A Surprising Encounter in Bibury
A bewildered couple in one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations returned home to find a Japanese family enjoying a picnic in their living room. This family, hailing from Japan, was among the throngs of visitors who frequent the stunning village of Bibury in the Cotswolds each year. Known for its enchanting swans and charming chocolate box cottages that date back to the 15th century, Bibury has become a major tourist attraction.
Brian, an 83-year-old retired freight agent, experienced the unexpected when he and his wife came back to their cottage on Arlington Row. They discovered a Japanese family comfortably seated on their sofa and armchairs, indulging in a picnic spread. Like many residents in this low-crime area, Brian and his wife had left their front door ajar while they ran a quick errand. The tourists, interpreting the open door as an invitation, had stepped inside to make themselves at home.
Brian recounted, “I didn’t know it at the time, but apparently, in Japan, if you leave your front door open, it’s seen as an invitation for others to enter and enjoy your hospitality.” Fortunately, the visitors had brought their own picnic and didn’t help themselves to the contents of the fridge. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I walked through the door and saw them there, stuffing their faces. I asked them what on earth they were doing, and they said they assumed it was okay for them to come in.” They then explained their cultural traditions.
Brian continued, “We had a good laugh about it, and they were very apologetic. They packed their baskets and left quickly afterward. Thankfully, we all found humor in the situation.” He noted that he is not alone in experiencing such intrusions; a neighbor once found a group enjoying a picnic in her back garden while she was away.
Many residents have grown frustrated with these occurrences, prompting some to post notices in Japanese and Chinese on their properties, informing tourists that they are not permitted to enter or trespass, even if the front door is open. The fascination with Bibury among Japanese tourists is believed to stem from a visit by Japan’s former Emperor Hirohito in the 1920s, when he was a young prince. His stay in the village left a lasting impression, and a photograph he took of the picturesque location hangs in a Tokyo museum. Consequently, many Japanese families now embark on pilgrimages to the Cotswolds to honor their former leader.
During a recent visit by Sunonline journalists, more than half of the visitors in Bibury on a sunny spring day were from Japan. One such visitor, Asada Yusuke, 65, expressed his sentiments, saying, “It is a great honor for us to visit Bibury and walk where our great emperor once trod. Until now, we have only seen images, but being here is wonderful. The photos I saw back home do not even come close to how beautiful Bibury is in real life.” He added, “Our tour guide mentioned that some locals are unhappy about the congestion caused by tourism, and while I respect their feelings, it would be a terrible shame if there were restrictions on tourism. I honestly believe everybody in the world should see this place. It ought to be one of the Wonders of the World.”
Local resident Tony, 66, who spent most of his adult life working in Bibury’s renowned Swan pub and hotel, remarked on the current level of tourism as “unsustainable.” He stated, “In recent years, tourist numbers have skyrocketed, and it is now having a massive impact on life for us locals. We can’t go anywhere in our cars because the roads are clogged, and even if we manage to navigate through the traffic, there’s nowhere to park when we get back. Some days, it’s challenging to even walk down the street due to the groups of tourists huddling together for photos.” Reflecting on the past, he said, “You should have been here in the 1970s; there were hardly any visitors then, yet we could enjoy the beauty around us in peace.”
Despite the challenges posed by tourism, Tony acknowledged that local businesses depend on it for jobs. He shared his thoughts on the potential measures to limit coach numbers, suggesting, “That could be a good idea, but the downside might be that instead of one coach with 50 people, we’ll end up with 25 or 30 cars arriving. I fear that whatever strategies we implement, tourists will still find a way to come here. It’s out of control.”
Among the many tourists visiting Bibury, Malaysian travelers Sally Chow, 26, her mother Wendy, and sisters Shevy and Eelen expressed feeling “privileged” to experience the beauty of the Cotswold village. Sally, who works in marketing in Kuala Lumpur, shared, “I’ve always wanted to come here since I watched a travel blogger on YouTube feature his trip to Bibury. It looked so majestic and beautiful. We love the buildings here because we don’t have anything like this back home. It’s entirely different, and I adore everything about Bibury. For me, this place is paradise.”
The local council is exploring options such as banning coaches to alleviate pressure on the area, as the village continues to be famed for its picturesque houses and breathtaking landscapes.
