Gion manner (Message from Southern Gionmachi)

This area has been maintained in order to pass the storied and sophisticated landscape of this district to future generations, and to provide locals with an attractive place to live and work.

This is therefore not a theme park, but a place where people live their daily lives.
Please be considerate of those who live here, and refrain from nuisance behavior.

Please also remember that shrines and temples are sacred sites, not only for locals but for people in general.

In order to ensure that locals are able to live in comfort, and visitors are able to pray in peace, we have prohibited acts that violate public order and morality; trespassing into restricted areas as designated by the shrines and temples; the vandalizing of cultural properties; the use of fire; the taking of photos; eating and drinking; and more. Please be sure to comply with these rules.

Raising awareness of tourist etiquette in Southern Gionmachi

The Council of Southern Gionmachi and Kyoto Women's University have worked together to create a flyer outlining the rules that we would like you to follow while traveling in the area. Make sure to check it out before visiting!

Nuisance behavior we would like you to refrain from

**A report by a resident may result in police officers being called to the scene**

Nuisance Behavior (1)

Do not stop, touch, follow, or take unauthorized photos/videos of any geiko (regional term for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) you see walking around the district.
The geiko and maiko are not mascot characters.
If you would like to see a Kyomai (traditional Kyoto-style dance), there are performances held daily at 6:00 P.M. or 7:00 P.M. at Gion Corner.
*The act of obstructing someone’s path or stalking is punishable by less than 30 days of detention, or a fine of less than 10,000 yen.
*The act of pulling someone’s hand or clothes is punishable by up to six months of imprisonment or a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

Nuisance Behavior (2)

Do not enter nearby temples, shrines, or private property (places other than stores and roads) without permission, and refrain from damaging any property within these sites.
*By law, trespassing is punishable by up to three years of imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 yen.
*By law, damaging property is punishable by up to three years of imprisonment or a fine of up to 300,000 yen.

Nuisance Behavior (3)

Do not block the road/sidewalk by loitering on the sidewalk, stopping to take photos, stepping out onto the road, etc.
This is not a pedestrian-only street.
Acts in which large groups of people loiter on the sidewalk, and acts that obstruct the passing of cars are a particularly serious inconvenience to residents in the area.
*By law, acts that obstruct traffic are punishable by a fine of up to 50,000 yen.

Nuisance Behavior (4)

Do not throw away garbage.
*By an ordinance, the act is punishable by a fine of up to 30,000 yen.

Nuisance Behavior (5)

Do not make loud noises.
This can be a serious nuisance to residents in the area.

For more information (PDF)

[To all guides]

Many of your guests may be unfamiliar with local rules.

To ensure the comfort both of your guests and the local community, please be sure to inform/instruct the guests beforehand not to engage in these nuisance behaviors.

From all residents of southern Gionmachi

Gion Kobu Tea Houses Association

Gion Geiko Association

Kenninji-Temple

Southern Gionmachi Council