Translation guide
The phenomenon of too many tourists visiting a destination, causing negative impacts on local communities, the environment, and the visitor experience.
Expressing the idea that a place has too many tourists, leading to problems.
The direct loanword from English, widely used in Japanese media and official contexts. It is the most common and neutral way to refer to overtourism.
Overtourism has become a serious problem in Kyoto.
Literally 'tourism pollution'. A strong term emphasizing the negative impact of tourism, similar to 'overtourism' but with a more critical nuance. Often used in news and discussions about the harmful effects.
Residents' lives are being threatened by overtourism (tourism pollution).
Literally 'excessive tourism'. A more formal or technical term, less common in everyday conversation but used in reports or academic contexts.
We investigated the impact of excessive tourism on the local environment.
Saying that a destination is overcrowded with tourists and it's causing issues.
A simple and natural way to say 'there are too many tourists'. This is a straightforward description that any Japanese speaker will understand.
This town has too many tourists; you can't spend time quietly.
Means 'overflowing with tourists'. It vividly describes a place packed with visitors, often with a negative connotation.
Talking about specific problems caused by too many tourists, such as environmental damage or inconvenience to locals.
A general phrase meaning 'problems caused by the increase in tourists'. It can be used to introduce various issues.
Problems caused by the increase in tourists are being reported in various places.
Means 'harmful effects of tourism'. A more formal term often used in discussions about the downsides of tourism.
オーバーツーリズム is a neutral loanword that simply describes the phenomenon. 観光公害 is a stronger, more negative term that explicitly frames tourism as a form of pollution or public nuisance. Use 観光公害 when you want to emphasize the damage caused.
Consider measures against overtourism.
Listen to the voices of residents suffering from tourism pollution.
Asakusa is always overflowing with tourists.
As harmful effects of tourism, increased garbage and noise can be cited.