Kyoto Imposes Ban and Fine On Geisha Photography On Private Streets

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. 

415 Call

Above, the vehicle after they closed the doors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the reasons for wanting to leave California is the rudeness and inconsideration of the people here.

Early this morning was a prime example.

At about 2:20 this morning, some people who don't live here were parked near my bedroom and were talking and laughing loudly, thereby waking you-know-who. This falls under police penal code 415 (Disturbing the peace / Mutual combat).

Above, one of the people in the vehicle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So, I got dressed, put a little item for protection in my pocket (who knows what I may be walking into) and went out to have a little chat with them. I reminded the so-called tenant that the manager distributed a notice a few months ago stating that hanging around and talking in the parking lot and the building's common areas is not allowed and non-tenants are not allowed to park in the building's parking lot. Despite their promise to tone down the noise (one inside the vehicle claims he's also a tenant), it kept on for another 25 minutes. I then called the LAPD.

Of course, they left before the police arrived. The dispatcher called me a before any police showed up and I cancelled the call. What's the point? The perps were gone.

So it isn't any wonder that I am choosing to move to New Mexico where I will have an acre of land on both sides of the house (one acre will be mine) as a buffer for any noise problems with the neighbors.

This kind of problem isn't just confined to California. Anytime you have multiple apartments, there will be a few jackasses around to disturb the peace.

I'll have to have a little talk with the building manager today.