Japan VS Foreign Tourists: A Worsening Situation

Kyoto takes desperate measures in the face of unruly overseas tourists, but that's the tip of the iceberg.
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[@AbroadinJapan]

NOTIFICATION SQUAD: A step too far or a necessary move? Honestly, it's probably for the best, but let's hope this doesn't lead to a crackdown nationwide in the long run.

[@MinhHieuNguyenChannel-wb7ic]

I hate banned

[@kayenesskorin2588]

I think it's just gotten to a point where they had to do something. These geisha need to be left in peace as they go about their daily business without being harassed like circus clowns.

[@Wooplot]

when will we see Chris dressed as a Geisha

[@soldiergigas14]

This is really sad. I am going to Tokyo at the end of July to beginning of August and i really hope this doesn't escalate any further...😢

[@fivey03]

Hi chris

[@D0MiN0ChAn]

I am honestly digusted that someone would pull *anyone's hair* in public, not to mention that of a Geisha!? Like, *where* in the world would that be okay? Even most 5 year olds know not to do that. Seriously. Wtf?

[@ourlaboroflove]

There was a news that water was pour into some geisha's outfit from behind!

[@lainiwakura1776]

Not even just their hair, just, who touches someone without their permission?

[@tiefblau2780]

Hey have you ever done something that you know you will get away? Same thing , its calculation

[@ShaiyanHossain]

yeah maybe its just me but ive seen it happen in a lot of asian countries (my own included) where touching foreigners as if they're an alien is acceptable (it shouldn't be) @@kansaibeyond

[@edwardfletcher7790]

There's HUGE problems with the group tours of certain enormous Asian countries. The peasants on these tours are infamous for treating every aspect of Japan as a theme park designed for their personal entertainment. Their culture in every way, is the polar opposite of Japan and the subtle qualities Japanese people admire.

[@Carforinus]

Its sad to see a few bad apples spoiling the experience for everyone else

[@AD-kv9kj]

A lot of "bad apples" actually, all of them internet-fuelled, arrogantandignorant young people probably many of whom trying to make "viral content" for social media.

[@MoparAdventure]

Few? Its the entire culture.

[@fmor2779]

This is a problem world wide honestly, I am glad they are doing this. But yes, it sucks for the people who have traveling etiquete. I wouldn't mind if they put higher fines to discourage this.

[@FrozenFacade]

Absolutely, it's not hard to be a decent human being. If they can afford to travel to Japan then make them pay near life ruining money in fines for being complete idiots.

[@yodamaster202]

Few?..99%

[@smhvito]

It especially ruins it for us foreigners who live here indefinitely and aren't tourists because to the locals we're all seen as a tourist. Even my wife who is half but has lived in japan her entire life, went to school and worked in japan entirely is still occasionally treated as a foreigner and has even been asked for a residence card "foreigner ID card" before and is also constantly double checked to actually be the name she says she is.

[@WhatsBliss]

That's my biggest worry with these "foreign tourist bans." Not all Japanese people and Japanese citizens are 100% ethnically Japanese and these bans will increase scrutiny and hostility towards people who don't "look right," in tourist heavy areas especially. I think there a lot of nasty side-effects to trying to ban only foreign tourists from a place.

[@00mongoose]

This sounds more like an issue with Japan than with tourists...

[@smhvito]

@@00mongoose oh most definitely is, but what was once a 30% issue is now somewhere closer to a 45% issue and rising constantly bc these bad tourist incidents are plastered all over japanese news making it worse every year. sometime few months ago i got on the wrong train by accident and two workers came up to me looking angry seeming like theyre assuming im purposely stealing rides like that one youtuber recently did. i kept trying to say it was a mistake how can i pay but the entire time they treated me like a criminal.

[@danielb2135]

@@WhatsBliss good, stay at home

[@tigerm8969]

I mean, japanese are kinda xenophobic. I'm not saying we are trying to lower the diffferences by showing good manners honestly. XD I dont think by the way, that this is the right choice, I suppose they would be better off with placing more policemen in the streets. Thats how europe deals with it.

[@theseamonstersknit]

I went to Kyoto recently and participated in a dress-up/cosplay activity for maiko/geiko/geisha. Part of the experience was walking around Gion in full costume. It's obvious I'm not a real geiko, but there were a lot of people staring, pointing at me, taking pictures, that sort of stuff. What I experienced was just a fraction of what these women and girls go through. Maiko start their careers as professional geisha at 15-16 years. Imagine being that young and harassed every day just trying to go to work. It's scary, and what the city of Kyoto is doing is completely understandable.

[@Emppu_T.]

People need to learn the common idea of respectability.

[@uranomichiaruki1]

Why is it obvious you aren’t a “real” geiko? What a strange thing to say

[@CookieCaty]

My best friend and I also dressed up in kimonos. We received many compliments from the locals, they were all very sweet. Whereas an older American lady was obviously taking pictures of us the whole time and even followed us to our photo spot.. Also, we could spot quite a few Chinese tourists in the bamboo garden who didn't follow the "no trespassing" rules...

