Gion, Kyoto’s Geisha district, will be shut off to tourists from April, following bad behaviour from foreigners who harassed the Geishas.
The district will no longer allow tourists to walk through its private alleys, or visit many of its teahouses and restaurants, according to the South China Morning Post. These establishments and roads will be reserved for the Geisha, their clients and residents.
This is the latest development in Japan’s attempts to protect the Geisha from tourists after the authorities introduced a ¥10 000 (R1 260) fine for tourists in 2019 for taking photos of Geishas without their consent. The measures have been unsuccessful, prompting the recent ban.
Gion district council called for the ban in December last year, saying that their neighbourhood was not a theme park.
“We don’t want to do this, but we’re desperate,” said Isokazu Ota, an executive member of the council.
Gion’s main Hanamikoji street will remain open to tourists.
