Japan cracks down on tourists' bad behaviour with $140 fine

Geisha and maiko - trainee geisha - have complained that tourists photograph and grab at them. Photo / Getty Images

Tired of tourists thrusting their cameras in the faces of geisha as they clip-clop on wooden "geta" sandals through Kyoto, residents of the Gion district have banned photography on private lanes and are imposing a fine of Y10,000 (NZ$144) on anyone who ignores the new order.

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When in Kyoto, go #geishahunting 💐🎋🏮it took me a few #fakeones until I spotted the real ones... 📷No picture with me😏 no problem... Me picture with you! 😆 #lospattondojapan

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Signs announcing the new local regulation went up on Friday, and foreign visitors are being given leaflets asking them to be respectful of the geisha and maiko, or trainee geisha, as they go to and from appointments.

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#kyoto #city #japan #gion #giondistrict #geisha

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Visitors are also being asked to request permission before trying to take a photograph when a geisha is on a public road. Mimiko Takayasu, the head of an association of local residents and shop owners, told national broadcaster NHK that the ban has been introduced to "preserve Gion's traditional atmosphere".

The number of people visiting Japan has soared in recent years, with the ancient capital of Kyoto one of the most popular destinations.

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#kyoto #geisha #japan #japanphotography #japaneseculture

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Inevitably, the Gion district of narrow, flagstoned alleyways and discreet tea houses where Japan's legendary geisha have performed for centuries is a must-see part of the city.

That has, however, led to a number of clashes of cultures. Geisha have complained that they are being chased along streets, pressured to pose for selfies and even pursued into tea houses and their accommodation.

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#kyoto #geisha #geishastreet #japan #beautiful #women

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Geisha have also said foreign tourists try to touch their kimono and elaborate wigs or pluck the delicate ornaments from their hairpieces.

The city's tourist authority launched a multilingual app earlier this year instructing foreign visitors on etiquette in the deeply traditional geisha quarter.

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Ketemu Geisha mo berangkat kerja akhirnya!! Tadi ada 3 Geisha. Yg 1 ketemu nunduk aja trus jalan setengah lari. Di ikutin sampe ke gang, tapi tiba-tiba ilang. Nah yg 2 ini keliatan ceria karna dia sambil ngobrol. Mungkin moodnya lg happy ya. Nah 2 ini kebetulan masuk ke bilik di pinggir jalan (beda sama yg 1 lagi, biliknya rada masuk ke dalem). Yg 2 ini masuk ke bilik yg ada bapak2 duduk jaga pintu (di video ke2). Gue? Iya jalan setengah lari juga. Macem paparazi. Duh maap ganggu banget ya, abisan dulu nyari ga nemu nemu (iyalaaaahhh nyarinya sebelum gelap, mana juga keluar deh) #wheningion #wheninkyoto #geisha #ayokitakemana #travelling #wheninjapan

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That initiative has not apparently solved the problem, however, and local residents are taking the matter into their own hands.

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Dreamy: A Geisha in a Japanese spring night, Kyoto 🌙🇯🇵♥️ • • • #colorful #everydayphotography #dreamy #japan #travelgram #япония #киото #kyoto #geisha #geiko #гейша #evening #abend #вечер #blurry #violet #violetta #instajapan #tradition #custom #традиции #instacity #travel #reisen #путешествие #wanderlust #urbanlife #daily #picoftheday #lila

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Monitoring cameras have been set up on private lanes where photography is now forbidden, meaning that anyone who contravenes the local law may subsequently tracked down, although it is not clear who will be tasked with enforcing the regulations and collecting fines or where the money will eventually go.

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Spotted #geisha #geishahunting #gion #kyoto

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Under the "geisha hunting" hashtag on Instagram, an account called kyoto_tourism_manners_assn is commenting on photos, "Seeing a Geiko or Maiko is an exhilarating feeling. However, please respect their privacy and trade. Next time try to attend a paid venue where they would happily pose for you. Geisha "hunting" is not something locals feel should be encouraged as it objectifies and impedes them, causing them to be late for appointments with clients. Hope you understand and help spread the word next time you're in Kyoto!"

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#geishahunting #gion

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