Be a responsible traveler: Photography is banned on Kyoto’s Hanami-Koji Street

By / Scenic Spots Home compiled report
 
Kyoto, Japan, is a cultural ancient capital with a history of over a thousand years, preserving many historic buildings and traditional arts. Especially in the Hanami-Koji area on the southern side of Gionmachi in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, which is internationally renowned. Although it attracts a large number of tourists, there have also been many inappropriate behaviors, prompting the local association to officially ban photography on the private road of Hanami-Koji on October 25.

Kyoto is the birthplace of the geisha culture, and you can often spot beautiful geiko (geisha) along the Gion streets. Every year, a large number of travelers from around the world visit the area, but various disrespectful issues have followed — trespassing on private property, using tripods in the middle of the road, taking photos of geiko without permission, or touching and pulling at their kimonos, all of which have become a nuisance to local residents.

Possibly due to differing cultural habits, visitors may inadvertently violate local taboos or infringe on the privacy of Kyoto residents. This issue has existed for a long time. Despite repeated warnings and the installation of signboards for awareness, the effect has been limited. In order to preserve the atmosphere of Gion, the local council decided to prohibit photography on the nearby private roads, with violators facing a fine of 10,000 yen (approximately NT$2,800).

Photography is prohibited on the private roads near Hanami-Koji in Gion, as well as on the nearby Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka. Signboards in Japanese, English, and Chinese have been put up. Also, do not take photos of geiko or touch them without permission. We hope all visitors will observe proper etiquette and respect local customs and culture.

 

Japan raises consumption tax for travelers: Takeout food remains at 8%

》https://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=21983