Kyoto

Kyoto City is the "millennium capital." Kyoto was Japan's capital from 794 to 1868. Over 1000 years. Kyoto has about 2000 temples and shrines. 17 of them are World Heritage sites. For Kyoto residents, "history" is daily life. Temples are normal. Shrines are normal. Kyoto residents live surrounded by "old things." But in 2024, Kyoto has a new problem. Too many tourists. In 2024, 10.88 million foreign tourists came to Kyoto. Record high. For Kyoto residents, "tourists" are obstacles. Roads are crowded. Temples are crowded. Chase apprentice geisha. Defile legendary temples. Kyoto residents are angry at the ancient capital being treated like a "theme park." Kyoto city government plans to introduce lodging tax from March 2026 (maximum 10,000 yen tax for stays over 100,000 yen per night). For Kyoto residents, "cars" are unnecessary. Kyoto has sufficient trains and buses. Roads are narrow. No parking. Parking fees are expensive. Many Kyoto residents don't own cars. For Kyoto residents, "speed" has no value. Kyoto residents live "slowly." Slowly view temples. Slowly walk gardens. Slowly enjoy tea ceremony. But motorsport is the sport of "speed." Fighting for every second. Opposite to Kyoto residents' time perception. Kyoto residents dedicate their lives to protecting 1000 years of history. Not interested in the "new culture" called motorsport.