My Thoughts On Foreigner Bans in Japan

When I went to Japan in 2024, I had the pleasure of spending some time in Kyoto. This was my favourite part of my trip, surrounded by culture, fantastic food and experiences that I will never forget.

One of the things I got to do was explore the Gion district and experience a geisha show where real maiko and geisha performed traditional arts. Gion was such a highlight and I'll never take the time I had there for granted.

However, when I heard of the news that they would be closing off areas of Gion from tourists, I wasn't at all surprised. There was an instance I saw in Gion where two maiko were walking and a tourist group of white women in their 50s proceeded to follow and take pictures close up of the maiko, occasionally blocking their path and making them physically uncomfortable. I wanted to say something but didn't want to further scare or add to the problem by being another loud white woman in Gion. Looking back, I'm not sure exactly what I should've done, but I know it is people like the women I saw in the distance that day that contributed to the reason Gion is closed off now. Getting to experience Japanese culture and to see geisha and maiko in a respectful setting such as a performance without phones allowed, I appreciate the peace, tranquility and respect these beautiful women deserve.

What I learnt more than anything is that when Japan has an art, it is treated with the upmost respect and is the height of true artistry. For this to be disrespected by tourists and the art not even acknowledged let alone respected is a real shame. In fact, as much as I am honoured to have had the experiences I had in Gion, I am happy that they are closing off this district to tourists. I am a firm believer that tourism should never overtake the need to preserve culture.

Whilst Gion is becoming a more limited tourist site, as far as I'm aware there are still some areas of this gorgeous district that are accessible to tourists. Therefore, as someone who has been there, here are my tips for Gion:

• If you would like to see maiko or geisha, book an experience, dinner or show that is run by an authentic and ethical organisation that assists in the protection of Japanese culture.

• DO NOT FOLLOW THE LOCALS. I shouldn't even need to make this point. I'd have hoped this would've been common sense. If you see someone dressed like a geisha in Gion please do not take a photo of or with them without permission or rather just don't at all. Kimono is not a costume, it's a traditional clothing that should be treated as such, not like a Disney attraction.

• Don't be an annoying f*cking tourist. Again, common sense. But don't talk too loud, don't shout, don't touch things you aren't supposed to... this should all be a given, especially in a country like Japan.

• If you're going to a temple, learn the appropriate customs so you can remain respectful of culture.

• Pay attention to signage so you can remain in areas permissible to tourists or follow instructions. The most common signs you will see either limit access or ask you not to take photos or videos. There will be a justified reason why these areas will be closed off or remain more private, for instance if they are residences or places of cultural heritage at risk of over tourism.

Not much more to say really! I hope if you take a trip to Japan you truly embrace the culture and experiences in a manner that appreciates the culture, not perpetuates an unfortunate tourism reality that is contributing to a negative perception of tourists to locals.