In response to overtourism challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, Kyoto's famous geisha district, Gion, is putting in place visitor restrictions, particularly in private alleys, to address resident concerns and preserve cultural integrity.

Kyoto residents, especially those residing in the picturesque Gion district, have long expressed frustration with the surge in tourist numbers, as reported by The Japan Times.

In December, a council representing Gion's residents appealed to the city administration, saying&nbsp;their neighbourhood is not a mere tourist attraction but a living community deserving respect.

<h2>Strengthened response to ongoing issues</h2>

The Gion district council, acknowledging the persistent challenges posed by overtourism, has now decided to escalate its response. The council has announced plans to implement stricter measures, including banning tourists from entering private alleys, effective April.

Isokazu Ota, an executive member of the Gion district council, told The Japan Times&nbsp;that tourists would be discouraged from accessing narrow private streets, where intrusive behaviour and privacy violations have become prevalent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japan-government-contemplates-declaring-an-end-to-the-deflation-battle-sources-say-696304">Also read |&nbsp;Japan government contemplates declaring an end to the deflation battle, sources say</a>

However, Gion's main thoroughfare, Hanamikoji Street, will remain accessible to tourists, ensuring a balance between accessibility and privacy.

Ota highlighted the intrusive conduct exhibited by some tourists, likening their actions to that of paparazzi. Instances of disrespectful behaviour, such as attempting to take photographs or getting too close to geisha on narrow streets, have prompted the need for stricter regulations.

Previous attempts to address unwanted tourist behaviour included installing warning signs prohibiting photography on private roads, with potential fines imposed for violations. Despite these measures, the challenges persist, necessitating more robust enforcement strategies.

<h2>Understanding Geisha culture</h2>

It's crucial to dispel misconceptions surrounding geisha, clarifying that they are not sex workers but highly skilled entertainers proficient in traditional Japanese arts, including dance, music, and storytelling.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Japan's geisha district to ban tourists, Miami Beach breaks up with spring breakers

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The initiative in Gion reflects broader efforts across Japan to combat overtourism and safeguard cultural heritage sites. Mount Fuji, another iconic destination, is implementing measures such as visitor fees and capacity limits to manage tourism influxes effectively.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In response to overtourism challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, Kyoto's famous geisha district, Gion, is putting in place visitor restrictions, particularly in private alleys, to address resident concerns and preserve cultural integrity.

In response to overtourism challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, Kyoto's famous geisha district, Gion, is putting in place visitor restrictions, particularly in private alleys, to address resident concerns and preserve cultural integrity. Kyoto residents, especially those residing in the picturesque Gion district, have long expressed frustration with the surge in tourist numbers, as reported by The Japan Times. In December, a council representing Gion's residents appealed to the city administration, saying their neighbourhood is not a mere tourist attraction but a living community deserving respect. Strengthened response to ongoing issues The Gion district council, acknowledging the persistent challenges posed by overtourism, has now decided to escalate its response. The council has announced plans to implement stricter measures, including banning tourists from entering private alleys, effective April. Isokazu Ota, an executive member of the Gion district council, told The Japan Times that tourists would be discouraged from accessing narrow private streets, where intrusive behaviour and privacy violations have become prevalent. Also read | Japan government contemplates declaring an end to the deflation battle, sources say However, Gion's main thoroughfare, Hanamikoji Street, will remain accessible to tourists, ensuring a balance between accessibility and privacy. Ota highlighted the intrusive conduct exhibited by some tourists, likening their actions to that of paparazzi. Instances of disrespectful behaviour, such as attempting to take photographs or getting too close to geisha on narrow streets, have prompted the need for stricter regulations. Previous attempts to address unwanted tourist behaviour included installing warning signs prohibiting photography on private roads, with potential fines imposed for violations. Despite these measures, the challenges persist, necessitating more robust enforcement strategies. Understanding Geisha culture It's crucial to dispel misconceptions surrounding geisha, clarifying that they are not sex workers but highly skilled entertainers proficient in traditional Japanese arts, including dance, music, and storytelling. Also watch | Gravitas: Japan's geisha district to ban tourists, Miami Beach breaks up with spring breakers The initiative in Gion reflects broader efforts across Japan to combat overtourism and safeguard cultural heritage sites. Mount Fuji, another iconic destination, is implementing measures such as visitor fees and capacity limits to manage tourism influxes effectively. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan: Geisha district Gion in Kyoto enforces visitor restrictions to combat overtourism

Authorities will plant 18 million trees in Mexico City and its surrounding suburbs as part of efforts to combat air pollution, the government said Monday. 
 
Environment Minister Rafael Pacchiano dubbed it a &quot;historic reforestation&quot; to reinforce the &quot;green belt in the megalopolis&quot;. 
 
The greater Mexico City area was hit by the worst air pollution in more than a decade in March, prompting authorities to restrict traffic for the 5.4 million vehicles that circulate daily. 
 
Pacchiano said that the lack of wind and record high temperatures in March contributed to an increase in ozone levels. 
 
Other new measures announced by Pacchiano include replacing 1,000 taxis that are more than 10 years old with hybrid cars and stepping up a program to renew cargo and passenger transport vehicles.&nbsp;Anti-pollution rules will also be tightened in industry. 
 
The government imposed temporary car restrictions between April and June 30, forcing all vehicles to stay home at least once a week. Normally, older vehicles and those that fail emissions tests have traffic restrictions. 
 
Last month, the environment ministry unveiled new rules to prevent corruption at emission inspection centres that have allowed polluting cars to remain on the road. 
 
(AFP)

The city will also restrict traffic to combat air pollution, which is at its worst levels in a decade

Authorities will plant 18 million trees in Mexico City and its surrounding suburbs as part of efforts to combat air pollution, the government said Monday. Environment Minister Rafael Pacchiano dubbed it a "historic reforestation" to reinforce the "green belt in the megalopolis". The greater Mexico City area was hit by the worst air pollution in more than a decade in March, prompting authorities to restrict traffic for the 5.4 million vehicles that circulate daily. Pacchiano said that the lack of wind and record high temperatures in March contributed to an increase in ozone levels. Other new measures announced by Pacchiano include replacing 1,000 taxis that are more than 10 years old with hybrid cars and stepping up a program to renew cargo and passenger transport vehicles. Anti-pollution rules will also be tightened in industry. The government imposed temporary car restrictions between April and June 30, forcing all vehicles to stay home at least once a week. Normally, older vehicles and those that fail emissions tests have traffic restrictions. Last month, the environment ministry unveiled new rules to prevent corruption at emission inspection centres that have allowed polluting cars to remain on the road. (AFP)

Mexico City to plant 18 million trees in massive reforestation effort

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