Kyoto To Fine Tourists Who Walk Through Private Alleyways In Its Geisha District

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Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, is known for picturesque teahouses, where women — called geisha — wear traditional kimonos and hair ornaments, and perform Japanese traditional arts such as singing, dancing, and playing instruments.

It is one of Japan's most visited historical spots. Tourists, armed with cameras, often crowd the district's narrow, winding alleyways, hoping to photograph the women on their way to dance classes or a fancy dinner party.

To counter the issue of overcrowding, the Japanese city will put up signs in April to tell tourists to keep out of their private streets, reported the Associated Press.

The sign will have its message in both Japanese and English, reading, "This is a private road, so you are not allowed to drive through it."

"We don't want to do this, but we're desperate," said Isokazu Ota, an executive member of the Gion district council.

For years, there have been numerous reports about tourists harassing the geisha, including tugging at the women's kimonos, pulling out their hair ornaments, chasing them around with cameras and smartphones, and even throwing cigarette butts at them, reported CNN.

Despite Kyoto's efforts to protect the women, such as putting up signs to prohibit photography and warnings of potential fines, they've been unsuccessful.

Ota said that tourists have gotten bolder and more brazen since the return of mass tourism to Japan after the pandemic.

The ban covers several blocks of Gion.

Gion's main Hanamikoji Street, which is public, will remain open to tourists, reported The Japan Times.