(CNN) — Kyoto’s historic Gion neighborhood is cracking down on photography in response to ongoing issues with bad tourist behavior.
As Japan’s tourism has grown exponentially, Kyoto has struggled to maintain its local way of life. Thousands of foreign tourists fill the city’s streets daily, many staying in local hotels while others visit as part of day trips from nearby Osaka.
Japanese geisha and their apprentices walk in the street during an annual new year’s ceremony at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater on January 7, 2016. The area is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist destinations.
Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Tourists have been coming to the neighborhood in droves, and while some enjoy simply walking and taking in the scenery or visiting a traditional teahouse, others have been less courteous, particularly when it comes to photographing geishas and maikos (geisha apprentices).
Others have reportedly entered private property without permission.
It’s not yet clear how the bans and fines will be enforced.
The Gion photography clampdown is the latest in a series of attempts to educate travelers about Japanese etiquette.
And while Kyoto’s popularity issues have been going on for some time, it’s not the only Japanese city dealing with some of the unintended side effects of welcoming international guests.
While some of that stemmed from concern around littering, it also related to Japanese culture, where it’s considered disrespectful to eat while doing a physical activity.
So far, the practice isn’t banned, though — just frowned upon.