Tokyo – Japan’s beautiful snow-covered city of Otaru, considered a symbol of love, is now facing problems due to the influx of tourists. The city is located on the west coast of Hokkaido island. It was used as the backdrop for the famous 1995 Japanese romantic film Love Letter, after which it attracts thousands of tourists every year.
However, in view of the increasing tourist activities and increasing incidents of misbehavior, local authorities have recently deployed security guards who are active in preventing tourists from entering private properties and obstructing roads.
According to CNN, the tourist problem became more serious when a 61-year-old Hong Kong woman was hit and killed by a train on the outskirts of Otaru on January 24. According to reports, she was taking pictures on a railway track that is famous for its combination of snowy landscapes and coastal views. Otaru has a population of about 100,000, and last year, it received about 99,000 international tourists.
Among the famous locations featured in the film Love Letter is Funamizaka, a picturesque mix of snow-covered wooden houses and Japanese streets. The film’s fame has led to a surge in tourist arrivals, causing concern among locals.
To control the situation, authorities have deployed three security guards to prevent tourists from littering, blocking roads and other irresponsible activities. Violators will be fined and the measures will continue until at least March 31.