[@AbuHajarAlBugatti]

@@CookieCatychinese are one of the main reasons for the Ban anyway

[@CBD7069..]

@@uranomichiaruki1 the hair, lip make up, obi, kimono sleeve size design.

[@deadpan2866]

i feel like people today dont understand how much of a luxury being able to visit another country is.

[@tdelioncourt1268]

That's the thing actually, travelling has never been cheaper, it's the very problem everywhere. Too many people travel today. Not saying it should be only accessible to rich people, but it has become accessible to a lot more people who have zero common sense.

[@demef758]

@@tdelioncourt1268 "This message brought to you by TikTok, home to all of the world's ill-mannered idiots."

[@ludovica8221]

@@tdelioncourt1268 we need to bring kids up to treat others with respect, as a matter of course in the first instance instead of telling them that others need to earn their respect, which seems backwards to me Surely one should treat everyone with respect until they deserve to lose it

[@SeenThisDoneThat]

@@tdelioncourt1268 Bratty rich kids who go long haul on Daddy's card are probably worse than kids who've worked to pay for the trip of a lifetime themselves and thoroughly appreciate everything.

[@danielwhyatt3278]

Yeah, especially Japan. Which is a country that most people find it very hard to visit due to the high travel costs.

[@indridcold9593]

i feel strong second-hand embarrassment just hearing about this. i can't imagine being so shameless as to treat a place i'm a guest at like it's a lawless playground.

[@Taiyo_Jinja]

I feel you.

[@dannyrpgninetwooak6434]

I feel the exact same thing.

[@prawngravy18]

@@dannyrpgninetwooak6434You only need to feel embarrassment if you would do this kind of thing too. It makes 0 sense to be embarrassed for someone else.

[@Oddragnar]

2nd hand embarassment is very real and you don't necessarily need to think about doing it yourself imo@@prawngravy18

[@DJRaffa1000]

For me its more like second-hand rage. Hearing this incredible level of disrespect gets my blood boiling.

[@kakadu2004]

I believe tourism is not as important as preserving a nation's culture. Visiting Japan is one of my dreams and when I'll get there, I'll do my absolute best to be respectful. It baffles me that some people think a country exists only to entertain them.

[@SeanEpoc]

unfortunately if you (or myself) ever get there, if this trend continues there won't be any heritage sites to witness first hand

[@kakadu2004]

@@SeanEpoc I hope we won't reach that point. This is just another instance of the global phenomenon. Globalization is eating up national identities and heritage. Toxic culture rotting away centuries of human greatness.

[@jamescollins3647]

Let's not forget the way the same people behave at home.

[@Emppu_T.]

Some cultures have devolved into nihilism

[@uranomichiaruki1]

No one cares how hard you try bro chill with the virtue signaling

[@HappyBerryCrochet]

I feel honoured to have visited the Geisha district in Kyoto back in 2008 i think it was, hardly any tourists there and it was so atmospheric. I was nervous to even LOOK at a Geisha or Maiko because I thought it was rude, i can't even comprehend what these tourists are doing. It is extremely sad.

[@caocao4731]

"Japan has ettiquete you might not be accustomed to." I didn't realize the simple rule of "If you wouldn't do it at home, don't do it at all," is so difficult to understand.

[@entropybear5847]

I think you severely under-estimate how little respect many people have even for their own homes.

[@drdewott9154]

Oh these people will be the same at home too, they're the ones like "Ooooh I can carve my name into a tree in my local forest, I must carve my name in Japan too to immortalise my visit". These kinds of people are selfish assholes 24/7, on vacation or otherwise.

[@konso3]

If you behave like an arse and couldn't control urself pls don't visit!

[@darkracer1252]

@@entropybear5847 i think you are saying total and utter bullshit. and aren't getting the fact that people simply don't respect OTHER people's stuff. and only think about themselves. and that the way they act out in the world in no way what so ever represents the way they act at home.

[@zenpie5093]

I would have never guessed that vandalism and harassing people wasn’t allowed? (Sarcasm)

[@RubixKyuub]

This pisses me off. I’ve always wanted to take a trip to Japan and it sucks that people are ruining it for me before I even get the chance to.

[@drinkyourtea]

Yeah I went there and if I saw someone acting like this I would call them out immediately.

[@StevesTutorials]

It's a shame. Equally the more tourists that have gone the more Japan seem to in general accept tourists (Despite these bans). When I was there the end of last year I only ever spoke japanese a handful of times (I can't really speak much other than "Thank you" "please" "No i'm good". So basically just konbini talk.) But yeah most things had english translations and/or a person who could speak english. I was super surprised how accepting the entire country is to english speakers overall. Was a fantastic time. I can only assume this has become more common ground due to tourism being a more popular thing over the years in Japan.

