Halloween is approaching, and it’s important to avoid culturally appropriating attire. Kyoto city guidelines for proper geisha etiquette state that visitors should not touch, follow, or take unauthorized photos or videos of geiko (regional geiko). Geisha clothing is not just a costume, but is surrounded by stigmatization and stereotypes. Katy Perry’s choice to dress in a geisha-inspired outfit to the 2013 American Music Awards was offensive.
Kyoto’s historic Gion district, famous for its geishas and maikos, has recently banned tourists from its narrow alleys due to increasing issues of harassment and disrespectful behavior. Many argue that wearing or selling “sexy” geisha costumes is disrespectful, as it diminishes the important role of geishas in Japanese culture and perpetuates the westernized misunderstanding of their work.
In Japan, it is generally not rude for a Japanese person to wear a kimono in Japan, and should not be considered rude for a non-Japanese person. Rude tourists can cause problems, as their outfits or makeup can get damaged. It’s disrespectful to “dress” up in someone’s culture, especially when it’s in the form of a caricature.
To wear kimono respectfully, it’s essential to respect the cultural context and avoid wearing inappropriate attire. Some examples include the controversial “sexy little geisha” outfit pulled from Victoria’s Secret website in 2012, which was criticized for perpetuating false stereotypes.
In conclusion, dressing up as a geisha is not only culturally inappropriate but also disrespectful and can lead to negative consequences.
📹 Why are Maiko’s/Geiko’s Face WHITE with Makeup? #Shorts
Maiko/Geiko have existed since the Edo period about 300 years ago. At this time however, people lived with candles and paper …
Are geishas respected in Japan?
Geishas, or cultural performers, are highly respected in Japan due to their unique and costly outfits, including the expensive silk kimono and gems. Maiko (apprentice geisha) do not receive any salary as they are in training, while geishas receive full compensation for their job engagements, which can range from $3K a month to tens of thousands of dollars.
The white powder on a geisha’s face is believed to be due to the belief that it made their face look beautiful in the dark, as well as the symbolic significance of white skin in ancient China. Geishas often share the stage with kabuki actors who wear white powder and visible lip and eye liners to be easily seen by spectators.
Geishas are not courtesans, as prostitution is illegal in Japan and they are deeply respected cultural performers. They never sleep with their clients, as it goes against the rules of their organizations. The connotation of geishas emerged in post-war Japan when some sex workers introduced themselves to foreign soldiers as geisha girls.
Meeting a geisha is not a one-time experience, and there are other costs such as meals and drinks. To become a geisha, a candidate must be a Japanese girl with black hair and graduated from junior high school. Some okiyas require an introduction, while others encourage applicants via email or telephone.
When a maiko reaches the age of 20-21, her art masters and the owner of the okiya decide if she is ready to progress into the geiko stage. There is no official exam, but a green light is given to progress. Geishas are also invited to public and religious ceremonies and sit at VIP tables.
In summary, geishas are highly respected in Japan for their unique and expensive outfits, cultural arts, and performances. Their salaries and salaries vary depending on their skills and popularity.
Geisha, or apprentice geishas, are a lifelong profession in Japan, with many retiring at the end of their maiko period. However, some geisha choose to become housewives or become affiliated with an okiya owner or inherit the okiya and run a geisha house.
Geishas wear wigs for convenience and health reasons, as it is difficult and expensive to maintain complicated hairstyles for the rest of their lives. They can also start losing hair early due to excessive pulling in their intricate hairstyles. Geisha cannot marry or have a boyfriend, as the profession is “married to the art, not a man”. If they want to get married, they must quit the job. Once they quit, they can debut under a different name and rules in another city.
Maiko only have two days off per month, but they can take longer holidays three times per year, such as New Year, Golden Week, and Obon. Geishas can decide their own schedule, so they can have days off whenever they feel like. There is no age limit for being a geisha, and most people choose to become a geisha because of their imagination of the fancy world of the profession.
