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| Above, a geisha photo taken at Asakusa's Senso-ji temple grounds. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Foreign tourists to Japan have been causing problems in some areas.
One of which is in Kyoto's Gion geisha district. Overeager and rude tourists have been harassing geishas for photographs on private streets.
Four years ago, we traveled to Kyoto and my traveling companion wanted to take a photo of a geisha. Instead of just snapping a picture, she asked for permission first. The geisha consented and the photo was taken.
Unfortunately, other foreign tourists aren't being as courteous.
As the problem of rude tourists has escalated, a fine has now been imposed, roughly $100.
Time Out Tokyo reported:
The Gion district is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions, famous for its well-preserved heritage roads flanked by wooden machiya (teahouses), which conserve the neighbourhood's Edo-period charm. The picturesque streets are one of the best areas to spot geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to work. However, in recent years, tourists have been racing around like paparazzi to take photos of geisha or maiko, sometimes even trespassing on private property to get the best shot.
Kyoto has had enough with the unruly tourist behaviours. Japan Today reports that an ‘association made up of local residents and shop owners has forbidden photography on private roads'. Beginning October 25, there will be a ¥10,000 fine for photos taken on private streets. Right now, the rule is announced on flyers and signs, and enforced through video surveillance. It’s okay to take pictures on the main roads, such as the well-known Hanami-koji, the historic Shirakawa-dori and the atmospheric Sannenzaka Slope which leads to Yasaka Pagoda (pictured top) – but not on the more tranquil alleys branching off from the main roads. Yes, those streets may look more alluring and are less tourist-filled, but the residents' privacy is much more important than a photographic souvenir.To read more, go here.
1 comment:
On our last trip to Japan, we were surprised to find people pushing, cutting in line, and other "un-Japanese" behavior. When we remarked on this to a local, we were told that the rude people were likely not Japanese, but tourists from China. Apparently, a lot more people in China now have the wealth and ability to travel, but bring their bad manners with them. Hopefully, the good manners of the Japanese will rub off on the Chinese tourists.
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