Tourism Kyoto residents back to lamenting tourism pollution

[thomas]

After the opening of Japan to international tourists in October following a two-year hiatus and in the wake of the (fortunately no longer so) weak yen, post-pandemic Kyoto is overrun with tourists again – and the ancient city seems to be having second thoughts. Frantic warnings that it will fine or imprison visitors who break its many rules indicate regret and irritation about "tourism pollution" only weeks after Japan reopened its borders to foreign visitors.

Street signs in English and other languages have multiplied once more. They tell visitors, enticed in by a cheap yen, what is taboo in Kyoto's infamous snooty manner, including one that forbids snapping geisha, or apprentice maiko geisha, in the street without their permission any photography at all on certain residential roads. [...] Japan's ANN news channel recently documented the return of such behaviour despite the threat of a 10,000 yen (£60) on-the-spot fine. In a survey of 300 restaurants and shops before the pandemic, local complaints ranged from littering and smoking in the street to blocking traffic and trespassing. [...] The don'ts include smoking – outdoors and inside – not queuing in an orderly way, cancelling on restaurants at the last minute, leaving a bicycle anywhere except a designated parking area, taking pictures near railway lines, and touching old buildings and objects.

Photo credit: Akio Kon/Bloomberg/Getty​

Don't touch and walk in straight lines: Japan rues return of unruly tourists after Covid

Authorities and residents in Japan's ancient city of Kyoto are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to 'tourism pollution'

inews.co.uk

Kyoto’s Manner ”Akimahen | Kyoto City Official Travel Guide

kyoto.travel

 

[mdchachi]

What in God's name is wrong with taking pictures near railway lines? Somebody better shut down the Rail Fans.

 

[Majestic]

Stay tuned for several "think pieces" on the Japanese philosophy of Akimahen.

 

[nice gaijin]

Stay tuned for several "think pieces" on the Japanese philosophy of Akimahen.

Akimahen culture... the way of "no please don't"

I gotta say this isn't surprising at all, Japan must have been awfully "peaceful" during the lockdowns without all the obnoxious tourists unwittingly breaking every single social rule that's been beaten into most of the Japanese population, to the point that tourists breaking the rules makes them almost angry enough to engage a stranger in public--a shocking proposition under any conditions.

It's a double-edged sword: tourism is a big industry, but living in a touristy place sucks. Tourists all have different ideas of what makes good manners, and none of them will measure up to the locals' expectations.

The end result for us is likely a cold reception, subject to change when you speak the language and "behave yourself' accordingly.