Families may have concerns about their daughters living in the lodging house at an early age, but in Japan, families tend to support the decisions of their daughters. Geishas get to see their families once or twice a year, such as on Obon and the new year-eve.
A typical day for a geisha includes getting up, putting on a casual kimono, attending art classes, having lunch and relaxing, getting ready for work, attending first work engagements, taking off the kimono, bathing, and having hobbies. Sleep time is between 2:00-3:00.
Can you dress like a geisha?
InsideJapan offers a unique experience in Asakusa, Tokyo’s remaining geisha district, where visitors can dress up as a geisha and experience a full geisha makeover, including white makeup, a black wig, and an elaborate kimono. Professional portrait photos are included as a souvenir. For a full service, the rickshaw option allows a tour of the old streets around Senso-ji Temple. The studio also offers a full samurai look with a male kimono.
Do only geisha wear kimono?
The kimono is a traditional Japanese dress worn by maikos and geishas for work and daily life. To distinguish between a maiko and a geisha, one must consider the type of kimono, pattern, and colors. The type of kimono depends on the age and formality of the event. Maikos wear short-sized kimonos (tomesode) for older ladies and furisode for younger ones (furisode). Long sleeves indicate a maiko, while short sleeves indicate a geisha. Maiko kimonos are more colorful and striking, while geisha kimonos are more subtle and discreet. The type of kimono varies depending on the age and formality of the event.
Has there ever been a white geisha?
Sayuki, a white woman, has become the only full-fledged geisha in Japan after three years of training under her geisha mother. The art of geisha involves not only dancing and performance but also mastering the art of hosting. Sayuki spent a year under her mother’s guidance, focusing on following her mother’s instructions and developing good judgment. Geisha must also be able to transform the atmosphere in a room, understand the customers’ needs, and facilitate conversations to ensure an enjoyable evening for everyone. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work required to become a geisha in Japan.
Do geishas have boyfriends?
Geishas are traditionally considered married to the art, not to a man, and are prohibited from getting married or having boyfriends. This can make the job less desirable for many women. However, patrons may develop an affection for a particular geisha, which may lead to them continuing working as a geisha throughout their adult life. There is no specific retirement age for geishas, so they can continue working if they don’t want to marry. Despite not being able to marry, it is still acceptable for geishas to have children, although fathers are often not involved.
There are two types of geishas: a maiko (geisha-in-training) and a geiko (official geisha). Becoming a geisha takes at least six years of training, learning various skills and completing stages to introduce them to geisha life.
How to be respectful to geishas?
Japan’s top five manners for visitors include respecting privacy and personal space, following local etiquette, maintaining quiet and respectful conduct, avoiding eating while walking, and proper waste disposal.
Respecting privacy and personal space is crucial for maintaining cultural respect, especially in places like Gion. Simple acts like bowing when greeting and removing shoes before entering homes or traditional establishments reflect deep respect for Japanese customs. Quiet and respectful conduct is essential in sacred and traditional places like temples, shrines, and cultural districts.
Eating while walking is considered rude in Japan, so visitors should enjoy food at designated areas or restaurants. Proper waste disposal is also essential to maintain cleanliness and show respect for the community.
Choosing an experienced provider like Luxury Japan Travel ensures a culturally immersive journey through Japan, navigating cultural nuances without causing unintended offense. By following these top five manners, visitors can fully immerse themselves in Japan’s traditions without causing unintended offense. Trust Luxury Japan Travel to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a culturally immersive journey through Japan.
Can non Japanese become geisha?
To become a geisha, one must apply and be accepted into an okiya, where they undergo training as maiko. Geisha are traditionally Japanese women, but foreigners can also be accepted for training. Maiko are trained to sleep using a Takamura pillow to maintain their hairstyle, while geikos use a wig to prevent damage. Kyoto offers numerous geisha experiences, including the Kyoto Maikoya Tea Ceremony, where visitors can witness geikos or maikos perform in virtual meetings or private sessions.
