- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,057
- 18,914
I wonder how this will be enforced.
Hakuba officials are moving to tighten city ordinances on disruptive behaviour, from fireworks in the small hours to careless littering, following a sharp rise in problems linked to the influx of inbound tourists. A revised ordinance, due by December ahead of the busy ski season, will allow fines of up to 50,000 yen (about $340) for anyone disturbing the peace or spoiling the local surroundings.
Hakuba first introduced regulations in 2015 banning unruly conduct, including setting off fireworks at night, leaving rubbish, skiing on public roads, and smoking or drinking in the streets. However, officials now argue these provisions are inadequate in light of the sharp rise in foreign visitors. Overnight stays by international tourists have more than doubled in recent years, climbing from 100,000 in 2015 to 250,000 in 2023.
Hakuba officials are moving to tighten city ordinances on disruptive behaviour, from fireworks in the small hours to careless littering, following a sharp rise in problems linked to the influx of inbound tourists. A revised ordinance, due by December ahead of the busy ski season, will allow fines of up to 50,000 yen (about $340) for anyone disturbing the peace or spoiling the local surroundings.
Hakuba first introduced regulations in 2015 banning unruly conduct, including setting off fireworks at night, leaving rubbish, skiing on public roads, and smoking or drinking in the streets. However, officials now argue these provisions are inadequate in light of the sharp rise in foreign visitors. Overnight stays by international tourists have more than doubled in recent years, climbing from 100,000 in 2015 to 250,000 in 2023.