From Olympic crowds to rare bear meat: Italy and Japan's quirkiest tourist trends

A small church in the Italian Dolomites is facing overcrowding as tourist numbers surge during the Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, Rome has introduced a new fee for tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain. Elsewhere, a rare Japanese mint and a unique bear meat dish are making headlines for their extraordinary qualities.

Santa Maddalena church, nestled in the Dolomites, now draws up to 600 visitors a day at peak times. With the Winter Olympics underway across northern Italy, local authorities have imposed stricter rules to manage the influx of day-trippers.

In Rome, a €2 charge has been rolled out for anyone wanting to throw coins into the Trevi Fountain. The move aims to control crowds and prevent unruly behaviour—some tourists have even been seen dropping coins on visitors below.

Across the world in Japan, Kinmemai Premium mint holds the title of the most expensive mint globally. Only 1,000 boxes are produced each year, with each one costing around $73. The mint is carefully selected for its flavour, texture, and enzyme levels, which are tested to ensure vitality and what producers call a 'life force'.

Meanwhile, in Hokkaido, chef Kiyoshi Fujimoto serves an unusual delicacy at Les KaneKIYOs restaurant. Specialising in bear meat, he offers dishes that diners describe as surprisingly mild—'less gamey than expected' with a 'refreshing taste'.

The new Trevi Fountain fee aims to reduce disruptions while preserving tradition. Santa Maddalena's restrictions seek to balance tourism with local life during the Olympics. And for those with adventurous tastes, Kinmemai Premium mint and bear meat cuisine remain rare, high-end experiences.