Japan is being inundated with foreign tourists right now, receivingmore international visitors than ever before in history. Surging numbers of inbound travellers means the country is being forced to readdress its overtourism problem that died down temporarily during the pandemic, and now that visitors have ratcheted up to never-before-seen levels, unprecedented measures are being taken.
One such area where new measures have been put in place is in Kyoto’s famous Gion district, where geisha and maiko (trainee geisha who are usually 16 to 17 years of age) live and work. The ornate costumes worn by these young women make them something of a tourist attraction for foreign tourists, who photograph them as they walk to work along the paved streets. Some tourists have been known to aggressively pursue these women in order to get a perfect photo, leading them to be known as “maiko paparazzi“, and geisha and maiko feel threatened by their incessant behaviour.
▼ After one geisha had part of her clothing torn and another had a cigarette butt inserted into her collar, a photography ban wasintroduced in October 2019.
Five years after the photography ban was introduced on “私道” (“shidou”), or “private roads” in the area, the local council announced it would be taking things even further bybanning tourist access to some of these roads altogether. The decision wasn’t made lightly, as locals had chosen to kindly overlook the fact that visitors were essentially trespassing on private property for years, but with tourist numbers increasing, it has become harder for businesses, residents, and tourists to coexist harmoniously in such confined spaces, so action had to be taken.
In April, the local council announced it would start restricting access at one of the area’s most famous private roads,Kosode Koji, with the proposed no-entry sign seen at the cued-up point in this report below.
The message on the sign read, “This is a private road, so you are not allowed to drive through it. There will be a fine ¥10000” in English, although the Japanese translates as: “Private Road Beyond This Point. Passage Prohibited.”
However, on 29 May, the no-entry sign was installed at the entrances to Kosode Koji and it had a new design, written in English, Japanese and Chinese, with the English reading: “Private Road Do Not Enter Fine up to ¥10,000“. The message in Japanese is a lot more detailed, translating as: “Due to this being a private road, photography and entry by tourists and guided tours is prohibited.”
▼ The new sign can be seen at the beginning of this report below.
Despite the different nuances, the message is clear —if you don’t live or work on the road, then do not enter. According to Gion Southside District Council Director Isoichi Ota, this is the first of a number of signs they plan to erect at private roads in the area, in order to help protect the lives of locals.
▼ Gion’s private roads are marked in red at this point in the video below.
Not long after the signs went up, Japanese media outlets were quick to scope out the scene, watching to see how tourists would react. Would they break the rules and enter? Or respect the sign and walk on by?
▼ The cued-up spot in the below report shows that tourists surprised the local media outlets by…obeying the rules.
According to the report, nobody was seen entering the road, and when they spoke to tourists, they were understanding of the issue.
▼ Tourists react to the new road restrictions.
It’s heartening to hear tourists respecting the locals’ wish for privacy, so the sign is already proving to be effective. The more locals see tourists being respectful of private roads, the more chance there is that the road restrictions won’t spread even further, making life in Gion better for everyone.
▼ So remember, don’t act like the tourist seen at the start of this video, who recently went viral for being a “maiko paparazzi”.
It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of Japan, especially in a place with so much history like Gion, and though the locals are prepared to put up with a lot of interruption to their daily lives, sometimes it gets to a point where action has to be taken.
With the town of Fujikawaguchikorecently erecting a blackout screen to block a view of the so-called “Mountt Fuji Lawson” that had become popular on social media, local governments are proving they aren’t afraid to put their foot down when it comes to overtourism. Here’s hoping more stringent measures don’t have to be put in place, especially at sites in Kyoto, because the city has a history ofsevering ties in dramatic fashion.
Sources:Asahi,FNN
Read more stories from SoraNews24.
-- Kyoto bans tourists from geisha alleys in Gion, with fines for those who don’t follow rules
-- Bad tourist manners at Mt Fuji Lawson photo spot prompts Japanese town to block view with screens
-- Tourists damage Mt Fuji Lawson blackout screen that was meant to stop bad-mannered visitors
- External Link
- https://soranews24.com/2024/05/31/tourist-ban-now-in-effect-in-kyotos-gion-geisha-district-but-are-visitors-obeying-the-rules/
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38 Comments
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Bad Haircut
When idiots ruin it for everyone...
I remember back in the late 90s walking through Gion on a quiet weekday and meeting a group of five Maiko. We had a brief chat and I got a photo with them all. Still have it on my wall.
