KYOTO – Tourists visiting Kyoto will need to heed a new ban on photography in the city’s main geisha neighbourhood following complaints of harassment and bad behaviour by foreign tourists in the quest for the perfect selfie.
Kyoto authorities recently introduced the ban on private roads in the city’s Gion district, including a fine of up to 10,000 yen (US$91).
The move comes as Kyoto and other popular tourist destinations in Japan are struggling to manage issues brought on by a boom in visitors.
Kyoto is facing the growing problem of tourists flocking to ancient shrines and temples and, to Gion, in hopes of catching sight of female entertainers, known as geiko and maiko apprentices dressed in elaborate kimono on their way to evening appointments.
The local ward has placed signs near narrow streets leading off Hanamikoji, a public main road, warning visitors not to take any photographs.
A survey of the neighbourhood’s 300 restaurants and shops raised complaints from littering and smoking while walking, to blocking traffic and trespassing.
Some have witnessed groups of tourists surrounding taxis carrying geiko and chasing the women along the street in an attempt to take photographs, The Guardian reported.
While the ban and fine are not legally binding, local businesses hope the measures will result in visitors having greater respect for the neighbourhood.
A local council leader is also handing out bookmarks and stickers reminding tourists about proper behaviour in English and Chinese.
From December, a pilot project will be launched to remind tourists to mind their manners via a smartphone app that delivers a message in Chinese and English as soon as they come within 1km of Gion. It requests that they avoid taking photos of geiko and maiko without permission and touching private property.