How Overtourism Is Reshaping Hokkaido’s Scenic Town of Biei

<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCuRVEIJ_dOSj09ab00YokhGPPP7WSW7ATOwINKBYTfrlyZN-4JJSUbWfNT_WUdbMyrqnbc82Ys-m9qt0fFMyiUtR6C0jFp_SJWEYgA-Q8TVIcD7lC0D9nu45MyjB1LfEhfBfw3A8GfVGPHLi5-k4eFmduRTg8RRbxY7juuXJWOHkGMC0hocMV_3o_i0/s1536/ChatGPT%20Image%20Jan%2014,%202026,%2001_27_22%20PM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCuRVEIJ_dOSj09ab00YokhGPPP7WSW7ATOwINKBYTfrlyZN-4JJSUbWfNT_WUdbMyrqnbc82Ys-m9qt0fFMyiUtR6C0jFp_SJWEYgA-Q8TVIcD7lC0D9nu45MyjB1LfEhfBfw3A8GfVGPHLi5-k4eFmduRTg8RRbxY7juuXJWOHkGMC0hocMV_3o_i0/s600/ChatGPT%20Image%20Jan%2014,%202026,%2001_27_22%20PM.png"/></a></div> Deep in the rolling hills of **Biei**, a small town in **Hokkaido, Japan**, a growing dilemma has captured international attention: **overtourism**. Once famous for its postcard-perfect landscapes — especially the iconic lines of white birch trees — Biei has found itself at the center of a struggle between preserving natural beauty and welcoming a flood of visitors from Japan and abroad. ([Japan Today][1]) This article explores how overtourism has transformed this rural community, why felling photogenic trees became a controversial decision, and what challenges lie ahead for sustainable tourism in one of Japan’s most picturesque destinations. --- ### Biei: A Town Defined by Its Landscapes Biei is a town of roughly 9,300 residents, set amid the gently quilt-like terrain of northern **Hokkaido**. Its panoramic hills, patchwork fields, and seasonal color changes make it a magnet for photographers, nature lovers, and travelers seeking beautiful backdrops. ([Wikipedia][2]) For years, the region’s landscapes were a quieter secret, appreciated mostly by domestic visitors who took time to explore the area’s quiet beauty. But as international travel rebounded and social media spread stunning photos of Biei’s vistas, the small town saw a dramatic rise in visitors year after year. ([Japan Today][1]) --- ## The Rise of Overtourism: A Double-Edged Sword Overtourism — when the number of visitors overwhelms local infrastructure and communities — has become a serious issue in Biei. According to local reports, some areas saw large tour buses, packed parking lots, and crowds so dense that visitors often stepped off roads and into private farmlands to get the perfect photo. ([Japan Today][1]) At one particularly popular cluster of **white birch trees** — a visual favorite among Instagrammers and travel guides — crowds began to strain the local environment. Crops on adjacent farmland were trampled, narrow country roads became congested, and the tranquility that once defined Biei was increasingly disrupted. ([Japan Today][1]) This situation reached a boiling point when local landowners and authorities made the dramatic decision to **fell the photogenic birch trees** in early 2025. The trees had become such a focal point for visitors that officials hoped their removal might discourage the overwhelming influx. ([Japan Today][1]) --- ## Why the Trees Were Cut Down To many outsiders, the idea of cutting down beloved scenery — trees that had been featured in countless travel photos — may seem almost sacrilegious. But for those living and working in Biei, the decision emerged from a difficult reality. Residents reported that visitors often ignored signage and property boundaries, entering private farmland and causing damage. At times, several tour buses would fill narrow roads, creating traffic jams and safety concerns. Some farmers also noted that the trees’ shadows affected crop yields. ([UHB：北海道文化放送][3]) Faced with these pressures, local stakeholders and the town government agreed to remove the trees as a way to reduce some of the tourist traffic. However, while initial crowds around that specific spot decreased, **overtourism did not disappear** — visitors simply shifted their focus to other nearby landmarks. ([Japan Today][1]) --- ## Crowds Shift to Other Scenic Spots After the birch trees were felled, tourists continued to stream into Biei, focusing on other well-known attractions such as the **Seven Stars Tree** — a solitary tree featured on cigarette packaging that had become another symbol of the area’s scenic charm. On some winter days, buses and cars still lined the roads near popular spots, and crowds clustered for quick photos before moving on. ([Japan Today][1]) Some visitors spent only about ten minutes at viewpoints before leaving, suggesting that Biei’s landscapes had become “checkpoints” for photo opportunities rather than places where travelers spent longer exploring and learning about the region’s culture and environment. ([Japan Today][1]) In effect, the removal of one attraction simply redistributed where people gathered, rather than slowing the overall flow of visitors into the area. --- ## Balancing Tourism and Local Life Overtourism in Biei highlights a complex challenge faced by many scenic destinations around the world: How do you welcome visitors while preserving the very qualities that make a place special? Unlike large cities with substantial infrastructure and tourism budgets, small communities like Biei have limited capacity to control crowds. Narrow rural roads, small parking areas, and farmland that lies just meters from roadside viewpoints create a delicate balance that is easily disrupted by high visitor numbers. ([Japan Today][1]) Locals have