Kyoto photo ban

This item appears on page 4 of the December 2019 issue.

As of Oct. 25 in the Gion neighborhood of Kyoto, Japan, photography is banned in privately owned alleys near Hanamikoji street. Gion is known for its traditional Japanese houses and streets and is home to many geishas. The ban was voted on by residents in response to a number of reports of bad behavior by tourists, including walking into private residences and touching geishas.

Anyone caught taking a photograph in a restricted area could be fined up to ¥10,000 (near $92).