Kyoto Bans Tourists from Parts of Gion Geisha District
Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto, long a popular destination for tourists, is closing off some private alleys in the famous geisha district of Gion because of complaints about badly behaved visitors.
Local district official Isokazu Ota told The Associated Press on March 8, "We are going to put up signs in April that tell tourists to stay out of our private streets."
Signs in both Japanese and English will warn tourists that they are not allowed to pass through certain private streets and that "There will be a fine of 10,000 yen," — about $70.
The ban covers just several blocks of Gion. The district's public streets will remain open to tourists, so the area and the rest of Kyoto will still be crowded with visitors, both from Japan and around the world.
Anger at tourist behavior in Gion highlights growing resentment at what many people feel is "over-tourism," even though the Japanese economy depends more than ever on tourism revenue.
The district of winding alleys is known for picturesque teahouses, where geisha and their maiko apprentices, wearing fancy kimono and hair ornaments, perform music and dance.
In a city known for gorgeous temples and gardens, Gion is one of its most scenic and historical spots. Tourists, armed with cameras, like to wander around Gion, hoping to catch the women on their way to dance class or a fancy dinner party.
Complaints about over-eager tourists began years ago, though the discontent cooled during the coronavirus pandemic. But now, the visitors are back and foreign tourist traffic to Japan is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels.
More than 22 million visitors came to Japan last year, eager to take in sushi, electronic gadgets, and attractions like Mount Fuji and the beaches of Okinawa.
In 2019, incoming travel totaled more than 31 million people, and this year's number could approach or even overtake that, experts say.
It's been too much for many residents of Gion. Their local council summarized their feeling a few months ago by proclaiming: "Kyoto is not a theme park."
