Kyoto city council wants to ban tourists from certain alleys in the geisha district of Gion. Residents have long complained that tourists often behave disrespectfully.
In 2019, signs reading “Photography prohibited on private streets” were put up. A fine of 10,000 yen, the equivalent of around 60 euros, has also been introduced. In Gion, the geishas, Japan's traditional entertainers, pursue a centuries-old profession. They are trained in traditional Japanese dance, play music and entertain their guests with games and stories.