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Bad Tourist Behavior Leads To Photography Crackdown In Kyoto's Gion

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This photo was taken during an annual New Year’s ceremony in the Gion during which photography is permitted.
This photo was taken during an annual New Year’s ceremony in the Gion during which photography is permitted.
Photo: Buddhika Weerasinghe (Getty Images)

The Gion is one of the most picturesque parts of Kyoto. Earlier this year, Kotaku reported that tourists had been making the lives of geisha and maiko, who work in the area, difficult. Now locals have had enough.

As you can see in the footage below, a tourist mob stalks its photo prey.

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There have also been reports that some tourists have touched their kimonos, while others have stuck their cameras in private businesses, residences, and gardens to take photos without permission.

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According to NHK (via CNN), Gion residents have voted to prohibit photography in private roads, alleyways, businesses, and homes near Hanamikoji street. Violators will be fined 10,000 yen ($92).

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Image for article titled Bad Tourist Behavior Leads To Photography Crackdown In Kyoto's Gion
Screenshot: NHK

While there are video cameras in the area, it is unclear how punishment will be enforced.