they did, obstructing traffic, damaging tree on purpose etc. those are actual crimes.

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

@@relaxinbali Fake news. They weren't arrested nor charged .

[@Sincityraider]

Don't give these rude selfish people an excuse, being a decent person is not something you learn, you're either born with it or not. Trying to explain something to incompetent rude people is a waste of time. The people who knows needs no explanation. The people who don't know won't listen anyway.

[@magicsheepmom7790]

We just got back from Japan last night. We encountered many tourists being disrespectful. I can't count how many times I cringed at the way people were acting. A few groups stood out (I recognized the languages/accents), but I won't say. We did some basic research and tried to blend in a bit. We learned a few words as well. We tried to respect the way things are done there and not try to change it/damage it in any way. We had a glorious 18 day visit and are already planning another one! Japan has my heart.

[@chellver7466]

Hey there John, when I was in Japan last year another interesting photo opportunity I found was at the Mount Fuji Visitor Center, the pool reflecting Mount Fuji and the torii gate framing it is a much better picture on a clear day than the Lawsons or those stairs! Might be a cool spot to check out and cover (maybe facing a similar over tourism issue, if not now, pretty soon I reckon)...

[@zeroxlulu]

The situation has gotten worse because Japan has become such a trendy country to visit. Even just about 10 years ago, most people who were going to Japan were going because they had an interest/appreciation for its culture. Now Joey Doe and Chris Blows who saw some random TikTok reel talking about "Japan is like an anime amusement park!!" want to go just to be apart of the trend and don't bother doing any basic research on the country.

[@afterbirth5733]

When I was in kyoto A geisha walked out of a restaurant with her assistant (?) where I was taking photos. I smiled nodded and put my phone down. She walked past me, then stopped and made motion for a photo. (I think because I was respectful.)She let me take the most beautiful photo of her looking over her shoulder at me in the twilight. I did my research online before visiting Japan.And I learned you don't photograph people without permission. It's too bad the travel agents aren't educating the rude americans when they book their trips.

[@philipfirks7755]

Interesting. I found that if I indicate the camera as a kind of unspoken question, they are happy to wait a second while you take a picture. If I behaved like the woman in the video, I'd expect to have the camera rammed down my throat (though perhaps not by the polite Japanese)

[@disneytakeshugedix7463]

You have not seen China 🇨🇳 Chinese 🇨🇳 tourist scratch their name on a 1,000 year old Japanese 🇯🇵 castle 🏰! Sigh 😮‍💨

[@onlyinjapanGO]

I saw that on the news :( also a Canadian couple got caught doing it too.

[@damarisnunez7076]

How disrespectful and embarrassing to be a guest in a different country and behave that way😢

[@Tam_Eiki]

John, thank you for sharing this distressing news. I haven't been home to Japan since 1975, but I miss it every day. So much has changed yet remains the same. My heart broke for the geisha/maiko being harassed, and the person shaking the sakura petals off the branch... I hope tourists will become better educated and learn more about the Japanese culture before they visit before Japan becomes just another country with strict laws and unfriendly locals to foreign tourists.

[@magnustan841]

Tourists should just stop trying to please their Instagram followers and do “trending” stuff. Stop chasing down that next viral photo, part of enjoying your holiday is to take a step back, relaxing and take in your surroundings. Heck, I like to document my Japan trips on my Insta, but I merely document what I’m doing/seeing/experiencing. I don’t like the idea of running to this spot at this time and position my camera like so and do everything in my power for that perfect social media picture. It’s also no fun when I’ve seen that picture a thousand times online, I find more joy in getting my own unique snaps to look back on.

[@philipfirks7755]

Great opinion. I do think that chasing the social media ratings is daft. I also like to document my travels (wish I had a bit more of an artistic vision, but hey...) and will rush from one place to another if I think there's a good photo to be had, but that's to please me. I wouldn't want to be like the lady in the second clip of this video though.

[@studiokadaver]

What absolutely enrages me about all of this is. We have these people doing this kind of stuff that are able to afford to go to Japan meanwhile, I would absolutely love to go to Japan. I don’t think I even have a word to describe how much I would love to go to Japan for food the culture, the aesthetics, and as a retro gamer, there’s nowhere better in the world to look for stuff, but that aside, a trip like that would be enormous and expensive for me. Something I fear I may never be able to afford yet here we go with these people and they can’t even give an ounce of respect absolutely disgusting.

[@jorgenossa9224]

Thanks for the wonderful video 🙏

[@shpeen8835]

As a frequent traveller to Japan since the late 90s, I'm disgusted. I've never seen this kind of disrespect myself, but I'm not afraid to call them out for rude behaviour if I do

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

The behavior is not "rude" but crude . Annoyances.

[@karenstandley597]

Rudeness is an epidemic. We need to call these people out.