Kyoto’s geisha district will be less companionable to pesky tourists
TOKYO — Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, long a popular destination for tourists, is closing off some private-property alleys in its famous geisha district because of complaints about misbehaving visitors.
Tourists crowd the narrow, quaint streets of the area called Gion, often following tour guides who lecture for long hours, district official Isokazu Ota said.
“We are going to put up signs in April that tell tourists to stay out of our private streets,” he said.
The signs will include an English warning: “This is a private road, so you are not allowed to drive through it.” The warning — translated from the Japanese wording that refers generically to “passing through” — is aimed mainly at pedestrians, not cars.
“There will be a fine of” about $70, the warning adds.
The ban covers just several blocks. The district’s public streets will remain open to tourists, so the area and the rest of Kyoto will still be teeming with visitors from Japan and around the world.
Gion’s outrage highlights brewing resentment at what many people believe is “overtourism,” even though the Japanese economy depends more than ever on revenue from tourists to fuel growth.
The district of winding alleyways is known for picturesque teahouses where geisha and their maikos (apprentice geisha), wearing fancy kimono and hair ornaments, perform dances and music.
In a city known for gorgeous temples and gardens, Gion is one of its most scenic spots. Tourists with cameras like to wander around there, hoping to catch the women on their way to a dance class or a fancy dinner party.
Complaints about overzealous tourists began bubbling years ago, though the discontent cooled when the COVID-19 pandemic brought a lull in tourism. Now, visitors are back with a frenzy.
Overseas tourist traffic to Japan is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels.
More than 22 million visitors came to Japan last year, eager to take in sushi, electronic gadgetry and the splendors of nature such as Mt. Fuji. In 2019, more than 31 million foreign tourists visited, and this year’s number could approach or even overtake that, experts say.
It’s been too much for many Gion residents. Their local council summarized their sentiments a few months ago by proclaiming: “Kyoto is not a theme park.”