Can Hokkaido Survive the Onslaught of Overtourism? The Shocking Truth About Biei’s Battle to Protect Its Natural Beauty in Japan!

The small town of Biei in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its picturesque landscapes and photogenic white birch trees, continues to face challenges related to overtourism despite attempts to address the issue. In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of mass tourism, local authorities decided to cut down a row of iconic trees that had become a major tourist attraction. However, this move has not been enough to stem the flow of visitors. Biei is still grappling with the issue of overcrowding, especially around its Christmas Tree and other popular landmarks.

The Strain of Overtourism in Biei

Over the years, Biei has become a prime destination for tourists, particularly for those seeking to capture the beauty of the town’s landscapes. The town, which is home to just about 9,000 people, has seen a significant increase in visitors, with 2.68 million tourists recorded in fiscal 2024. This surge, especially in foreign visitors, has placed immense strain on local infrastructure, including the farmlands and natural environment.

Tourism-related issues have escalated, with visitors often trespassing on private property to take photos, damaging the surrounding farmland. The flow of tourists has also caused significant traffic congestion, with buses frequently clogging up narrow roads and creating long delays. During peak periods, as many as 12 tour buses have been observed in the area, leading to frustration among both locals and visitors.

The Decision to Fell the Trees

To address the issue of overtourism, the town of Biei made the controversial decision to cut down the iconic white birch trees, which had become a symbol of the area’s natural beauty. This decision was not taken lightly, as the trees were a key attraction that drew tourists to the town. However, the local government, in collaboration with the Biei Tourism Association, deemed it necessary to act in order to reduce the environmental and infrastructural pressure caused by mass tourism.

While the cutting of the trees initially reduced some of the crowds, it did not have a long-lasting impact on the overall visitor numbers. Tourists continued to flock to other areas in Biei, such as the Seven Stars Tree, which is featured on the packaging of a well-known cigarette brand. The move was a temporary fix that failed to resolve the broader issue of overcrowding.

The Ongoing Challenge of Overcrowding

Despite the removal of the white birch trees, Biei continues to be plagued by overcrowding. On December 6, 2025, tourists visiting the Christmas Tree area were still met with long lines and crowds, with security guards struggling to manage the flow of people. In many cases, visitors ignored signs urging them to stay on designated paths and ended up trampling on the surrounding farmland. The situation was further exacerbated by the lack of effective crowd control and the absence of sufficient transportation options.

To address this issue, the Biei Tourism Association introduced a pilot shuttle bus service between the JR Biei Station and the Christmas Tree. The shuttle service aims to alleviate some of the traffic congestion caused by private cars and buses. However, as Takeo Izumi, the association’s deputy secretary general, pointed out, this solution is unlikely to resolve the issue completely without further restrictions on the number of buses and cars entering the area.

Balancing Tourism and Conservation

While the town’s tourism sector benefits from the influx of visitors, it also faces significant challenges in maintaining the balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. Shigekazu Ishimura, a local cafe owner, acknowledged that foreign tourists, especially from China, have brought financial benefits to Biei. However, he also raised concerns about the potential harm that mass tourism could cause to the local environment and culture.

Rafael Manzanero, the executive director of the Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), emphasized the need to safeguard the area’s natural resources, particularly its water supply and carbon stocks. He expressed concern that if tourism continued at its current pace, it could undermine the very resources that made Biei an attractive destination in the first place.

The Role of Sustainable Tourism

In response to the challenges posed by overtourism, there has been a growing call for more sustainable tourism practices. Orlando Habet, the Minister of Sustainable Development, suggested that some areas of Biei, including the Chiquibul ecosystem, should remain off-limits to tourists. He pointed to the importance of protecting wildlife and water resources as the town seeks to balance economic development with environmental conservation.

Nicole Solano, CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, echoed these concerns, stating that luxury tourism in Biei must be handled carefully. While high-end developments could bring in more revenue, they must align with the town’s conservation efforts. The town’s natural beauty and cultural heritage must remain a priority, even as tourism grows.

Future Prospects for Biei’s Tourism Industry

Looking ahead, Biei faces a difficult task in balancing the needs of tourists with the preservation of its fragile environment. While eco-tourism presents a potential solution, it must be carefully managed to avoid further strain on local infrastructure. The town will likely continue to explore ways to regulate tourism more effectively, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the area’s beauty while minimizing the environmental impact.

One promising step forward is the establishment of a multi-stakeholder governance body for the Chiquibul-Mountain Pine Ridge-Caracol Complex. By involving both government and non-governmental organizations, this approach seeks to ensure that sustainable tourism practices are followed and that the ecosystem is protected for future generations.

Conclusion: A Path Toward Sustainable Growth

The challenges of overtourism in Biei highlight the complex relationship between tourism growth and environmental conservation. While the town’s economic reliance on tourism is undeniable, there is a growing recognition that this growth must be sustainable. By implementing more regulated tourism and emphasizing eco-friendly practices, Biei can continue to attract visitors without compromising the integrity of its natural landscape. The coming years will be critical in determining whether the town can strike the right balance between development and conservation, ensuring that its unique beauty remains protected for future generations.