Kyoto's Geisha District Implements Strict Rules to Curb Tourist Misbehavior

Kyoto's Gion district, known for its geisha culture, will ban tourists from entering its narrow private streets due to a rise in bad behavior, including trespassing and non-consensual photography of geiko and maiko entertainers. The ban comes as Japan grapples with overtourism, with other destinations like Mount Fuji also implementing measures to address overcrowding and littering. Despite efforts to discourage unruly behavior, the return of pre-pandemic visitor numbers has led to challenges in managing tourist conduct in popular sightseeing spots.