Kyoto City in Japan Bans Foreign Tourists from Geisha District

15.03.2024 - 17:30

The management of Gion, the famous geisha district in Kyoto, Japan, has recently taken a significant decision regarding tourist visits. Geishas, a vital part of Japan's cultural life, have been facing complaints due to tourists, leading to this ban. Find out more details below.

Geishas hold a significant place in Japan's popular culture. These wigged, white-faced women have been part of the country's entertainment scene since the 17th century. Geishas sing, dance, and engage in conversations with male clients.

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However, this culture is now under threat due to "photographing." The managers of the popular geisha district in Kyoto, Japan, are complaining about tourists.

Incidents of tourists from all over the world harassing and disturbing Japanese female artists in the crowded Gion district, where geishas reside, are on the rise. Paparazzi tourists pull the kimonos and wigs of geishas just to take photos with them. They chase geishas and apprentice geishas called maikos in the alleyways.

According to Independent, the council of the historic Gion area, famous for its geisha district, has taken a very strict decision regarding this matter. The council will prohibit paparazzi tourists from entering the area and side streets starting from April 2024.

As per South China Morning Post, the side streets hosting restaurants and cafes will only be open to local residents, geishas, and their clients.

Isokazu Ota, a representative from Gion's local council, stated in an interview with CNN,

'In 2019, we started fining tourists who were disturbing geishas. Tourists were taking photos of our professional female artists without their consent and touching them, causing discomfort. This disrespect continued even after the pandemic. People were pulling off the geishas' hair ornaments and throwing cigarette butts at them. That's why we decided to close the area to tourists.'

Peter Macintosh, a Canadian writer and expert on geisha culture living in Kyoto, explains all these incidents with the following words: "People have gone mad and completely out of control!"

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