[@kmdreacts]

I share this sentiment. Pisses me orf

[@fmor2779]

I planned to visit the country too, knowing this breaks my heart because those who have traveling etiquete pay the same as those who behave so disrespectfully.

[@johnnydeath2]

Same here.

[@AUCKata]

Before I went to Japan in December last year I did a bunch of research on Do's and Do Not's because even though I heard most people say some Japanese people won't care, I really want (as a foreigner) to show my respect to their ways of life and their culture. I was looking forward to doing things that would otherwise bother me in my own country of New Zealand.....things like holding on to my rubbish because rubbish bins in Japan are scarce, being quiet on public transport etc. So to see this is not only sad but quite infuriating. I hate that respectable foreigners who have the common sense not to carve their names into ancient shrines have to miss out on some of the more fascinating and historical sides of Japan because a bunch off assholes can't help themselves. 95% of me completely understands the ban but man that 5% of me is thinking come on man. Especially when it comes to the treatment of geishas. I really hope this nonsense stops soon.

[@StellanAnne]

It really angers me when people graffiti on shrines, temples, and other sacred/historical places. Especially with shrines. I am Shintō but I live in America, and to be able to go to a shrine is a beautiful experience I could only hope for. That someone would damage any holy place is absolutely insane. So many people hold these places highly. It’s disgraceful.

[@TheSuperRatt]

Americans especially are used to stomping on religions that don't look like theirs. It's a tale as old as colonialism.

[@IcyTorment]

Some people in the West trash famous paintings and are held up by some as heroes for protesting whatever random, unrelated thing they're angry about. Is it really surprising that people would think it wasn't a big deal to carve their names into historical sites?

[@Samagachi]

I wonder if tourists will end up banned from religious sites, too

[@bentuttle9170]

The "dress yakuza as geisha" concept just sounds like a Goro Majima encounter idea. Some random tourist just getting their skull fractured by a mad man wearing an eyepatch

[@RickR69]

Just a giant, muscle bound guy in a tiny geisha outfit trying to blend in and acting naturally.

[@Abedeuss]

KIRYU-CHAN!

[@Spartan-sz7km]

Doesn't this happen in Yakuza 0

[@pogCibi]

this is a good job for Goromi lmao

[@VorpalSnickerSnack]

It'd be quite effective. Majima and Kiriyu on a side mission.

[@MsSmartmonkeee]

Unfortunately it is not just in Japan. We have a huge problem here in Hawai'i with tourists who disrespect the locals,the historic areas and leave trash everywhere. It's sad, and the locals are fed up and there are cases of young men going around and mobbing tourists.

[@Dragonfury3000]

Mass tourism is never a good thing.

[@DonkeyMuscles]

@@Dragonfury3000except for the fact that economies in certain parts of the world literally can not survive without tourism

[@LucksackGames]

Which is so sad as locals are more than happy to have you if you just have an ounce of respect and self control. Hawaii is one of the most chill places I've ever visited. Sorry to hear. :(

[@fmor2779]

Same in Perú, I've seen people trying to put their names in one of Machu Pichu's rocks, this is a problem worldwide where people, for some stupid reason, think it's ok to literally desecrate cultural heritage. We have a strict code in which you could be fined if you do that, so I am happy the Japanese are doing this, people need to learn how to behave.

[@Dragonfury3000]

@@DonkeyMuscles mass tourism is never good thing nonetheless. Raise the prices if needed but no need to be invaded by tourism. Everything in moderation is best.

[@samantharey]

I just came back from a two and a half week trip to Japan, which tried my best to be educated so i may be respectful and still had overwhelming felling of being unwanted everywhere i went. For context, I'm a 35 f and have studied japaness and loved the culture. Still felt that no matter how hard I tried, it all came down to japan not wanting me there simply because I wasn't japaness.

[@user-dg3ur2fe4r]

You do not have to feel that way :( As long as you follow basic rules such as being quiet in public places and handling things carefully, we never think to you like that way. We are always ready to help, as most of our travellers tell us when they go to Japan that they never expected the Japanese to be so friendly. It's not because we don't want to stare at you, it's just a case of thinking how to talk to you, or thinking you're pretty or cool:) even if I speak little English, I'm typical Japanese and want to care other ppl, so I stare for a while and ask for the right moment haha またかえってきてね🩵x

[@luidiazpodcaster]

Love your take on this and thanks for sharing!

[@samueljohnson541]

It’s not just Japan. I’m from Utah and tourist vandalize things our national parks for frequently than I would like. It is just sad.

[@supremelordoftheuniverse5449]

No no no no in the US you don’t get to protect your country from foreigners, it’s considered natsi

[@chinavirus841]

What would a tourist do in Utah? wtf 💀

[@spdoots]

pretty sure those are just locals 😂😂

[@Johnrigsby]

Chinese tourists in Yellowstone being a good example. Its like they think the Bison and Elk are tame. I've seen them surround them and in an effort to not have anyone in the background of their selfie they compete to get closer. I would see this and turn away hoping not to see the seeming inevitable gouging.

