KYOTO: Local officials in Kyoto’s renowned Gion district have announced plans to restrict access to tourists who harass and disrupt the lives of the esteemed geisha and maiko artists.
Effective April, the narrow alleys and streets housing these cultural icons will be off-limits to sightseers and visitors, with access limited to geisha, their clients, and district residents.
The decision comes after years of complaints regarding the intrusive behavior of tourists, who flock to Gion to capture photographs of the geisha and maiko in their traditional attire.
Instances of unauthorized photography, harassment, and disregard for cultural norms have prompted the district council to take action to safeguard the privacy and dignity of these revered artists.
Isokazu Ota, representative secretary of Gion’s South Side District Council, highlighted the growing menace of tourists and the need to enforce stricter regulations to curb disruptive behavior. Despite previous measures such as on-the-spot fines, the problem persists, with tourists showing little regard for local rules and etiquette.
The situation has escalated to the extent that tourists have reportedly touched the geisha’s kimono, pulled out their hair ornaments, and even struck them with cigarette butts. Such behavior, condemned by experts and locals alike, threatens the cultural integrity and well-being of the geisha community.
Efforts to enforce fines and regulations have proven ineffective, leading authorities to opt for a complete closure of the alleys to non-residents and clients of the geisha. This decisive action aims to protect the geisha and maiko, ensuring their continued presence and contribution to Japan’s cultural heritage.
The move comes at a challenging time for the geisha community, which has already been grappling with the economic fallout of the pandemic. By implementing these measures, the local council and city government seek to uphold the values of respect, tradition, and cultural preservation in the historic Gion district.
