Japan has made a decision to crack down on tourists visiting the historic Gion neighborhood in Kyoto, home to the Japanse Geisha.
Over the years millions of tourists flock to Kyoto to see the living time capsule of traditional Japan , old-timey culture and local flavour of the city. However, repeated incidents of misbehavior from rude and impolite tourists involving trespassing on and photographing private property or grabbing Geisha and maiko (apprentice Geisha) off streets to take photos of or with them against their will – has compelled the city to take steps against curbing such frivolity. The city has done everything educating the tourists on proper manners during visit, but efforts have been mostly fruitless.
An association made of local residents and shop keepers in the city’s Gion District have voted in favor of a temporary ban on tourists entering and photographing private roads, particularly in the vicinity of Hanamikoji street. Residents have been printing and circulating fliers and posters reminding tourists of maintaining good etiquette when approaching with a Geisha or maiko while warning them to keep off private streets and property.
The new rules came into effect on 25th October and a fine of 10,000 yen (approximately Rs 6,500) has also been put in place for those violating the ordiance.However,it is not yet cleared how it will be enforced, whether it will be by police, members of the committee, volunteers, or another organization. The pilot project, which will be in effect till December, is being carried out by the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry in co-operation with the Kyoto government.
As reported,in 2017, the quaint, temple-rich town of Kyoto received over 53 million tourists.
New rules which are also being circulated among tourists via text messages, tourists are not allowed to snap photos of geisha without consent, touch traditional lanterns that fill Kyoto streets or walk from the middle of the road.
Geisha, traditionally dressed women skilled in the preforming arts with painted faces and elaborate hairdos are part of Japan’s ancient culture. Though, Hollywood and pop-culture have made the image of the Geisha a familiar (albeit misunderstood) figure in many Western countries.