[@AlamoOriginal]

@@supremelordoftheuniverse5449what?

[@vinny985]

unfortunately so many tourists treat foreign countries like theme parks and don’t even consider that it’s a real place with people living their everyday lives just like them back home, like they think the whole country exists only to entertain them and stops existing when they get back on the plane… the ban might be an extreme measure but i do get the sentiment, like you mentioned here in italy it’s barely any better, we just can’t afford bans because they would tank the economy

[@uslines]

Spot on!

[@Noksus]

That kind of behavior requires some kind of main character mentality which is common in a country where people are taught that their country is the best in the world...

[@machine_maggot]

i sadly don’t think it’s extreme. it’s just sad tourists are acting this way. this is the result of social etiquette being seen as old-fashioned and authoritarian, and us westerners starting to actually disrespect our elders and those older than us, thinking we had everything to teach them, not the other way around. and became a youth culture. young people are notoriously selfish, thoughtless, and impulsive and have a short term grasp on consequences. so is it so much of a surprise that’s the people we see so frequently now?

[@nathanaelwong491]

So sad to hear that. Been given less friendly hospitality during my last trip in Switzerland and I kinda understand why, me being Malaysian Chinese they might have thought I'm from China, considering Chinese tourists give bad impression there (even to myself). I'm planning a trip to Naples or Cinque Terre Liguria. What do you think of the locals there? Are they friendly towards Asian tourists?

[@MW_Asura]

​@@Noksus One that famously has a U and an S as an acronym in its name...

[@Hiigara85]

In fairness, in Norway we also have had to use illustrations in restrooms for chinese tourists, some of whitch are actually hillarious 😂😂

[@PowerSpirit50]

Varför är dem alltid kineser...

[@Emppu_T.]

​@@PowerSpirit50 Chinese have this world oyster syndrom because of their governance and culture from it

[@Hiigara85]

@@PowerSpirit50 nei ikke vet jeg 😅

[@deathtdow]

Yeah the Chinese are shitty tourists.

[@user-is3yn7xr4c]

What do you mean hilarious?

[@MALUSAKA]

Thanks for making content like this mate. I hope from the bottom of my heart it will teach some people simple manners

[@catwalkin-im7yp]

Many tourists don't seem to know the difference between Disneyland and reality. In my former guise as the world's worst tour guide I ended up loudly instructing my overseas language students not to touch the horses or the soldiers at Horse Guards Parade in London. "This is not Disneyland. These are military horses and these are real soldiers." I detected a grin from the soldier on horseback. (They do attack unruly tourists.)

[@GymLeaderPhil]

As a former Disney employee, they shouldn’t touch the horses or security at the Disney parks either.

[@ScooterinAB]

This is generally what I hate about "tourism." I've been to Tokyo a few times, but I put off going for many years. Why? Because it's a really big city where people live and work. Yeah, there are cool attractions, but it is primarily a city where people live and work. I wanted to make sure I was going to appreciate the city, not be Jake Paul and treat people rushing to their trains or offices and theme park employees.

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

I wonder who they talk about when they say tourists, because I bet most people are just fine. You really gotta wonder if there's a specific cohort who is responsible. I bet you 20 bucks that it's Chinese more often than not.

[@RyuNoKami]

The people "named" in this video are americans..

[@DavidCruickshank]

@@RyuNoKami America was never mentioned once, Canada was though.

[@gromit576]

Who can forget Logan Paul's shenanigans in Japan? He and his cronies 'threw' coins in the most holy temple; they waved a dead fish and squid at people at the Shibuya crossing; they dressed as Pokemon and ran screaming into malls, streets, restaurants. The worst was when they visited the forest known for suicides. They found a person who had sadly taken his life(hanging). Logan and friends filmed the scene while giggling and narrating it on video!

[@themaskedmagic1783]

His antics haven’t stopped either he’s still making an ass of himself everyday

[@madisonsmith4436]

Literally can’t stand this man

[@SMGJohn]

Yet he was not punished, this sends a terrible message about how much the Japanese police truly cares.

[@MollyHJohns]

And there are people who essentially defended him by saying, isn't that a long time ago so let him be already just forget it! The audacity. History will repeat itself. Reminders like this needs to be told occasionally so no more idiots like him keep terr*rising foreign countries for clouts.

[@MaskedRiderChris]

Then he got all wide eyed and innocent and cried about "OH I WAS JUST TRYING TO DRAW AWARENESS TO *SELF ENDING* WHY ARE YOU ALL SO MAD??" That punk made us Americans look awful from that alone, never mind his other shenanigans. I'm not a fan.