Is it disrespectful for a non Japanese person to wear a kimono?
Wearing a kimono respectfully and demonstrating passion for Japanese culture is not considered rude. Many Japanese would be pleased to see foreigners wearing a kimono, as it demonstrates their love for the country’s culture. However, the author’s answer to whether it is rude for foreigners to wear a kimono is complicated due to their lack of experience in learning to wear one, which may surprise some.
How should a geisha look?
Both maiko and geisha wear traditional white foundation called oshiroi, which was once made with lead to illuminate their faces during candlelight. Oshiroi is paired with red and black eye and eyebrow makeup, red lips, and light pink blusher. Lips are underpainted with red lipstick called beni. First-year apprentice geisha paint only the lower lip and wear less black around the eyes and eyebrows than senior maiko. Younger apprentices may also paint their eyebrows slightly shorter or rounder to emphasize a youthful appearance.
Maiko wear more blush, known as tonoko, and may have their mother or “older sister” mentors help them apply makeup. Geisha wear more black around the eyes and eyebrows than maiko, and older geisha wear a full face of traditional white makeup during stage performances or special occasions.
How do Westerners view geisha?
The geisha, a traditional Japanese art form, has been largely overlooked in Western culture due to its negative connotations. Despite their beauty and uniqueness, the role of a geisha is often associated with consorts and street workers, making it difficult for tourists to engage in these activities. However, a study conducted by the Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya and Kyoto Geisha Show and Experience Gion Maikoya aimed to fill this gap and explore the interest of tourists in the geisha culture.
Results showed that 3 out of 10 travelers were very interested in the geisha culture, with 15. 5 having met or watched a data show while traveling to Japan. Foreigners were more interested in the geisha tradition, history, and unique aspects compared to Western culture. Females were more interested in the geisha’s outfit and relatability, making them a more attractive option for tourists.
Do geisha only entertain men?
Geisha, a professional class of women in Japan, are traditionally employed to entertain men, particularly at businessmen’s parties in restaurants or teahouses. Geishas are known for their artistic talents, such as singing, dancing, playing the samisen, and making conversation. They are skilled in flower arranging, performing the tea ceremony, and calligraphy. The geisha system emerged in the 17th century to provide a class of entertainers separate from courtesans and prostitutes.
Traditionally, geishas were indentured labor, with some girls volunteering to volunteer. They were given money to a geisha house, where they were trained, fed, and clothed for years. The most sought-after geisha could command large sums from their clients and sometimes maintained sexual relationships with their clients.
In the 1920s, there were as many as 80, 000 geisha in Japan, but by the late 20th century, their number had dwindled to only a few thousand, mostly confined to Tokyo and Kyōto. This decline was largely due to the easier availability of more casual forms of sex in postwar Japan, with bar hostesses taking over the role of geishas with ordinary Japanese businessmen.
📹 Tourists to be banned from Kyoto’s geisha district
From April 2024, the Japanese city of Kyoto will bar sightseers from accessing certain backstreets in the historical neighbourhood …
My friends and i went to Japan as part of a school trip. We saw a geisha, my friend went to her and politely asked if she could take a picture with her. The geisha declined, my friend said thank you anyway, and left. To hear that people are going so far as tugging on their kimono 🤦♂️ pulling at a stranger’s clothes indicates a concerning level of entitlement. Edit for more context: we were around 15 years old at the time (I’m 28 now), visiting from New Zealand. We were learning Japanese in college, so we visited Japan as a school trip. The Geisha was sitting at a train stop when my friend approached her, we didn’t interrupt her while she was walking or working. Admittedly, in Japanese, there are three different forms of conjugation that depend on your level of respect: 差し上げます (sashiagemasu) “I give to my boss/client” 上げます (agemasu) “I give to my coworker” やります (yarimasu) “I give to my pet” At our level of fluency at the time, we were using agemasu, which may have been considered impolite. I didn’t know people would get so riled in the replies, though 😅 Another edit lol: college in NZ is equivalent to US high school. What the US calls college is what we call university.
