Is There a Kyoto Tourism Ban in 2024? Everything You Need to Know 

I'm glad it was helpful! Unfortunately in these situations most of the English language articles are just referencing each other. You need to get into the Japanese to find the specifics - but even then they're still being quite vague to be honest!

That's an interesting point! I think for some people they want to walk around the historic streets, but Sannenzaka has a bit more to offer in that regard.

Yeah there are plenty of other historical places in Kyoto, and people should really not be there without an appointment

I hope things improve soon too. I also hope people start to visit some of Japan's other interesting areas to lighten the tourism load on Kyoto - it's a beautiful place but things are getting a little out of hand it seems

@@cassandra_lord I agree. Kyoto is wonderful, but Japan has so many wonderful places to visit. If there is a silver lining in this situation, it may encourage tourists to visit some of those places instead - giving Kyoto some breathing room.

⁠agree. There're tons of beautiful places like Matsumoto, Kumamoto castle. also ise shrine and Toba perl islands in Mie prefecture are my favorite. They're more attractive than Kyoto.

That's a great tour recommendation! This guy, right? www.kyotosightsandnights.com/walking.html

@@cassandra_lord Yes.

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

You're right. That is why I used quotation marks in the thumbnail, to indicate that's what people are calling it. But the people who don't realise it is not Kyoto-wide will not search "Gion". Do you have any suggestions?

What a nitpicking and useless comment. Welcome to RU-vid. Catchy titles is kind of our thing.

Currently there is only a Japanese application form for photography in Gion, and even that requires that you adhere to certain rules, as it assumes you are taking wedding photos or kimono photos as opposed to photos of the street itself. Some of the rules include no night photography or photos in front of doorways: www.gion-shinbashi.jp/c/manner.html Other than that, there is currently no concrete information about any other permits. It seems they are currently just hoping that tourists will use a guide (such as this one: mai-ko.com/tour/gion-walking-tour-see-a-real-geisha/ #notsponsored)

@@cassandra_lord thankyou for the reply; much appreciated. My wife is Japanese, I’m English and we have just bought a house just south of Gion so I wondered if the tourist ban would also apply to local residents and if so how would residents be identified.

You can book a geisha performance, they are only restricting the people who are going in that area with no purpose

I haven't been on any in Gion myself, but here are a few options: mai-ko.com/geisha/ This one of theirs is Gion specific: mai-ko.com/tour/gion-walking-tour-see-a-real-geisha/ www.kyoto-gioncorner.com/global/en.html www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Explore-the-Geisha-world-and-real-Kyoto/d332-108515P1

Currently I haven't seen any specific information about those. I would imagine if you have a reservation and anyone questions why you are using those streets you could show that, but I don't know about the shops.

Thank you. yeah for example there is this CACAO 365 chocolate store right on these alleys.... i will check out in May :-) the map is also funny where a portion of a street is banned...how people would go to their hotel...some illogical parts !

They just don't like tourists who don't respect Kyoto's culture and people! Make sure to research before you visit and you shouldn't have any problems. Just be polite and kind, and respect the people and buildings

@@cassandra_lord thanks for your reply!

Yeah! It's kind of hard to eat, if I'm honest. It gets stuck to your lips 😂 but it makes a good picture

That's why we don't want you. The place is not a red-light district.