Unruly tourists on Japanese ski slopes are about to face the consequences of their actions, as a popular mountain village has moved to introduce hefty fines as part of an effort to reduce growing tensions between residents and visitors.
The popular Japanese ski destination of Hakuba Village, located in north-western Nagano Prefecture, has approved new enforcement measures that will allow authorities to fine those engaging in disruptive behaviour from 1 July 2026, with penalties of up to ¥50,000 (€315).
This is an update to the 2015 “village manners” ordinance, which aims to “protect the beautiful village landscape and comfortable living environment.” The previous ordinance listed disruptive behaviour, but relied on voluntary compliance. Until the introduction of the new order, no financial penalties were attached to unacceptable behaviour.
Under the revised ordinance, violations have been subdivided into eight categories, allowing fines to be imposed when individuals ignore official warnings or, in some cases, immediately if the behaviour is deemed to endanger the public.
The eight categories are:
Graffiti and sticker placement on public or private property
Late-night fireworks in public spaces
Late-night noise, including amplified sound or shouting above 45 decibels
Skiing or snowboarding on public roads
Drinking alcohol while walking on roads
Smoking while walking on roads
Unauthorised parking on private land
Dangerous winter driving, including driving without anti-skid tyres
Fines will mostly only be issued if a person refuses to comply with an official order to stop. However, those engaging in road skiing or dangerous winter driving, which can potentially cause serious harm to the public, can be fined immediately.
Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hakuba’s popularity has surged, with the village recording 2.71 million visitors in 2024, according to local authorities. While the influx has brought economic benefits, it has also led to rising friction.
Residents and businesses in the tourism sector have lodged increasing complaints about late-night noise, fireworks, drunkenness, and traffic hazards, prompting calls for stronger enforcement to restore calm.
Following the village assembly meeting, Hakuba’s mayor, Toshiro Maruyama, told reporters that he would like to help create a place where both residents and visitors can comfortably enjoy their time.
Once a seasonal ski resort, Hakuba has, in recent years, become an international hub for skiers and snowboarders, particularly from Australia, Europe, and North America.
Hakuba’s situation reflects a broader shift across Japan, where frustration with overtourism and disregard for local customs is increasingly evident.
Several high-profile incidents in recent years have sparked public anger, including a US tourist scratching graffiti into a wooden gate at Meiji Jingu, a Chilean influencer being filmed doing pull-ups on a sacred torii gate at a Shinto shrine, and a visitor being caught on camera kicking a deer in Nara.
According to government data, around 20 municipalities nationwide have adopted local “manners” ordinances, but only six currently impose penalties, including Kyoto and Fukuoka.
AloJapan.com