Frustrations with overtourism has forced Kyoto authorities to ban tourists from entering the private alleys in the city’s Gion geisha district, with the new regulation likely to be enforced in April.
News reports say Gion’s city council is under pressure from local residents since December 2023 to take action following a spike in post-lockdown international tourists as well as cases of bad behaviour among tourists.
Tourist will no longer be allowed in the private alleys in the city’s Gion geisha district in Kyoto from April
Geiko and maiko traditional entertainers have endured curious visitors who chased them down with smartphones for photos and videos.
This is despite signs around the area warning against photography on private roads and fines of up to 10,000 yen (US$67).
Gion’s main Hanamikoji Street, which is public, will remain open to tourists.
Frustrations with overtourism has forced Kyoto authorities to ban tourists from entering the private alleys in the city’s Gion geisha district, with the new regulation likely to be enforced in April.
News reports say Gion’s city council is under pressure from local residents since December 2023 to take action following a spike in post-lockdown international tourists as well as cases of bad behaviour among tourists.
Geiko and maiko traditional entertainers have endured curious visitors who chased them down with smartphones for photos and videos.
This is despite signs around the area warning against photography on private roads and fines of up to 10,000 yen (US$67).
Gion’s main Hanamikoji Street, which is public, will remain open to tourists.