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Kyoto imposes tourist ban on Geisha district
Tourists in Kyoto’s famed Geisha district will be banned from some areas due to overcrowding and ‘unruly’ behaviour.
Kyoto is cracking down once again on tourists eager to get selfies with the geishas.
Visitors will be banned from the small alleyways that dot the old district of Gion.
The main Hanamikoji street will remain open for tourists.
It comes as residents complained of paparazzi-like harassment and trespassing on private property.
“We don’t want to do this, but we’re desperate,” local council member Isokazu Ota said.
“We are going to put up signs in April that tell tourists to stay out of our private streets.”
It is not the first time city officials have taken action against tourists.
The city had previously threatened fines of ¥10,000 for harassing the women but this hasn’t been the deterrent it hoped.
Residents have complained of the ‘out of control’ behaviour of tourists and being treated like a theme park attraction.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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