Nevermore, though.
22(+31/-9)
dagon
The message on the sign read, “This is a private road, so you are not allowed to drive through it. There will be a fine ¥10000” in English, although the Japanese translates as: “Private Road Beyond This Point. Passage Prohibited.”
Documented evidence of a Japanese two-tier justice system.
I know for a fact some of those geisha teahouses are trying to have foreign language guidance to monetize some of the high rolling foreign tourists.
So this rule is for the hoi polloi.
You have to pay well to play.
-11(+13/-24)
WasabiWit
Private Road Do Not Enter Fine up to ¥10,000“. The message in Japanese is a lot more detailed, translating as: “Due to this being a private road, photography and entry by tourists and guided tours is prohibited.”
So why is the Japanese version so politer, more detailed and less punitive?
Can they not be identical?!
-10(+8/-18)
Thunderbird2
To be totally honest Kyoto does sort of encourage tourists... all those shots of time capsule streets, the ladies in their finery and processions. I agree that there are some very rude tourists out there, but Kyoto needs to look at how it promotes itself.
8(+15/-7)
kaynide
@above: read the actual sign as shown in the YouTube videos, the fine is clearly written in Japanese also…
15(+15/-0)
tora
Good tourists for obeying all the rules. see it can be done.
2(+5/-3)
Bad Haircut
You have to pay well to play
It's always been expensive, for the Japanese as well. Are you expecting them to drop their prices for the peasantry?
0(+10/-10)
Negative Nancy
So why is the Japanese version so politer, more detailed and less punitive?
Can they not be identical?!
Because English is not just for native speakers of English. Over-politeness mimicking the Japanese version is why there are confusing messages such as:
"May I have your attention please. Passengers are prohibited from walking in this area".
What they mean to say is "NO ENTRY", "PRIVATE" or even "CLOSED", which are more widely understood.
15(+17/-2)
wallace
Thousands of people have walked those private roads for hundreds of years making them public right of way. At our Nagano house, there is a right-of-way across the property to reach the river for water.
3(+10/-7)
Jim
When there were no foreign tourist during the pandemic and very few tourist afterwards then these same businesses were complaining and many closed down permanently as they had no source of income.
Then when they start getting money from tourist they start to complain again that there are too many tourist around and we don’t want them!
The foreign tourist are the bigger fools knowing that they are unwanted and despised in certain parts of Japan, yet they go there and throw away their hard earned cash!
Having said that, ever since social media took over, the behavior of these tourists have deteriorated more and more and most of these tourist aren’t actually interested in particular sites for sightseeing but there only to take photos, record crazy videos to upload to their social media… this makes them act in uncivilized, unmannered ways! It’s just embarrassing to watch the behavior of some of these ( not all tourist are bad though ) social media freaks who give a bad image of tourist!
-8(+7/-15)
Abe234
I can see where this will end up. Some "foreign-looking" people who are residents in Japan will just be doing some normal sightseeing, just like the "Japanese" and they'll be shouted out with the obligatory "NO" and crossed arms. I hope this also extends to Japanese tourists too. I understand there are bad-mannered tourists, I just worry about the "foreign community" being stigmatised in the press, and angst building up over the coming years. Whether it be about poor tourists, cribbage, crime, tax evasion etc etc.
14(+19/-5)
koiwaicoffee
Agree with Jim. Kyoto needs the tourists money but at the same time they would prefer to not have to see them around? Cannot have it both ways, Kyoto.
But it's also true that tourists as a collective are getting dumber -worldwide I mean-. They wouldn't go to half of the places they visit if they couldn't take the stupid Insta picture.
Thousands of people have walked those private roads for hundreds of years making them public right of way. At our Nagano house, there is a right-of-way across the property to reach the river for water.
This should be also true. The prohibition to take pictures is for all around Gion, even when they are mostly open public roads.
-4(+3/-7)
Redemption
I don't know if you have been to Kyoto recently but it has lost its luster for me. If you are a long term foreigner you will be treated with the indifference of being a tourist. The city has no soul in my opinion. When I have time off I am going to smaller venues in Kyushu or Hokkaido.
13(+16/-3)
Tim Sullivan
I've been a regular visitor to Shizuoka for about 30 years. I know spots where you can take amazing photos of Fuji-san and you won't see another soul as most of the locals are either dead or have moved for economic opportunities. I'm not blaming the tourists who are on their bucket list trips -- the JNTO needs to think outside the box and find ways to get more visitors to these areas.
