The renowned powder haven in Japan is encountering an escalating issue. In Hakuba, visitors are flocking to the slopes for top-notch snow, breathtaking mountain scenery, and a lively nightlife. Once a quiet alpine settlement that hosted events during the 1998 Winter Olympics, it has now evolved into a premier ski destination worldwide. However, with the influx of international tourists, residents are expressing concerns about the situation spiraling out of control. Increasing costs, packed public transport, disruptive late-night activities, and the introduction of penalties for inappropriate conduct are becoming prevalent. Is this a case of overtourism, or merely a consequence of its newfound fame?