[@gedhill544]

Another great video Chris, highly entertaining as always 👏

[@ricnew1466]

Thanks for bringing awareness to the problem

[@Sweat404]

I moved to Japan 10 years ago. When I came here I visited Kyoto and it wasn’t very busy, I saw two Maiko and politely asked for a photo, it was no problem, my Japanese friend took the photo for me, we said thank you and went about our day. I can’t believe how much tourism has changed in just 10 years.. 10 years later, I still live here.

[@humansvd3269]

How life there now?

[@user-weebooo]

@@humansvd3269short.

[@yrobtsvt]

Kyoto has changed so fast it's INSANE. I was there in 2008 and the whole city was virtually empty. Plenty of room to move around at places like Kiyomizudera. You could feel the history on the streets. Fast forward to 2018, it was so crowded it wasn't even fun anymore, felt like Disneyland. I can't imagine what it's like now.

[@wolfgamez9642]

How did you move there id like to live there one day in the future when America falls to the liberals from stealing elections

[@Sweat404]

@@humansvd3269 life here is great, but it has changed so much even in the last decade… except salaries, they’re the same! 😂

[@__OS__]

As a foreigner, many tourists forget we are guests. There must be a respectful way to learn from each other…

[@Hungri_Ungi]

Imagine the UK started banning ‘tourists’ from entering London because of the actions of a a few bad apples … Maybe the UK should learn from foreign countries

[@loluser41]

​@@Hungri_UngiThe tourists in UK are better mannered than the brits 😂

[@bigguy7353]

-tourists- ignorant people who think travel replaces the void that no faith has left

[@bigguy7353]

​@@Hungri_UngiImagine the UK didn't let Islam take over London.

[@Bleed1987]

as a german, many refugees forget they are guests

[@Artemisth]

I remember staying in a hostel located near the entrance of Gion. It was such a nice place. The lack of basic etiquette, respect, and just common sense in some tourists is absolutely shocking to me, and often spoils travelling for everyone else as local residents slowly become reticent to tourists.

[@redanjin]

Another great video, as always. Thank you.

[@ckoejake9966]

This is tragic. I went to Japan recently and one of my biggest fears was people looking at me as a foreigner in a negative way. However, I was treated so kindly that and the joy I felt when everyone I interacted with seemed so excited to meet me and see that I was interested in their culture. I am frustrated that these kind of people give many Japanese people a negative perspective of foreigners.

[@adriancentra]

Thanks for sharing something positive in this comment section! most locals will understand that not every foreign person is an idiot, I hope. And the ones who do, we can do our best to prove them wrong:)

[@lightskitty]

I went on holiday in my own country and the forums by locals were very negative about tourists especially those from the city (like myself). However when I got there everyone was very sweet and friendly, and I didn't feel unwelcome at all. Except for the coach driver on the way out called me some rude names, he must have thought I couldn't hear him over the engine halfway down the coach. 😭 My point is, this stuff happens everywhere, you can't hold yourself back just because you're worried about that one rude man mumbling rude things.

[@jaeusa160]

I suspect that it does not take much in terms of being clearly respectful to not encounter pushback.

[@user-bc2vv5km3f]

Dont get the wrong idea. Japanese do tatemae. They are nice even so they think bad about you

[@vothbetilia4862]

​@@user-bc2vv5km3f that can literally be anyone in general bruh, that's not a Japanese thing.

[@cr0wnest]

My last family trip years ago took us to Kyoto. In one of the shops selling souvenirs my mum was unwrapping the gifts to check the item one by one, that would have been ok but then she was not putting them back properly. And I saw the poor young shop lady putting each one back into its plastic wrapper. I had to tell my mum to stop it. Ive never felt so embarrased to be a tourist in Japan...

[@IchGluckspilz445]

Your mum is rude and uncivilized.

[@qwertyqwert2818]

If I were you I'd definitely apologize to the poor lady

[@da96103]

What is wrong with your mom? You can't remove the plastic wrapping until after you buy the item.

[@xReaghan]

@@da96103 No normally you can't but in certain shops you got testers (depends what you buy of course)

[@corksucker]

Where are you from that taking something out of the package without paying for it is ok?

[@KittyWhiplash959]

I first visited Kyoto in 2008. There were very few tourists. Then i visited Kyoto again in 2019. You could hardly traverse some of the sites due to the massive numbers of milling visitors. Also there were signs of disapproval aimed at tourists at the time. It was a stark difference and I was very aware of it. Things change and understandable when you have such massive numbers visiting. I will always consider my time in Kyoto (and Japan) as very special.

[@puxtbuck6731]

I literally just got back from a 2 week trip there and it went really well for us. I was in a kinda big group but we had a great time. It’s unfortunate that all this is going on.