4(+8/-4)
Asiaman7
Perhaps foreign visitors have moved on to Yasaka Shrine.
https://soranews24.com/2024/05/27/1300-year-old-kyoto-shrine-changes-bell-policy-following-altercation-with-foreign-tourists
I can understand the local point of view, but a harassing Japanese woman emulating a “Karen” is never a good look.
5(+8/-3)
Tony W.
Kyoto is a great city, as I discovered very recently, but thr privacy of its 0eople should be paramount, and so authorities have to do what it takes. But perhaps the geisha organisers have not been very inventive in their training methods. Why are the girls dressed up out on the streets anyway, why not have all their gear and the classes in one building., or let the girls bring their gear from home and dress up when they get to their lessons? This way neither the girls nor the locals will be inconvenienced.
5(+8/-3)
Baradzed
I've been a regular visitor to Shizuoka for about 30 years. I know spots where you can take amazing photos of Fuji-san and you won't see another soul as most of the locals are either dead or have moved for economic opportunities. I'm not blaming the tourists who are on their bucket list trips -- the JNTO needs to think outside the box and find ways to get more visitors to these areas.
Oh no, why do you want to destroy peaceful beautiful place near Tokyo? I would never share with anyone a nice calm spot whether it’s just a little garden or cozy coffee shop.
4(+6/-2)
Sanjinosebleed
Kyoto has lost it’s appeal thanks to over tourism! Japan needs to start diversifying and promoting the plethora of other area which have just as much history and style as Kyoto without the multitude of tourists…
0(+5/-5)
Moonraker
If you are a long term foreigner you will be treated with the indifference of being a tourist.
I just worry about the "foreign community" being stigmatised in the press, and angst building up over the coming years.
We're all tourists now.
-3(+10/-13)
ebisen
The nanbanjin invasion.
-10(+4/-14)
owzer
If they want to prevent it, why stop at a 10,000 yen fine? Make it a 100,000 yen fee. All you have to do is catch one a day and you've paid for the 5 guards you hire. It's not rocket science.
0(+5/-5)
zibala
At our Nagano house, there is a right-of-way across the property to reach the river for water.
Yeah, right.
-6(+3/-9)
wolfshine
Perhaps foreign visitors have moved on to Yasaka Shrine.
https://soranews24.com/2024/05/27/1300-year-old-kyoto-shrine-changes-bell-policy-following-altercation-with-foreign-tourists
I can understand the local point of view, but a harassing Japanese woman emulating a “Karen” is never a good look.
You should have been on X while this whole thing was unfolding. The woman who filmed that video was encouraging her followers to dox the foreign tour guide while also having them go after anyone who disagreed with her.
I always assumed the Japanese netizens were pretty crazy, but to have a situation where she is clearly harassing people and in the wrong, but hordes of Japanese people online will still behave that way knowing fully well what they are doing is wrong just so they can stick it to the gaijin... wow. I mean I have to say it has brought my collective respect for Japanese people down a few points.
I think an anti-foreigner movement is brewing in Japan. When Japan started facing more criticism for their Covid travel ban in late 2021, I think a lot of Japanese people got defensive over the policy, which caused this ideology to pick up momentum, and then it exploded in 2023 with the whole Johnny Somali debacle. Since then, every month there is some new controversy over young Japanese people or foreigners.
The whole anti-tourist rhetoric has become totally out of control and is a sign of problems ahead for this country. We were falsely lead to believe that Japan was this maverick of the modern world, preserving traditions while also standing up to woke culture and political correctness. The reality is that Japan's far-right are the woke, politically correct monstrosity we were always warned about.
-10(+7/-17)
carpslidy
Wolfshine,
It appears the guide was running a scan and a generally bad person
It's idiots like him that make it more difficult for everyone
0(+3/-3)
DanteKH
This news and also the one with the Lawson-Mt. Fuji screen are so cringe and pathetic, it makes normal people face palm on how pathetic those decision can be.
Really, just for once, think outside the box and find an alternate solution which will benefit everyone. Is not that difficult when smart people are put to think...
-13(+1/-14)
Peter Neil
let’s build a separate “geisha land” amusem*nt park with buses from the eki. a disneyesque facade copying the street with imitation geisha that everyone can take photos of and with.
food, photos, souvenirs, trinkets, cardboard geisha with cutouts to stick your face through. all for 9,000 entry fee.
anyone else want in?
