The iconic UNESCO heritage site of Shirakawa-go in Japan is witnessing a dramatic surge in tourist arrivals, evoking concerns of imminent over-crowding. Despite the sluggish growth of international tourism due to the pandemic, the Shirakawa-go district, known for its historic farmhouses, has seen an overwhelming inflow of domestic tourists. Local authorities and inhabitants are starting to raise concerns about the site's sustainability and preservation amidst the booming visitor numbers.

Given Japan's reverence for historical and cultural preservation, the situation in Shirakawa-go is raising red flags. Many residents worry that the infrastructure cannot support the booming tourism and that the quintessential culture of the village might get overshadowed. There's a growing dialog about implementing strategies to manage or limit tourist influx and ensure a balance between the tourism economy and heritage preservation.

This situation echoes global concerns over "overtourism," similar to those voiced in cities such as Amsterdam and Barcelona. Just as the EU and US cities are responding with strategies like tourist taxes, limits on short-term rentals, and promoting off-peak visits, Japan might consider similar solutions to preserve Shirakawa-go.