[@Michaelthekiwi]

I went to Japan 5 years ago, with my 5 year old daughter with bright red hair. She got a lot of attention from the locals as they're not used to see young children with red hair (and my daughters hair is very bright) but not once did she get her hair grabbed and pulled, nor was she stopped and asked for photographs, but instead the Japanese were very respectful and looked embarrassed when we caught them looking. The only ones who were noticeably paying attention were (and this is so cliche) were teenage girls, who would fall about in giggles and whisper 'kawaii' to each other. Not that my daughter minded, she worked it out very quickly and would try to attract their attention. The lesson is simple - Japan will be respectful to you as an outsider, so you should be respectful back.

[@rhetorical1488]

@@justtoleavecomments3755 not so much the cantonese as they are quite passionate about hating the trailer trash of beijing literally squatting on every corner of HK. you can always identify a mainlander vs harbor resident.

[@BrotherHood-xh9sg]

​@@justtoleavecomments3755 but a lot of Westerners do this as well. The black streamer guy for example.

[@ravenwraith1017]

not surprised about the red hair thing - probably related to their obsession with Anne of Green Gables of all things lol. L. M. Montgomery's books have a following over there.

[@vonniebunny8049]

I (white girl) went to beijing and had people ask to take photos with me a few times. It was kinda wierd. I also keep having people ask if my eyes are real... (Korea)

[@ocean440]

@@vonniebunny8049 so what? is that gives you permission to harass locals???????

[@skyydoesgames]

Never been to Japan and have always wanted to go. But life continues to get in the way. It makes me sad that there are people in the world who are just okay with ruining experiences for everyone else including those who want to go and haven't been able to go yet.

[@skyjelly9790]

Things are always wasted on the people who least deserve them. Such is the nature of the archontic control grid it seems.

[@hisairness5628]

Some people are so selfish it’s appalling. And heartbreaking, I’m honestly embarrassed as a tourist to even be associated with those sort of people in the eyes of the Japanese. Also, I really hope you find the time eventually to visit!

[@MrMuziekman]

im in a similair spot as you are also rly wanna go to japan to see soem themples myself in person and now some off the msot iconnic ones we cant even go see its frustrating

[@hisairness5628]

@@MrMuziekman if you want to do Kyoto still, I would highly recommend getting a guide. It’s what I did. Even with the new travel restrictions I don’t think it’s affecting tourist trips with guides! Also as a side note, if it’s in your budget check out steak misono, it’s where teppanyaki was created

[@annemaria5126]

@@MrMuziekman then go now. So many amazing temples... in the midst of crowded towns as silent refuges, outthere in nature, on hills, islands. Allways visited by quiet admiring attentive believing people.

[@pinnacledivingco]

I lived in Iwakuni when they were renovating the shrine on Miyajima. While the shrine itself was in need of repairs, it was extremely sad to learn at the time why the torii gate needed to be worked on. Such disrespect. I would say banning tourists from places may be a necessary evil, but I would also say the blanket banning of all who "look" like tourists to them (Japanese) would be a step too far. Residents who actually live here shouldn't be banned, and very often it is the case that residents are more respectful than some Japanese, yet we consistently get treated and talked to on a daily basis as if we're mere tourists.

[@normandy2501]

They're generally xenophobic. What else should we expect? I lived there for 4 years, but as a black man, I wasn’t gonna act like I was welcomed with open arms at every corner. Let isolationism be their problem if it ever becomes one.

[@deenman23]

@@normandy2501 they are already dying as a country lol

[@toddboothbee1361]

I think it's good to be reminded about the kindness of a host country allowing tourists in at all. Too often tourists may think their tourist money is desperately wanted and that, because of that, they are allowed to defile the host country. (What's with wanting to defile?)

[@thatGuyRULES123]

I'm currently in Japan as a tourist, the amount of loud obnoxious tourists is astounding. However the locals are all quite happy and polite as soon as I attempt what I feel is the bare minimum of courtesy , learning please and thankyou and TURNING YOUR PHONE ON SILENT ON THE TRAIN and just in general not being a twat. Honestly back home in Aus I work in tourism related stuff, and the same issues exist, and I don't know if it's just proximity and population, but mainland asia seeems to have the most disrespectful tourists I've ever seen.

[@OM19_MO79]

What the hell are you doing there? You are disturbing their lives and wasting your time. This is the 21st Century, with audiovisual recordings, tours and VR there’s no need to travel to other places anymore.

[@pixpax1720]

Mainland China specifically, they even do it in-country Like 3 times is 3 times too many to see a pic of some mainlander shitting on the train on the news

[@pixpax1720]

@@OM19_MO79cope and seethe lmao, japan is my favourite place to travel

[@dariusq8894]

The last time I was in Tokyo I overheard more English being spoken than Japanese. Partly because the locals are so quiet and partly because tourists are too loud.

[@Saviorsrdenver]

@@OM19_MO79 Speaking as a nerd who spends all their weekends in the gaming chair whenever remotely possible - get out there. Seriously, there is a WORLD of difference between following Chris' channel here and being there. I've hiked mountain trails to remote shrines and temples, enjoyed gyoza and ramen, felt the gentle warmth of the onsen as I soaked in it, and that's just Japan. I love Chris' videos and commentary, but it's just no substitute for waking up at 4 AM and stumbling into Lawson's looking for something 'cuz you can't wait for the hotel breakfast, standing in the mountain valley approaching a shrine, or even waiting uncertainly for a night bus not sure you're in the right place. Y'know, life.

