KYOTO (ANN/THE JAPAN NEWS) – Signs prohibiting tourists from entering a private alleyway were installed on Wednesday in Kyoto’s Gion district, a popular spot normally bustling with visitors from around the world.
The decision came after repeated instances of tourists showing disrespect towards the geiko and maiko who frequent the area, prompting action from the Gion South District Area Council, comprised of local residents.
The signboards are prominently displayed at the entrance of Kosode Koji, a historic 100-metre-long alleyway renowned for its traditional charm.
In Japanese, English, and Chinese, the signs explicitly warn against entering the private alley, prohibit photography, and threaten fines of up to JPY10,000 for trespassers.
The Kosode Koji alley has been under the management of the council, which had previously allowed tourists to pass through.
However, recent incidents such as littering and crowding around geiko and maiko have escalated, prompting the council to intervene.
“Gion is a place where residents lead their lives,” explained Isokazu Ota, a 61-year-old council member. “When disrespectful tourists come in large numbers, we have no choice but to take action.”
Overtourism, which leads to various issues, is increasingly problematic in many areas. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of foreign tourists to Japan rebounded to an estimated 25.06 million in 2023, approximately 80 per cent of the 2019 figures.
