Japan temple’s foreigner-only entrance fees spark debate, criticism

TOKYO – A temple in south-western Japan is drawing controversy and criticism for its recent decision to charge admission only to tourists, at a time when issues related to people from abroad are gaining attention in the national election.

Since May, Nanzoin in Fukuoka prefecture, known for its 41m-long reclining Buddha statue, has been charging foreign visitors 300 yen (S$2.60) to enter, saying the funds are needed to address nuisance behaviour.

An expert told Kyodo News that the move “lacks transparency”,

as debate over the pricing policy for tourists

– whose numbers have reached a record high – has intensified ahead of the House of Councillors election on July 20.

A sign reading “Visitors” in English stands at the entrance to the area surrounding one of the world’s largest statues of its kind, where foreigners queue to pay a fee at a reception window. Those with proof of long-term stays in Japan for work or study are exempt.

As Japanese citizens are not charged, no explanation in Japanese appears on the sign. Staff or security guards confirm verbally, asking questions such as “Are you from Japan?”, before directing them to bypass the line without waiting.

Venerable Kakujo Hayashi, the temple’s head monk, said the number of foreign guests has surged since Japan lifted Covid-19 restrictions, bringing more littering, drinking and fireworks use on the grounds, as well as misuse of bathroom facilities.

“We want someone to take responsibility for the extra costs” of cleaning and security, the 72-year-old said. “It is not discrimination.”

Differential pricing based on nationality is not without precedent abroad, with major attractions such as India’s Taj Mahal charging foreign visitors more for admission to help cover maintenance costs, while keeping access affordable for locals. KYODO NEWS