After reported instances of geisha and maiko being chased down in the private streets in the historic Gion district, being photographed without consent and even harassed by foreigners touching their Kimono and elaborate wigs, locals have decided to hit back.
A fine of Y10,000 (£71) will be imposed by anyone caught harassing geisha, new signs were put up on Friday 25 October and leaflets were distributed to remind the visitors to be more respectful.
It will be mandatory for tourists to get consent before taking selfie or photo of a geisha and that they can only do this on public roads.
Mimiko Takayasu, the head of an association of local residents and shop owners said that the move is expected to preserve Gion’s traditional atmosphere.
There are CCTVs being installed on private roads to ensure that the tourists are not going against the law. So, it is now clear the that someone is monitoring them however, the new regulations are not enforced overall.
Due to overtourism in Kyoto residents and business owners in the city’s Gion-Shinbashi district joined to form a scenary preservation committee to combat issues of half-naked hikers, trespassing travellers and prolonged photo shoots .
A memorandum was signed by the group seeking better behavior from tourists and the vice representative of the group said that if no countermeasures are taken the elegant Gion view will be spoiled.
Selfie-takers were targeted through the campaign and were suggested that they spend less time posing and people who strip off in public.
Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau released an “etiquette manual” advising visitors not to hassle geisha, cycle while drunk, take their own food and drink to a restaurant or touch old buildings and objects.
Tags: Kyoto
