Hi all,
There is SOOOOO much media hype about the closed off streets in Gion, Kyoto. So I wanted to take a moment to address my thoughts and ease some minds for those currently in (or about to go to Kyoto)
Yes.
Some streets of Gion are now closed to tourists.
Yes, it is so embarrassing as a foreigner in Japan that it had to happen as so many influencers were lingering outside the homes of those who live there (and, although this isn’t exactly relevant but if you live in Gion – you live in a fancy place and have paid for a traditional home in a very culturally unique part of Japan). But also because of bad mannered tourists who were chasing Maiko and Geisha just trying to travel between performances and making their life difficult and not giving them space. Some reports have also spoken of people grabbing at their clothing or blocking their path in order to get a nice photo. How embarrassing for the rest of us.
What is the penalty for those who trespass ? A fine.
Now, some people have seen the headlines “Gion closed to tourists” without reading the actual details. Those who are jumping up and down about it haven’t bothered to actually look at the changes. This isn’t unfair or an act of discrimination. It’s sad that it had to happen. But I also applaud these new boundaries. Japan is amazing but it is not “Disneyland for adults” and not everyone should have full permission to disrupt the lives of those who live there.
Are some streets closed to tourists? Yes.
Do some areas have signs up saying no filming our pictures allowed? Yes.
But…
Is it enough to impact your holiday in any real way in Kyoto? Absolutely not.
The streets that are blocked off to tourists are clearly marked and are also not in anyway part of the main thoroughfare. Some streets have clear signage requesting no photos or videos on a particular street too – it’s also clearly marked.
These changes will not affect your holiday and sightseeing in Gion at all.
It is simply giving a whole lot more privacy to those on the smaller streets. I, personally, walked around Gion just 4 days ago and not once did I feel inconvenienced (I didn’t even need to walk around the “long way” or anything.) These really are just small side streets that no-one has any business just wandering through anyway.
The lovely Ekka Sakkas who co-moderates the Facebook group “Japan Travel Planning” with me, has hand drawn a sign of the streets that are no longer accessible for those who do not live there. The red streets are those that are blocked.
Enjoy Gion, everyone.
Make the rest of us look great by not being feral tourists.
Use google maps to get around. You’ll be so fine.
This is a lovely area to really practice slow travel. Kyoto is so pretty.
I hope this gives you peace of mind.
See here for my Kyoto with kids tips.
