Kyoto City offers both visitors and residents not only numerous historic sites and exemplary hospitality, but also serene nature and ever-evolving culture. In order to help preserve its charm for the future, we ask for your cooperation with the following sightseeing guidelines.
Multilingual brochure of rules and tips for sightseeing in Kyoto
1. Respect Gion’s Culture
In a number of areas such as Southern Gion, forbidden acts like following geiko (regional name for geisha) and maiko, taking their photographs without permission, trespassing, as well as photographing private property have been observed.
Some residents have also expressed anxiety and fear due to unauthorized photographing of elementary school and kindergarten children.
Gion is not just a tourist destination; it is a place where people live. We kindly ask for your cooperation in respecting the privacy and daily lives of our residents. To help everyone feel safe and comfortable, please refrain from the following actions:
- Touching, chasing, or taking photos of geiko and maiko without permission.
- Entering private properties.
- Blocking the streets or walking in large groups that obstruct traffic.
Thank you for helping us preserve Kyoto’s charm.
En savoir plus sur les comportements gênants
Les bonnes manières à Gion (message du quartier sud de Gionmachi)
2. Help Keep Kyoto Authentic
With many visitors coming to Kyoto, we face challenges such as crowded buses and streets. Please help us maintain a pleasant environment by observing the following:
- Please ensure you are not blocking roads or walking side-by-side in large groups.
- Photography is only permitted in designated areas. Please respect property laws.
- Please dispose of trash in bins and smoke only in designated areas.
Please note that violations may result in fines.
We also recommend enjoying “Hands-Free Travel” by leaving luggage before sightseeing and exploring hidden gems to avoid congestion. Let’s work together to pass Kyoto’s beauty on to the future!
Agence de promotion de l'embellissement de la ville de Kyoto
3. Protect the Bamboo
We are seeing incidents of words and symbols being carved into bamboo in Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari. Damaged bamboo decays, which harms the beautiful scenery we all enjoy.
- Carving on bamboo constitutes property damage and is a criminal offense.
- Violators may face legal penalties, including fines of up to 300,000 yen.
Please help us preserve these beautiful bamboo groves for the future. Keep your memories in photos and in your heart, not carved into the bamboo.
4. Beware of Unlicensed Taxis
Operating private vehicles, characterized by white license plates, to transport passengers for a fee without authorization is illegal at airports and tourist spots.
*With the exception of some approved ride-share services.
- Unlicensed taxis may lack proper safety checks and insurance.
- In the event of an accident, you may not be covered by insurance.
For a safe and secure trip, please ensure you use authorized taxis, indicated by green license plates, or official ride-hailing apps.
