South Korean tourists visit Watatomi Shrine, a tourist attraction in Tsushima, July 8, 2017, in Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture, July 08, 2017 (©Sankei)
Shrines and temples are a fundamental element of Japanese culture and history. Their beautiful architecture and pervasive integration into the daily lives of Japanese people make them a unique phenomenon. It is no wonder that they are attracting an increasing number of tourists.
However, recently, many shrines across Japan have been experiencing vandalism and disruptive behavior from tourists. These incidents sometimes stem from a lack of awareness of Japan's cultural practices. However, in other cases, the vandalism seems to have been intentional misconduct.
Significantly, official sources reveal that misconduct is not limited to foreign tourists alone. What is happening, and what strategies can shrines employ to address the situation effectively?
Defacement and Disrespect
A suspected Chinese national recently defaced a pillar at Yasukuni Shrine with graffiti and proceeded to urinate on it. He then posted the desecration on Chinese SNS. Unfortunately, this case is indicative of a recurring issue rather than an isolated event.
In May 2023, a Muslim migrant thrashed the Mizuoka Hachiman Shrine in Kobe. Security footage showed the man kicking over an offering box and tearing down the bamboo pipes at the chozuya, a large basin where visitors wash their hands before entering a shrine or temple. There are also reports that he yelled at a female devotee, claiming, "There is only Allah (the god) of Islam. There is no God here, so don't pray here."
Another more recent case occurred at Chion-in Temple in Kyoto. On June 19, 2024, Kyoto Prefectural Police announced the discovery of markings resembling graffiti on a pillar of the Sanmon gate, a national treasure. The perpetrator's nationality remains unknown at this time. Police are investigating the incident as a suspected violation of the Act on the Protection of Cultural Properties.
"It's as though the sanctity of the temple has been violated," a Chion-in representative commented. "I imagine many are feeling shocked and outraged by the damage to the Sanmon gate. First and foremost, I hope the individuals will acknowledge their own wrongdoing."
Tourist Behavior at Tsushima Shrines
Shrines in Nagasaki Prefecture's Tsushima City have been contending with challenges posed by misbehaving tourists for several years. A ferry runs between Tsushima City and Busan, South Korea, which is located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the Japanese city. Inappropriate behavior by some tourists at local shrines in Tsushima has raised concerns. Instances include littering cigarette butts and trespassing into off-limits areas within the precincts.
According to shrine officials, there have been reports of individuals being observed defecating within the shrine grounds. It appears there is a lack of understanding regarding the distinction between religious and tourist facilities. This has caused concern among officials, who frown upon the behavior as blatant disrespect for cultural sites.
Not All Koreans Are at Fault
"We get tourists from various countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Taiwan," said one troubled shrine administrator in Tsushima. "However, the only troublesome behavior has been among some Korean tourists, such as urinating or defecating in corners of the grounds."
According to the administrator at the same shrine, some tourists responded by shouting in Korean when asked to be more respectful.
Several weeks ago, when shrine staff admonished disrespectful tourists at the same shrine, the staff was grabbed by the shoulder and shoved. It was the first instance of violence. When the police arrived, the assailant eventually apologized. "When we consulted the authorities, they advised us to 'take personal defensive measures,'" he explained. However, he revealed that the shrine "cannot afford to hire security guards." Notably, he emphasized that "not all Koreans are at fault."
Post-Pandemic Recovery
Approximately 48,000 South Korean tourists visited Tsushima in 2011. However, except during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of tourists visiting Tsushima from Busan via the international ferry route has steadily increased.
In 2023, there were 119,000 visitors from South Korea. As tourism rebounds after the COVID-19 pandemic, hotels, inns, and duty-free shops are thriving. Conversely, there is growing concern about troubling behavior, such as unauthorized entry into private properties.
As pressure increases, shrines are reporting concerns about the behavior of their visitors. For example, some visitors have opened closed gates at the shrine. Others have left the ladle for ritual purification submerged in the water basin. Additional reported cases included trespassing into fenced-off areas and littering with plastic bottles and paper cups. In response, some shrines declared certain areas off-limits in autumn 2023. However, there have been incidents of tourists still entering those areas.
In Tsushima, a shrine administrator has reportedly taken steps such as urging travel agencies to enforce visitor etiquette. Shrine officials recall telling guides, "Imagine how you would feel if someone entered your home without permission. It's the same thing."
Cultural Etiquette Challenges
"We are concerned that visitors may mistake shrines for public parks and priests as park administrators," one city tourism official stated. "We have taken steps such as broadcasting videos and distributing flyers on ferries and urging them to refrain from disruptive behavior within the shrines."
However, the official added, "Those with poor manners often do not heed these messages. This is why we feel powerless."
Shrine officials also noted that "some foreign tourists are unaware of shrine traditions," attributing some of the behavior to a lack of understanding.
"However, it's also fundamentally a matter of etiquette while traveling abroad," one official said. "Entering restricted areas without permission, opening doors without authorization. It's outrageous."
Issues Involving Japanese Visitors
Crime and disruptive behavior at shrines extends beyond just foreigners. In an interview with JAPAN Forward, a representative from the Association of Shinto Shrines addressed this issue.
"I believe that causing mischief at religious facilities such as shrines, temples, or churches is truly heartbreaking," he said. He also stated that instances of Japanese people scrawling graffiti on shrine pillars are "almost unheard of."
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that there have been "various incidents" of Japanese committing crimes on shrine grounds. "For example, we have had cases of Japanese stealing monetary offerings from shrines. Also, due to the current high price of copper, there are cases where some Japanese target the copper shingles on shrine rooves for theft," he revealed.
Cultural Exchange and Shrine Safety
In addition, he also touched on the positive aspects of more foreign tourists visiting Japanese shrines. "Such exposure to Japanese culture allows for a deeper understanding of (the Japanese sensibility) and way of thinking, which I believe is beneficial," he opined.
The Chion-in spokesperson also appreciated that "many foreign visitors come to Chion-in eager to learn about the temple."
Indeed, many visitors from Southeast Asia and Europe also visit Tsushima's shrines, collecting goshuin stamps and showing respect for Japanese culture. Goshuin are distinctive stamps, meticulously inscribed by monks, serving as a confirmation of one's visit to a particular temple or shrine.
The association is considering measures to deter further disturbances and ensure all visitors enjoy Japan's shrines. "Utilizing websites will be a key component of our awareness-raising strategy," the association representative confirmed.
Chion-in is also exploring measures to prevent recurrence. "We are considering enhancing security arrangements and installing more surveillance cameras," the representative acknowledged.
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Author: Daniel Manning