Just goes to show how uncultured and uneducated the masses are becoming. Anyone who actually loves and enjoys Japan knows that the Geisha are traditional arts entertainers, and are subject to strict rules and protocol. It’s saddening to hear about their mistreatment from outsiders, and I am glad that the authorities are doing what needs to be done to protect them.
Last time I was in Kyoto around 2019 I was in the Higashiyama area heading back from a dry cleaner and saw a Geisha coming out of a side street. Even though it wasn’t the most touristy part around Gion she stopped at the corner of the street at a building and stuck her head around the corner before proceeding out of the street onto a more main road. I felt bad for her having to live like that. Very different from Kyoto 20 years ago. Tourists were a lot more respectful back then. Life wasn’t about how cool a photo you can get of yourself for social media. People need to start going back to just seeing things with their eyes and enjoying it quietly.
Well this is depressing, as someone who would never think to touch or harass any artist or person, but given how most of humanity seems to be (increasingly is) I’m not surprised this move became necessary and I’m glad Kyoto is taking measures. I imagine most of the worst offenders were either American or Chinese?
Respecting and appreciating the traditions and customs of a foreign country is not only a sign of courtesy but also a way to bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding. When tourists disregard these traditions, it not only damages relationships but also discourages locals from sharing their culture with others. It’s important for travelers to remember that they are guests in another country and should approach their visit with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt. By doing so, we can create meaningful connections and experiences while preserving the richness of diverse cultures.
The area around Kyoto where Maiko and Geiko are active was not originally intended for foreigners to come, and Maiko is an ordinary high school girl training to become a Geiko. These girls are not celebrities or anything. And the places they usually walk are not tourist spots but community roads. So, with cars, taxis, and delivery services operating normally, and an unexpected large number of foreign tourists flooding in, I thought that some kind of accident or incident would occur someday.
I lived in Kyoto for 4 years and would sometimes walk in those areas. When I saw a maiko or geiko I would move aside and nod slightly to acknowledge their presence and be respectful. I would also do this for a priest or policeman. Manners in Kyoto are very important and it important for non-Japanese to act accordingly. If I saw these rude tourists I would be very frustrated with how they behave.
Did not know people thought they were call girls (trying to not get filtered by Youtube AI oof), and I always thought they were similar to entertainers, but like service staff that would serve tea, perform on instruments/sing, or something similar… feels awful that this needed to happen, but if it keeps them safe and protects traditional practices, I am in complete support of it. I also believe that photos should usually only be taken on special occasions, as the more you take, the cheaper they become; I enjoy my mental images and sharing stories of my experiences with friends, and I take very few photos that I truly remember most everything that was happening when I took them (currently only have two, one on prom night and one at my graduation, both of which make me rather depressed to be honest :D)
Kyoto resident and tour guide here, let me set the record straight because the contents are misleading. “Contrary to Western misconception”? Remind me, who was it that was angry at the wildly historically inaccurate movie Memoires of a Geisha because the director cast Chinese women into the roles of the Geisha? Who was it that protested “their women” playing the roles of “Japanese prostitutes” among other things? Who indeed. Coincidentally, those same people are the worst offenders guilty of this behavior in Gion. It is not “westerners” who intrude into private property for selfies, who stick their cameras and phones through windows and doors of private establishments and residences etc. It was not a “western” man that flicked a cigarette that went down the nape of the neck of a maiko – a fact mentioned in the article this article is most likely based on, but somehow carefully omits. This is nothing new either, it was already in the works by 2019, if Covid had not happened this would have been implemented a long time ago. Yes there are dumb, rude and disrespectful tourists coming here from all over the world, but by sheer numbers and the severity of offending behavior westerners are not the main problem and making it look so is genuinely dishonest.
