BOSAI KAMAKURADisaster Preparedness and Kamakura
About Kamakura
About the sightseeing situation in Kamakura
Disaster Preparedness Challenges Arising from Overtourism
In Kamakura City, issues caused by “overtourism,” the concentration of tourists, are becoming apparent and are expected to pose unique risks from the perspective of disaster prevention.
Kamakura City attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad. The phenomenon of tourists concentrating at certain times of the day, in certain places, and during certain seasons is called “overtourism.
Crowding can easily cause confusion in the event of a disaster, and tourists in particular are not familiar with the area, making it difficult for them to take appropriate evacuation measures.
In order for visitors to enjoy a comfortable trip, Kamakura City recommends early morning sightseeing to diversify time and place, sightseeing in the evening and at night, traveling on foot, and promoting excursions based on new sightseeing themes such as Japanese heritage.
| Congestion of Evacuation Routes | In the event of a disaster, evacuation routes will likely become congested in areas with particularly high tourist traffic, such as the area around Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and the area around Hasedera Temple and the Great Buddha of Kamakura. The evacuation of tourists and residents may not proceed smoothly due to Kamakura’s many narrow roads and alleyways. Coastal sightseeing spots such as Yuigahama, Shichirigahama, and Inamuragasaki attract large numbers of tourists. This could make swift evacuations difficult in the event of a tsunami. |
| Transportation disruption | In the event of a disaster, tourists may attempt to leave by train or bus in a mass exodus, which can cause disruptions or shutdowns in transportation services. Visitors are advised to have the websites or apps of transportation providers accessible beforehand. |
| Strain on Infrastructure | The increase in tourists heightens the risk of shortages of water, food, and infrastructure such as restrooms in the event of a disaster. Aside from the Ofuna area, Kamakura has a limited number of large commercial facilities, and few facilities can provide temporary shelter from sudden downpours, strong winds, or other changes in the weather. Preparation is key to staying calm in an emergency, so make sure to check hazard maps and evacuation sites beforehand, carry essential items in a portable bag, and take other precautionary measures. |