Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist districts, is taking steps to reduce bad behavior by banning outdoor alcohol consumption. The new regulation, set to take effect in October, prohibits drinking on streets or in public spaces from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. Shibuya’s mayor, Ken Hasebe, explained that while the city has increased patrols, people still took advantage of the lack of specific rules.
The initiative follows Shibuya’s ban on Halloween-related activities last year, where alcohol was cited as a major issue. The move has support from local businesses, who have expressed concerns about damage caused by overtourism, including property damage, conflicts with residents, and littering.
The ban comes as Japan faces challenges with overtourism since reopening post-pandemic, with millions of visitors arriving each month. Other cities, like Kyoto, have also implemented measures to curb tourist misbehavior, including educating visitors on local customs and urging them to respect cultural norms, especially regarding interactions with geisha. Despite these efforts, conflicts between locals and nuisance tourists continue to be an issue.