Gee, it’s ALMOST like if you visit a place to see the sights, enjoy culture, and be away from home, it’s required you be RESPECTFUL there. Seriously, not all tourists are the same, but it’s the bad ones that paint everyone in a bad light. Honestly? I don’t blame them, not one bit. And if people don’t like it? Well then get to work on drawing up rules on tourism and enforce it for everyone to make sure other countries don’t gotta deal with grabby tourists who don’t know the definition of respect and boundaries.
All or most countries would do this. The western perception of Japan is one of glorification and respect, so it is received like a salute when they do it. Most westerners assume it’s western tourists or Chinese, when it is Chinese and South Korean tourists, then westerners. In other countries that are less respected, rude tourists of the prior mentioned don’t care. In the 1980s, Japanese tourists in the US, mainly Hawaii, were perceived as always unruly and littering. Times are different, people’s perceptions remain in stone for the time…
I’ve seen comments blaming Americans, Chinese, Africans, and Muslims. Not a single hint of the national or religious backgrounds of these tourists, yet people will take any opportunity to speak poorly of the people they hate most. These people are no different than the bad tourists. Be respectful and have empathy, don’t be like these ignorant commentators and tourists.
I read an autobiography by a geisha. The closest I could compare her to in the West would be a professional ballerina. She said that she was hired to perform for Prince Charles, and he asked to see her fan. She handed it to him and he took out a marker and autographed it for her. She was mortified that he RUINED it, and she had to call headquarters to get her a new fan for her next performance. She got rid of the now worthless fan.
I didn’t know foreign tourists were allowed in that area anyway. I always thought you had to be “invited” by a “proprietor” through a middle man. The way it often works, you get a middle man to set up a “deal” with the proprietors and you then take your group in and are essentially a “guest” and at the end, you pay the middle man or “friend of the proprotor” whatever it cost them to set it up for your group (often in the many thousands as being a “guest” in the geisha district is VERY expensive).
The last time I was in Kyoto I didn’t even go to the Geisha district because of this. These women are working there. Could you imagine your workplace being swarmed by tourists, bugging you like paparazzi?! I certainly wouldn’t want that, so we also have to respect their workplace. And besides there are so many other beautiful things to see in Kyoto, go see those.
WTH 🤦🏻♀️ would someone who is NOT from JAPAN 🇯🇵 believe it’s alright to touch a GEISHA. This is absolutely disgusting 🤢. I’m INDIGENOUS NATIVE AMERICAN from a FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBE and I must say…you’d think 🤔 people would be more educated and respectful. I’ve been asked the most idiotic, ignorant and bigoted questions but you just nod and bear it unless it’s clearly time to draw the line. This seems to be the turning point.
I’m so sad. I wanted nothing more than to see a geisha. My major in college was Japanese history and I’ve got nothing but respect for Japanese traditions because they are so intricate and beautiful. So that’s why it makes me sad, but also why I completely understand. I’d rather the tradition and more importantly these women be protected than to get my eyes on a geisha. Besides if I would really like to see one then I can do it the proper way. I’m sad I can’t see a geisha walking in the streets, but I’m more sad people thought it was okay to treat these women protecting Japanese culture like objects because of their own ignorance. That’s so disgusting 😖😖 why can’t people just respect other cultures. Japan is gonna go back into isolation if y’all don’t quit it.
Wow, I’m shocked that it’s come to this. Went to Kyoto last summer – attended a performance in Gion Corner. It was beautiful. Horrible that tourists have behaved this way, especially when (1 it’s something that they probably would have been told about if they were researching Kyoto and (2 it’s just basic manners not harass anyone!
what’s the bet most of those unruly tourists was Chinese. I was in Japan a month ago on holiday, lost count of seeing Chinese tourists smoking and throwing cigarettes on the ground, openly spiting in the middle of the street as they walk along, completely blocking paths and entrances so they can take their time taking photos. Was at one temple, big lines of people going in and out of the gate and this one young woman stood in the middle of the gate pulling poses while her friends or family of 6-7 others stood in a line right across the front of the gate taking pictures. they would not let a single person pass through for 3-4 minutes until they’re done by which time the lines are backed up by a hundred people inside trying to get out and another hundred outside waiting to get in, that was far from the only case I saw at that place alone. tourists from every other nationalities step off to the side or wait for a quiet window to snap a quick picture. There are shops and restaurants there that refuse to serve Chinese tourists, I don’t blame them.
