05/27/2026
Kyoto locals are fed up with tourists dragging giant suitcases onto packed city buses.
And the city is now pushing back hard.
• Oversized luggage has been blamed for delays, blocked aisles, and overcrowded commuter routes
• Kyoto officials have urged visitors to avoid bringing large suitcases onto city buses
• Locals say buses meant for daily life are becoming impossible to use during tourism peaks
• Tourists argue buses are often the cheapest and easiest way to reach hotels and attractions
The problem exploded as Kyoto’s narrow streets and aging transit system struggled under tourism pressure.
Now the debate is getting intense:
Should tourists adapt to local transport rules — or should cities handle the tourism boom better?
