Do Japanese People Dislike Foreign Tourists?
A Message to Travelers Visiting Japan
Hello, I’m Jupiter Ishida — a tour guide and actor based in Tokyo. This summer has been incredibly busy, and I’m grateful for all the guests I’ve had the chance to guide. I usually share fun stories or things I’ve learned, but today I want to talk about something a little different — something that made me feel sad.
Why these misunderstandings spread online
Recently, a video went viral showing a Spanish traveler pushing a Japanese man on a train. Some people say the Japanese man pushed first.
Some say the traveler behaved badly. I’m not here to decide who was right or wrong.
What I do want to point out is this:
Incidents involving foreign tourists spread extremely quickly online.
Japan now welcomes over 40 million international visitors per year. Even in the hottest month of August, more than 3 million people visited.
Out of all these travelers, the ones who cause problems are a tiny minority —
far less than 1%. But on social media, even a 0.001% incident can look like a common problem. It gets thousands of views and shares, creating a false image that “foreign tourists cause trouble.” Most travelers don’t.
Most travelers are wonderful people.
People who come to Japan usually come with love
As a tour guide, I meet guests from all over the world every day.
Almost all of them come because they love Japan — or they fall in love with Japan once they arrive.
Some are wealthy.
Some save money for years to make this dream trip happen.
A Chilean family I guided recently had been saving for years just to visit Japan.
When they finally arrived, they said, “Our dream came true.”
These are the people who fill Japan’s streets.
Kind, curious, respectful visitors who want to learn, explore, and enjoy.
Yes, bad behavior exists everywhere.
And yes, rules matter.
But I hope Japan can continue to welcome visitors with an open mind and warm heart —
because that is the spirit that makes Japan special.
A message to everyone visiting Japan
To the Canadian couple, I said:
“No, Japanese people don’t hate foreign tourists.
Most of us truly want you to enjoy Japan.
Viral videos are just easier to spread—they don’t show the whole picture.”
They smiled and said:
“We knew it.
We’ve met so many wonderful people here.
We love Japan even more now.
We’re definitely coming back!”
And that smile reminded me why I guide.
Japan welcomes you.
I welcome you.
And I hope your time here becomes a memory you carry with you forever.
Thank you for choosing Japan.
And please — come again anytime.
