China’s call for travel restraint 

　Concerns exist regarding the negative economic impact stemming from the Chinese government’s call for travel restrait in Japan. However, concerning the Japanese tourism industry, it appears there has been little effect thus far.

　As for our guesthouse, since the onset of the pandemic, we have had virtually no guests from China, meaning we have been entirely unaffected.

　Regrettably, the Japanese media focuses on Chinese-run private lodgings, bus companies, or hotels and kimono rental shops overly reliant on Chinese tourists, portraying the tourism industry as suffering. Yet, I have heard of no one being adversely affected. Rather, I am concerned that the media is amplifying negative perceptions of the tourism industry held by the general public. Because prices in Japan have risen disproportionately due to the increase in shops and hotels catering specifically to foreign tourists.

　Kyoto is already saturated, regardless of whether Chinese tourists are present or not. We sincerely hope this recent uproar brings back even a little of the quiet Kyoto we once knew.