Makes sense. I didn’t even need to watch in full to remember that the whole system is built on trust. To get an in, you need to be referred by someone else who is already in, and in doing so they risk losing their own in if you misbehave. Just letting tourists have their way with the district is asking for problems.
Shame, but I’ve already been to the traditional district in Kyoto twice, but I do feel sorry for all the foreigners who won’t get to walk through. Whether you see any Geisha, Maiko, or Gaiko or not, the architecture and general layout is just really cool to see. I understand why Japan is cracking down on it, but it’s sad the bad apples have gotten everyone else banned from the area.
I visited Kyoto and I loved it. It’s sad, but no longer hard to believe, that people would act in this manner. These women are simply travelling to and from work. Just because foreigners aren’t used to seeing their ‘uniforms’ it doesnt give them a right to harrass anyone. Grow up people show some respect for those around you. I am saddened that i may no longer be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful areas of Kyoto because of the actions of these inconsiderate people.
This will slowly happen in every major tourism hotspot in Japan, you just need to have been there in recent years to understand. Unruly tourists might be the reason given, but it’s more than that – it’s about overcrowding. In Gion particularly, even if all tourists were plenty respectful (which you’ll always have exceptions to, and the more people the more exceptions), it has already gotten to a point that some times of the day in international vacation periods the narrow streets are so packed full with people that it’s dangerous, even for regular people. I’m talking crowd crush levels of danger. I’m talking about crowds dangerously overflowing to the middle of busy streets. The district wasn’t made to support such huge crowds, despite being an adult entertainment district. And I suspect several other tourist venues will end up going the same way. Tourism is a major source of revenue for Japan and whatnot, but at some point a major crowd crush incident will end up happening in these tourist spots, which will force politicians, law and justice to take action. In fact, it’s a miracle that this hasn’t already happened. For people going there to visit, my recommendation is – be respectful, follow whatever advisories are there, obey police in crowded spots, and just avoid going in high season, busy vacation time and the most sought after tourist spots. If you want to go visit the most famous spots, which is understandable, avoid weekends and holidays. And do notice – I’m not saying this because of geishas, respect for the places, and stuff like that, though there’s also that factor – I’m saying this for your own experience as a tourist.
It’s actually a nice topic among my friends, about tolerance and understanding. In this scenario of the article, Kyoto has been tolerant for years and maybe they saw it “Okay they are tourists so they don’t know how the norm and culture do in the district.” So they don’t immediately take action, just inform them about the culture. And the tourists don’t understand well about the intention of Kyoto’s tolerance. As tourists or not natives, they need to understand how their norms and culture, yet they didn’t seem care about to understanding it. It made Kyoto had enough, and started to ban them… It’s happened in my neighbourhood, there was a new family in my neighbourhood, and in my neighbourhood, we love being quiet. Well, for this family it seemed different from what we love, so they invited their relatives and loved a lively house. First, we were being tolerant for them “Okay they don’t know about how this neighborhood culture and norm.” And we were just shutting up our mouths. Slowly, the family realised, that the entire neighbourhood disliked what they were doing, so they began to understand about it. After the sunset, they started to be quiet like the rest of us. If they didn’t begin to understand, maybe we would like Kyoto in the article, we had enough and started to exclude them. So no matter how dire their situation, we the entire neighbourhood would not help them, even a simple thing like borrowing a ladder or something, we wouldn’t lend them a single thing.
