Kyoto's Response to the Resurgence of Geisha Paparazzi

Geisha and maiko, who are teenage apprentices training to become geisha, are women who entertain customers by performing Japanese traditional arts like singing, dancing, and playing instruments while they dine and drink.

These women often work and live in Gion, a charming and historic district in Kyoto, which is a top tourist destination in Japan. As they move between their workplace and residence, they can be seen walking through the streets in their elegant traditional kimonos and makeup.

Geishas’ commutes are a popular tourist attraction, drawing crowds of visitors eager to capture photos of them as they walk through the charming streets. Sadly, these tourists have earned themselves a less-than-flattering nickname: “geisha paparazzi.”

In 2015, Kyoto took steps to help foreign tourists better understand Japanese customs and etiquette. They created pamphlets and handouts with pictograms to explain “nuisance activities” such as littering, using selfie sticks, smoking in no-smoking areas, and taking photos of geisha and maiko.

Photography, particularly the problematic behavior of "geisha paparazzi," became a major issue in Gion. In 2019, there were reports of visitors behaving badly by pulling at women's kimonos, chasing them with cameras, and even physically assaulting them. As a response, Gion started putting up signs and notices prohibiting photography, with warnings of fines for violators.

Isokazu Ota, the representative secretary of the Gion-town South Side District Council, mentioned to CNN that the problematic behavior of the "paparazzi" has escalated since the resurgence of mass tourism in Japan following the pandemic.

Plenty of rules, little enforcement

Today, signs in three languages also explain that geisha photography is not allowed without a permit, and that violators could be charged up to ¥10,000 ($67).

However, according to Ota, this fine is unenforceable.

Teahouses and restaurants line the famous Pontocho Alley in Gion.

Teahouses and restaurants line the famous Pontocho Alley in Gion.

Kike Calvo/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Gion’s local council plans to close small side alleys to tourists by April 2024. However, Hanamikoji, the main street in Gion, cannot have a photography ban since it is a public street. This street is commonly used by maiko and geisha, attracting "paparazzi" looking to capture photos.

According to Ota, many people taking pictures in Gion may not be aware of the photography ban. However, tourists waiting for maiko in the prohibited alleys of Gion are likely aware of the rules but choose to ignore them. Despite efforts to warn tourists, it has been challenging to effectively communicate the rules to them.

Some individual locals in Gion have taken it upon themselves to discipline badly behaving tourists, according to Ota.

Ota and other Gion residents are still searching for solutions to address the "geisha paparazzi" problems. One suggestion is to mandate that all tourists visiting the neighborhood must be accompanied by a Japanese tour guide who can teach them about proper etiquette.

He also thinks that better education can help individuals learn how to respectfully engage with maiko and geisha without bothering them on the streets.

For example, the Gion Theatre in the local area, situated near Hanamikoji Street, often presents shows featuring maiko. After the performances, attendees have the opportunity to take photos with the maiko.

Courtesy Gatehouse Publishing

Intimate shots of maikos – Japan’s geisha apprentices

How have other communities handled similar problems?

Photography etiquette issues have significantly increased in the age of social media, especially when it comes to capturing geisha in Japan. In recent years, Hanoi's famous "train street," with houses built right next to an active colonial-era train track, has gained massive popularity on Instagram.

Due to safety concerns and the continued use of the tracks, the local government in Hanoi decided to close all cafes along "Train Street" in 2022 and revoke their business licenses.

In order to prevent accidents and injuries, large barricades were set up to keep people away from the tracks.

A new trend emerged on the other side of the world, where visitors started taking pictures that made it appear as though they were "picking noses" of the famous Moai sculptures on Easter Island.

This rise in overtourism and poor photo etiquette has resulted in stricter controls being implemented on the island. Tourist visas have been reduced from 90 days to 30, and visitors are now required to stay on designated paths instead of getting too close to the moai.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the increasing issue of "geisha paparazzi" in Kyoto's Gion district, where tourists' intrusive photography of geisha and maiko has become a nuisance. While the local council has implemented measures such as signs and notices prohibiting photography, the problem persists due to the unenforceable fine and tourists' lack of awareness or disregard for the rules. The situation has escalated since the resurgence of mass tourism, and local residents have taken it upon themselves to discipline badly behaving tourists. It is clear that a more comprehensive approach is needed to address this issue, including better education for tourists and stricter enforcement of regulations.

This article raises concerns about the impact of overtourism and poor photo etiquette on cultural and historical sites. It is essential to strike a balance between preserving cultural traditions and allowing visitors to experience them respectfully. The examples of Hanoi's "Train Street" and Easter Island's Moai sculptures demonstrate the need for proactive measures to prevent accidents, protect the environment, and ensure the well-being of local communities. It is crucial for tourists to be mindful of their behavior and adhere to local customs and regulations to avoid disrupting the lives of residents and preserving the integrity of these unique cultural experiences.