[@Player-re9mo]

As someone who wants to visit Japan I'm very grateful previous tourists managed to ruin the experience for everyone else!

[@srspanksalot4501]

I was so excited to see the street and the buildings too 😭

[@callumc1208]

The gladiator edit is absolutely glorious

[@AbroadinJapan]

I seriously need to give it a rewatch, my god what a film. Not so sure about the impending sequel...

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

@@AbroadinJapan Do geisha ever go on the trains? LOL

[@bazza1024]

@@AbroadinJapan theres a sequel coming? Why tf are there so many sequels to movies like 20 yrs later these days, not an original thought left in the world

[@callumc1208]

@@AbroadinJapanyikes didn’t know one was planned. With Russell Crowe getting on, hopefully Ivan gets the call up

[@LientjeArt]

It honestly makes me quite mad that some tourists can't just behave normally. Anyone with common sense and common decency wouldn't do stuff like carve their names into a temple or shrine etc. Unfortunate that this is also ruining the experience for everyone else...

[@lostsurferjames5]

The brain rot of social media and the desire to stand out as an individual drives people to do the most egotistical shit ever.

[@MetallicReg]

In some other cultures that are less restrained than Japan when seeing such bs, they would have visited the hospital and told the tale to never try such nonsense again to others.

[@ScooterinAB]

I remember leaving Japan after my second trip. I was at a food court in the airport and was standing behind these two young American dicks. There were signs all around the airport saying that stores and vendors weren't accepting US $20. I was impressed that they were even accepting US money at all. Anyways, these two two kids were raising a stink (in English) about why the cashier would take their freedom dollars. Afterwards, I apologized, ordered in Japanese, and paid in Yen. It was just an exercise in shitty people being shitty, and I hated how that reflected on me, having just attended a foreign-heavy Japanese university.

[@r0zugorudo]

Too many people have “main character syndrome” these days. It’s absolutely infuriating.

[@EchiLoki]

Currently in japan. Spent 5 days in Kyoto. Was super bummed at how many carvings I saw in the bamboo forest. Also in amongst the bamboo around Fushimi Inari. Also while hiking up the mountain found people on two occasions stepping places they shouldn't, just to get their perfect photo. And I was hiking that at 7am. My soul hurts thinking what happens around there at peak hours.

[@andrewbentley7941]

I went there last spring 😢 I’m glad I got to experience it and all the cool stores

[@valis992000]

We were in the Kyoto bamboo forest and it is horrible that people carve in to the trees. We read a translated article from a Japanese news site, authorities were baffled by the behavior because there were signs telling you not to do it, and each language that was used to carve in to the trees had a notice in that language. Such a nice idea, we asked nicely, we know you understood we are baffled why you would still do it.

[@wildbikerbill6530]

There are many who do not think the rules/laws apply to them. And instead think all the world outside their own front door is a dumpster for them to crap on.

[@greciasoleble]

Americans basically think they own the world

[@lyndseymc]

Wouldn’t be surprised if all those knuckle draggers can read is their own names.

[@anima1996]

Because in other countries there are no consequences of ignoring signs like these. Ppl just don't care and then they come to Japan and bring that type of ignorance with them. Honestly, in order to stop these incidences (mostly) completely Japan would have to issue a limitation on yearly foreign tourist numbers (such as 1mill per year or so...)

[@CrimsonA1]

Is there any fine in that area for doing this? Arizona (US state), for example, has a hefty criminal charge for anyone stupid enough to damage their giant cacti.

[@randomdude4505]

Misbehaving tourists is a major problem all over the world. I've seen tourists steal corn from a farmer's field in Iowa (jokes on them as it was flint corn, not sweetcorn), dump silver carp in the Arkansas River, litter in Yellowstone, and walk in front of a mountain bike trying to cause an accident in Tahoe. Laughing because the rider almost wrecked dodging them. There is a reason I don't travel much anymore.

[@kricku]

Oh god, I just remembered the bus full of Japanese people that stopped here in Sweden and just started pulling potatoes! 😂

[@IndrawanGamingStudio]

Not just Tourists but Also Illegal Immigrants

[@tattisiti]

​@@kricku that's insane 😂

[@tullyDT]

I visited the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland I saw a Chinese tourist take out a metal implement and try to break off pieces of the basalt columns as souvenirs.

[@titheproven954]

As soon as I started to read that tourists where stealing corn in IOWA all I could think is....thaaaaaats not what that is for. Only for you to confirm it.

[@MariletSanders]

I lived in Kyoto for two years. Gion is such an amazing place to be able to explore. Like it’s not hard to be respectful of the culture and people. I will never understand how people can be so reprehensible.

