Tourists in Kyoto are overwhelming locals who are on the verge of breaking down — the government issues an etiquette booklet to guide on local customs

▲ Japan is one of the favorite travel destinations for Taiwanese, where etiquette goes beyond being a tourist(Photo / Wikimedia Commons)

By Rita

In recent years, the Japanese government has focused on tourism to revive the economy and attract global visitors, but at the same time, locals are reaching their limit. Just from Taiwan alone, hundreds of flights head straight to major Japanese cities every day — not to mention travelers from other regions. How many tourists can a place like Kyoto accommodate in a single day? Poor behavior, especially after they leave, leaves behind disaster-like conditions in public restrooms.

According to CNN reports, the Kyoto city government has begun taking action to address these increasingly severe tourist-related issues, such as publishing etiquette guides to inform visitors about daily customs and manners in Japan. In addition, there are also guides on “how to use toilets” and “things not to do in Kyoto.”

“Things Not to Do in Kyoto”lists behaviors ranked by rudeness level, using emojis to indicate discomfort levels. For example:Most unwelcome actions: giving tips, opening taxi doors yourself — as taxi doors in Japan are automatic and controlled by the driver; smoking in non-smoking areas outdoors, which is not a local custom and could result in a ¥1,000 fine; cycling while drunk carries a hefty fine of up to ¥1 million and can lead to a five-year prison sentence.

When traveling to Kyoto, be sure to read bloggers’ experiences or check Chinese websites for local etiquette advice to avoid offending residents.