Kyoto's historic Gion neighborhood has voted to ban photography in private streets and homes in response to issues with disrespectful tourist behavior. Locals have complained about tourists photographing geishas and apprentices without permission, and even chasing them down streets or tugging at their kimonos. Those caught breaking the photography ban will face a 10,000 yen fine. The ban covers alleys near Hanamikoji street and aims to maintain the local way of life in the popular area home to many geishas.

1. Kyoto's Gion neighborhood cracks down on photography
Lilit Marcus, CNN • Updated 28th October 2019
(CNN) — Kyoto's historic Gion neighborhood is cracking down on photography in
response to ongoing issues with bad tourist behavior.
As Japan's tourism has grown exponentially, Kyoto has struggled to maintain its local
way of life. Thousands of foreign tourists fill the city's streets daily, many staying in
local hotels while others visit as part of day trips from nearby Osaka.
Gion, with its narrow alleys and picturesque teahouses, is a particularly popular area
and home to many of Japan's geishas.
According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, Gion's local resident group has voted
to ban photography in the community's private streets and homes. Anyone caught
flouting the law will be fined ¥10,000 ($92).
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2. Japanese geisha and their apprentices walk in the street during an annual new year's ceremony at the Gion
Kobu Kaburenjo Theater on January 7, 2016. The area is one of Kyoto's most popular tourist destinations.
Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Tourists have been coming to the neighborhood in droves, and while some enjoy
simply walking and taking in the scenery or visiting a traditional teahouse, others have
been less courteous, particularly when it comes to photographing geishas and maikos
(geisha apprentices).
Related content Behave, foreigners! Kyoto issues etiquette guides
NHK reports that the ban, which came into e ect on October 25 and covers private
alleys near Hanamikoji street, comes on the heels of complaints that some tourists
have taken photos of geishas without permission, in some cases going so far as to
chase the women down the street, or tug at their kimonos.
Others have reportedly entered private property without permission.
While locals have taken on the duty of enforcing the ban individually, Japan Today
reports that video surveillance will also be used to help track down o enders.
Read more
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