expressed mixed feelings about the influx of tourism. On one hand, tourism brings economic benefits — revenue for cafes, shops, and local services — and introduces the beauty of Hokkaido to the world. On the other hand, the negative effects on daily life, farming, and the environment have led some residents to feel overwhelmed. ([Japan Today][1]) --- ## Global Patterns of Overtourism Biei’s experience is not unique. Many beautiful natural sites worldwide have faced similar pressures. From narrow historic streets in European cities to tropical beaches in Southeast Asia, destinations that gain sudden viral popularity often struggle with overcrowding, infrastructure strain, and environmental degradation. What sets Biei apart is its rural character. It lacks the resort development and extensive public transit systems that larger cities and destinations possess. The increase in visitors — especially international travelers discovering the town through online platforms — has challenged both the pace of travel growth and the town’s capacity to manage it responsibly. ([Japan Today][1]) --- ## Environmental and Cultural Impact Environmental impact goes beyond just trampling fields. Heavy foot traffic can compact soil, damage crops, and disrupt local ecosystems. Meanwhile, cultural impact involves the gradual transformation of a quiet farming community into a destination centered around short, intense visits. ([Japan Today][1]) Efforts to preserve farmland and maintain traffic safety have become pressing local concerns. In some cases, farmers have placed more physical barriers and signage to deter visitors from entering agricultural property. But even these measures can feel confrontational to tourists who see beautiful landscapes purely as public attractions. ([Japan Today][1]) --- ## Attempts at Solutions Since removing the trees, Biei officials and tourism stakeholders have discussed potential approaches to managing overtourism. These include: * **Improved signage and visitor education** to promote respectful behavior around farms and private land. ([Japan Today][1]) * **Designated viewpoints and pathways** to control where visitors gather and reduce environmental impact. ([Japan Today][1]) * **Traffic and parking regulations** to reduce congestion and pressure on narrow rural roads. ([Japan Today][1]) However, sustainable solutions require cooperation across government, tourism businesses, and the community. And without stronger infrastructure or clear visitor limits, the same challenges may persist. --- ## Looking Forward: Sustainable Travel in Biei Experts and community leaders argue that the necessary balance between welcoming visitors and protecting local life may lie in promoting **sustainable tourism** — approaches that not only reduce harm but also enhance community and environmental resilience. This could include: * Encouraging off-peak travel to reduce crowding. ([Japan Today][1]) * Offering guided tours that respect local farms and landscapes. ([Japan Today][1]) * Highlighting cultural experiences and education about Biei’s agricultural heritage. ([Japan Today][1]) Focusing on quality rather than quantity, and creating tourism that benefits both visitors and residents, may help preserve Biei’s charm for future generations. --- ## Why This Matters to Travelers For visitors considering a trip to Hokkaido or rural Japan, Biei is more than a backdrop for photos. It’s a working community shaped by agriculture, tradition, and natural beauty. Understanding the impacts of overtourism invites a deeper appreciation of how travel can be respectful and sustainable — turning moments into memories rather than disruptions. ([Japan Today][1]) --- ## Conclusion Biei’s overtourism dilemma shows that natural beauty attracts the world, but that same beauty must be carefully stewarded. Cutting down iconic trees may have been a shock, but it sparked a broader conversation about sustainable travel, respect for local communities, and how destinations can thrive without losing their soul. The journey toward balance continues — shaped by visitors, residents, and the landscapes they cherish. --- ## References [https://japantoday.com/category/national/overtourism-continues-in-hokkaido-town-despite-felling-of-photogenic-trees/](https://japantoday.com/category/national/overtourism-continues-in-hokkaido-town-despite-felling-of-photogenic-trees/) [https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260103/p2g/00m/0na/012000c/](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260103/p2g/00m/0na/012000c/) [https://travelandtourworld.com/news/article/can-hokkaido-survive-the-onslaught-of-overtourism-the-shocking-truth-about-bieis-battle-to-protect-its-natural-beauty-in-japan/](https://travelandtourworld.com/news/article/can-hokkaido-survive-the-onslaught-of-overtourism-the-shocking-truth-about-bieis-battle-to-protect-its-natural-beauty-in-japan/) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biei%2C_Hokkaido](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biei%2C_Hokkaido) [1]: https://japantoday.com/category/national/overtourism-continues-in-hokkaido-town-despite-felling-of-photogenic-trees "Overtourism continues in Hokkaido town despite felling of ..." [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biei%2C_Hokkaido "Biei, Hokkaido" [3]: https://www.uhb.jp/news/single.html?id=48615&page=2 "「本当に危ない」道路埋め尽くす観光客に住民ため息…畑侵入 ..."