News On Japan

Akihabara Struggles With Litter as Tourist Numbers Soar

TOKYO, Dec 05 (News On Japan) - Akihabara, Tokyo’s iconic district for anime and electronics, is grappling with a worsening litter problem as foreign tourist numbers increase. Piles of garbage, particularly near Akihabara Station, have become a common sight, with discarded cans and bottles left around vending machines and on the streets.

Many attribute the issue to the scarcity of trash cans in the area. A man confronted about littering admitted, "There was already garbage, so I just put mine there too." Social media users have voiced frustration, posting photos of trash-strewn streets with captions like, "Akihabara isn’t a trash can!"

The problem is compounded by the district's popularity with tourists, who often discard wrappers and bottles on sidewalks or near vending machines when recycling bins are full. Local shop workers report finding trash scattered both outside and even among their store displays.

Chiyoda Ward has tried to address the issue by placing trash bins and assigning staff to manage waste during Sunday pedestrian-only events. Despite these measures, Akihabara continues to face challenges in maintaining its reputation as a clean and welcoming destination for visitors from around the world.

Source: FNN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Tofukuji Temple’s most iconic view can be enjoyed from Tsutenkyo Bridge. From there, visitors feel as though they are floating above a sea of colorful autumn leaves—a truly breathtaking sight.

The rare celestial event known as Saturn occultation, where Saturn hides behind the Moon, was visible Sunday night for the first time in 22 and a half years under conditions minimally affected by sunlight or moonlight.

Domestic travel spending by Japanese residents reached a record high from January to September this year. Additionally, spending by foreign visitors in Japan has already surpassed last year's total, setting a new record. In this environment, accommodation facilities across the country are adopting strategies to enhance their earning power by offering high-value services.

The city of Himeji has proposed a revision to the entry fees for the World Heritage Site Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture, increasing the current rate of 1,000 yen to two or three times the amount for non-residents.

Shibuya Ward in Tokyo has announced that the Hachiko statue in front of Shibuya Station will be cordoned off on New Year’s Eve following the cancellation of the countdown event in the area.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Travel NEWS

The city of Himeji has proposed a revision to the entry fees for the World Heritage Site Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture, increasing the current rate of 1,000 yen to two or three times the amount for non-residents.

Step into the heart of Ginza this December and experience the enchanting Christmas window displays that light up Tokyo’s luxury shopping district. Each high-end store presents its own unique holiday theme, creating a one-of-a-kind visual feast. (Video Street View Japan)

Shibuya Ward in Tokyo has announced that the Hachiko statue in front of Shibuya Station will be cordoned off on New Year’s Eve following the cancellation of the countdown event in the area.

The Osaka-Kansai Expo, set to open in four months, has announced plans to charge 10,000 yen per day for storing large luggage near the venue. This high fee is intended to discourage visitors from bringing large items to the site, reducing congestion and ensuring safety.

The Japanese government is moving toward easing visa requirements for Chinese visitors, while maintaining conditions such as minimum income levels, according to sources.

Akihabara, often dubbed "Electric Town," is a vibrant district in Tokyo renowned for its cutting-edge electronics, anime, manga, and gaming culture.

Kyoto City has unveiled a new strategy aimed at balancing the needs of residents with the demands of tourism, with Mayor Koji Matsui announcing plans to increase the lodging tax applied to hotels and inns within the city.

The Niseko region in western Hokkaido, renowned internationally for its powder snow, continues to draw significant attention as a prime ski destination.