-5(+7/-12)
kurisupisu
Better still have entry and exit points manned checking IDs-500 yen to get in and out.
Still, the old fellas in the local government aren’t able to think outside the box…
-3(+2/-5)
wolfshine
Wolfshine,
It appears the guide was running a scan and a generally bad person
It's idiots like him that make it more difficult for everyone
According to whom? Bloodthirsty netto uyoku, foaming at the mouth?
They claim to understand the rules on tourism regulations but its all just gotcha moments and soundbytes. They are not a credible source of information. Not to mention a lot of these people likely played a part in the whole q/anon phenomenon that got really big in the states a few years ago.
That British tour guide was doxed, harassed, threatened, and basically had his life ruined because he had the audacity to stand up for himself while being a foreigner. It is basically impossible to live in Japan as a non-Japanese person while setting boundaries with Japanese people. Everyone who lives here knows this.
-10(+4/-14)
carpslidy
Wolfshine
Until the site was taken down today the reviews for his "travel company" include complaints of taking payments and then disappearing, being aggressive and even having to call the police to get him to give a refund for services not provided.
Also there is a sign at the temple which says no bell ringing after 5pm
So, yes I agree some people are anti foreigner for no reason other than racism and I am against bullying or harrasent but in this incident the guy appears to be a crock who got what was coming to him
4(+5/-1)
carpslidy
Are few of the reviews are
Terrible experience
*Review of*Gion District & Hidden Gems Walking Tour in Kyoto
Reviewed 7 April 2024via mobile
We booked the tour for the 26th of March and guide did no show up. There were also 4 other people wih us waiting for more than 40 minutes. We booked through their website and we did not even get a refund.
Disrespectful Tour Guide
May 2024 • Solo
Avoid this tour guide in Japan like the plague. Despite living here, he shows a complete disregard for the Japanese people and their culture. His constant rude mistakes and aggressive arguments with locals make the experience unbearable. This disrespectful, unprofessional guide will ruin your trip. Do not waste your time or money.
> They ghosted us. Dude came by with a paper saying One Kyoto Tours, said he needed a few minutes to sort things out and never returned. Check out the reviews here. Total scam. I'd give a lower rating if it were possible.This is a pattern. The one 5-star review was probably from a friend. Completely bogus outfit.
>
5(+6/-1)
Alan Harrison
Having observed the behaviour of some Japanese citizens abroad, I don't think that these critics of tourists in Japan are in any position to criticise.
-3(+5/-8)
Mocheake
Yawn. The daily whine. Hope they had some good cheese to go with that. Tomorrow (today), it'll probably be back to Mt. Fuji.
-4(+3/-7)
GBR48
Japan has a Ground Self-Defence Force. Deploy it. Then take Kyoto off TripAdvisor, remove it from tourist sites and close Kyoto hotels to foreign nationals. Problem solved.
-4(+3/-7)
WoodyLee
I just don't understand what is the issue here?
Designate areas were tourists can meet, chat with, take photos, exchange gifts and messages or even Love Letters with these beautiful and unique to Japan ladies for a price or for FREE as they wish, Problem Solved.
Every place I have visited in Asia, South America, Africa, The Middle East, Europe, and Canada, people interact with natives in traditional clothing and just normal people , take photos, shake hands, share messages, have a hug and a dance, even share meals and so on.
NO NEED to make an issue out of it.
One more thing how about building a wall around this area and completely block it so the can maintain their privacy.
3(+4/-1)
Ed
We're back for our third trip next April for a month. Consider us polite and obliging tourists who follow Japanese customs and wishes as best as we can.
We have always stayed at least 10 nights in Kyoto and never visited this district as asked of us.
This trip, however, we're just going to avoid Kyoto altogether thanks to being put in the same mold as other ignorant tourists who have no respect.
Not all of us are bad tourists.
The minority stuff it up for the majority, again.
4(+5/-1)
zibala
This is definitely on my list of places I will go this summer.
-4(+2/-6)
WoodyLee
Ed,
"This trip, however, we're just going to avoid Kyoto altogether thanks to being put in the same mold as other ignorant tourists who have no respect."
So SAD, Why avoid beautiful Kyoto, I hope you and your family keep doing what you liked to do no need to alter, best of luck .
2(+3/-1)
