Why Kyoto Has Banned Tourists from Geisha District | @AbroadinJapan #57

TL;DR

Kyoto is banning tourists from the Geisha district due to cases of harassment and disrespectful behavior towards Geisha.

Transcript

lots of uh tourists do cause problems they grab Geisha they try and take awful selfies and degrade you know these these Gaya quietly uh wandering around in between shops and whatnot uh to the point that you you get find 10,000 Yen if you do take photos without permission wow hello and welcome to the ab braon Japan podcast probably the best way of l... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫡 The ban on tourists in the Geisha district highlights the importance of respecting cultural traditions and local customs while traveling.
• 🈂️ Lawson is considered the best comini chain in Japan, offering friendly service, a wide range of food options, and unique products.
• 🤕 Harassment and disrespectful behavior towards Geisha in Kyoto have resulted in on-the-spot fines and now a ban on tourists to protect Geisha.
• 🤕 The ban may preserve the authenticity of Geisha culture in Kyoto, but it may also impact businesses in the affected areas.

Questions & Answers

Q: What prompted Kyoto to implement a ban on tourists in the Geisha district?

The ban was implemented due to an increase in cases of harassment, disrespectful behavior, and unauthorized photography by tourists towards Geisha in the district.

Q: Will this ban affect all areas of the Geisha district?

The ban will only affect certain streets and alleys in the district. Restaurants and bars in the area may be impacted, as they will only be open to Geisha, their clients, and area residents.

Q: How did Geisha respond to the harassment by tourists?

Geisha have been subjected to unwanted touching, photographing without consent, and even having their hair ornaments hit with cigarette butts. The ban aims to protect Geisha from such behavior.

Q: What comini chain in Japan is recommended by the hosts?

Lawson is recommended as the best comini chain due to its friendly staff, good food, and a variety of original products. Family Mart and 7-Eleven also have their own unique offerings.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kyoto is implementing a ban on tourists in the Geisha district to address the increasing cases of harassment and disrespectful behavior towards Geisha.

• The ban will take effect in April, and certain streets and alleys will only be open to Geisha, their clients, and area residents.

• Kyoto authorities previously implemented on-the-spot fines for tourists taking unauthorized photos of Geisha and harassing them.