The Japanese city of Kyoto continues its efforts against overtourism by maintaining closures in central areas, aiming to protect community integrity from visitor misconduct.

Back in March, the local government of Kyoto decided to restrict access to the narrow side-streets in the well-known Gion district following numerous reports of harassment toward residents and property damage caused by tourists. The ban will extend into the next year, indicating ongoing concerns from the local population.

Before these restrictions, citizens, especially those residing in heritage areas like Gion, expressed urgent needs for action against the disruptive behaviors of tourists, who were treating their communal spaces casually, much like attractions.

Unpleasant but necessary
Isokazu Ota, a council member, remarked during the announcement of these closures: “We will request tourists to avoid narrow private streets in or after April. This is not something we wish to enforce, but it has become crucial.”

Even prior to COVID-19, residents reported increased cases of foreign tourists exhibiting inappropriate behaviors, which compounds the local economy’s struggles against overtourism.

Noteworthy incidents included visitors physically interacting with maiko (trainee geisha) as if they were props, leading to damage to their attire and even more severe consequences like a garment being set ablaze by a falling cigarette butt.

Currently, tourists who engage in disrespectful actions may face fines of up to $70. Nonetheless, such financial penalties have had minimal impact on deterring such behaviors.