The Nikkei Asian Review wrote a very good article about the issues that happen with Inbound Tourism and the affect it has on local culture, neighborhoods, and places that were previously relatively quiet and peaceful before huge buses of people came to check things out.
The issues are very real, and there is reason for concern. An influx of visitors to Japan is necessary for economic reasons. With a shrinking population and work force there is a need for some economic influx to the country. Japan has been traditionally an economy of exports: cars, computers, machines, high tech, and food. But with a slumping ability to maintain previous levels, and the emergence of China and India, Japan needs to pivot and find more diversified ways to stimulate growth.
Inbound Tourism seems a natural approach to help solve this problem. Japan, with its rich culture, unique food and drink, cleanliness, safety, and generally very polite people, makes it an ideal location for people to come and get away from their homes.
At this time, however, there is a growing sense of inbound fatigue in places like Kyoto and Tokyo. Kobe and Osaka have not felt that yet, but there is a sense that this may come in the months and years to come. As for the Shikoku region, that remains to be seen, but there is reason to be concerned and it is important to be aware of how large movements can affect local communities.
The Nikkei article covers a lot of this quite nicely and is worth a read. Check it out.