Is time, the ladies have been harassed, disrespected. This tourist don’t understand what they are and represent, trained in dance,music, conversation. They provide a companionship, it is very expensive and not everyone can participate. We lived in Japan, and my female friends as a goodbye gesture, they treated me to a Gheisha presentation, she sat with us, sang,danced. It was the most precious goodbye gift from a country I like,respect. I am glad for the ban.
I mean we are in an age where parents dont discipline children anymore. They just let them do whatever they want. And this is the result. They become disrespectful idiots who think the world is entitled to them. I honestly understand Japan doing this. Tourists can be very disrespectful and most of the time, people dont do research on the place they are visiting. Its sad how obnoxious people have become.
It’s kind of starting to become a thing in every country and its big cities. Too many tourists and a lot of them don’t know how to behave. I understand they were once welcomed because tourism brings money, but it seems nowadays it’s too easy to travel or something. And that with the huge population of the earth…
I just got married to my wife that’s Japanese and her traditional ways. While I was getting married so many tourist were taking pictures of my wife and I with the other staff of the temple and it didn’t bother me but I can see why they are pushing for this. People seriously need to respect others space.
The younger generation have been brought up on a diet of social media and little else. They go to extreme lengths in their desperation to stand out on social media, just as today’s 24-hour rolling news coverage desperately sensationalises even the most trivial of news just to generate revenue. Outrage and being outrageous, sells in today’s society, sadly.
As a western citizen that grew up on anime that’s fair to be honest. But even though the article says “2019” it’s somewhat of the country of Japan fault also. How? Well they eased the covid-19 restriction in like… 2023. And that’s when the western people went wild. Even in like 2022 they opened the border for foreigners. But only for those who has family members that are Japanese or doing business there. They (country of Japan) should’ve imposed that “geisha” rule a long time ago. It’s sad that we know everything about another country’s history when we actually don’t. Then it gets ruined by someone.
how would they differentiate other east asians like chinese or korean people from japanese people if they were fluent in japanese? im just curious, like, ive been told i look japanese by multiple japanese people (im korean) + when i went to japan i was able to communicate in japanese in the airport fine and one of my friends was born and raised in korea, however is fluent in japanese and has lived there. would they do an id check or?
I agree with these measures. So many tourists are entitled and disrespectful towards the traditions and cultures of the places they visit. If I were to travel to a foreign country, I’d at least take the time and effort to learn about some of these traditions and cultures, understand my role as an outsider, and most importantly, have enough knowledge of the language for basic communication. On that latter note, far too many people from Anglophone (native English-speaking) countries expect others to use and learn our language. We don’t do a sufficient job of teaching other languages, and it’s not ingrained in our culture. English does have a highly-privileged status internationally, but that doesn’t mean that we should expect others to know it. Let’s not forget that overtourism is also a problem in many places. Overtourism can hurt local residents in many ways, including by driving up the price of housing and reducing its supply when landlords turn housing into vacation rentals. It is local residents who make up the places that tourists come to enjoy; without them, there is no place.
Back in 00s I saw articles about Japan is racist because they post “non Japanese not welcome” or “for Japanese only” in their resturants, inns, tea houses, and other establishments. And I thought wow these people are not polite as they claim to be, they are horrible. But now not only do I understand but I FULLY SUPPORT THEM!!!!!
I lived just on the edge of the district and never really saw anything like this happen. Certainly when a geisha appeared everyone stopped and let them pass but that was about it. Usually they were driven up close to where ever they were going anyway so it’s not like they were taking long strolls. Times are changing I guess. On a side note my watch maker is right in the center of gion. He relied on foot traffic to sell his basic watches but to also take orders for custom crafted masterpieces. Old timer so no emails or even a phone. I wonder how badly this will effect him?
I’m a Mexican, I know that Japan isn’t welcoming towards foreigners, and while I hate that, I can understand why through these instances. What I will do if I ever go to Japan is to respect their culture, speak their language, and be polite towards them. They may treat me like an outsider, but I gotta be different and treat them better.