[@aaronwalcott513]

4:27 pay your editor a Christmas bonus this year. That was a stroke of *genius* 😂😅😂

[@emilyrose9678]

I used to work at the New England Aquarium in Boston MA, and I quit because the tourists were so bad. So many people would throw things into the penguin enclosure that the penguins could choke on, and I even saw an ADULT, not even a child, GRAB the TAIL of a stingray and pull on it. These people are beyond saving

[@amandablake5505]

I grew up going to that aquarium and this makes me so sad, but unfortunately I’m not surprised either :(

[@AmbivalenceIX]

People ruin everything.

[@CryptidFlame]

Americans too self centered

[@Tugela60]

More likely it was a local. That sort of thing is just as likely to be done by local people than actual tourists. Classing all bad behaviour as "tourists" is wrong, very frequently the people doing these things are locals who don't care.

[@amandablake5505]

@@CryptidFlame unfortunately it’s not just Americans, many tourists from around the world go to Boston to see the aquarium and other attractions, and unfortunately treat them very poorly

[@Angels510]

Went to Kyoto a few months ago and can confirm that according to a local guide we got they disallowed pictures in the area because a tourist (he suspected Chinese but not 100% sure) got angry and pulled a Geisha’s hair and threw a lit cigarette down her kimono which burned her because she didn’t wanna take a picture with them. Immediately after the no pictures signs every 30 feet popped up

[@nessus47]

That is horrible, poor geisha.What disgusting behavior towards her!

[@ccheesee]

sounds about right, chinese tourists are also a plight in viet nam

[@jocax188723]

It’s always the nouveau riche Chinese hicks ruining the world for everyone else, huh.

[@rachelkling5619]

it was confirm Chinese tourist

[@gakidomo9561]

@@ccheeseeCan confirm, they are aee everywhere around the world

[@BlackKnight2895]

I just came back from a vacation in japan. We were able to visit gion and it is stunning but we also saw a lot of tourists just ignoring the signs and take photos. We also saw a lot of the bamboo that got carved into, not only in the bamboo grove but also on mt. itari, when we hiked up a route that is not full of tourists. Some of those places have a really nice way to leave something at the place without needing to carve your name into something. On the way up to the top of mt. inari we came to a small place with a waterfall and a shrine, there was a board were people left pictures of themselfs and also notebooks to write into. The same we saw in other places, we didn't write or leave a picture but we loved it. You don't need to write or carve your name on/into anything to leave a mark in japan if you want to. We talked about other tourists a lot because of the disrespectful things we saw. It is not hard to follow the little rules that are put up and are mostly common sense. I feel sad knowing that there will be places we will probably not be able to visit if some tourists can't get their shit together but I also understand it. Japan is beautiful and it would be a shame if its beauty would get destroyed by mindless tourists, that are not able to differentiate between a trashcan and a toilet.

[@shadow_gren1nja]

I never thought that I would hear the phrase "kore wa pen desu" in another Abroad in Japan Video, yet there it was 😂

[@Loumax989]

Me and my wife got married at Yasaka Shrine at Gion district. On the restaurant we held the celebration, which was nearby the shrine, there was a option to hire two geishas for 1 hour to entertain the guests, of course we took it. It was a great experience, none of the guests(almost all of them Japanese) had ever talked to a geisha before. Such shame seeing what’s happening there. The restaurant name is 菊乃井(Kikunoi)is surprisingly unknown and quite affordable for a 3 Michelin stars, I really recommend the food.

[@cjpanlaque6128]

@@really2345 To judge the entire character from such anecdotal evidence is quite narrow-minded and rude too, don't you think? Correcting is one thing, doing it with the attitude shown here is another.

[@musicaltarrasque]

@@really2345 If making grammatical errors is rude, then you are being just as rude as the original post. You forgot how to use quotation marks, "Me got married," should have a comma, like how I just wrote it. Although you can use a period to end a quote, in this case you are making, "Is idiotic," into its own sentence, which is incorrect grammar.

[@YouTubePL666]

@really2345 for fxk sake most people in the world aren't english native speakers, show me your foreign language skills - try mine Polish, let me laugh my a*s off at you failing miserably @@musicaltarrasque I know you are mocking the really person, but I don't think they will get it ;)

[@amannamedsquid313]

@@really2345 Do you know what else is wrong and rude? Everything you just said.

[@really2345]

​@@musicaltarrasqueIt is not the grammatical error in itself that is rude. It is placing yourself before your wife that is rude.

[@rsquestingandbossing4071]

As an introvert, Japan COVID times were the best time to explore Japan for a tourist like me (military stationed in Japan). There were no loud tourists walking down the streets on the weekends and hotel prices wasn't as expensive. Japanese people were also more friendly because they weren't so busy tending to customers.

[@Gatrehs]

I managed to go to Japan almost directly after they listed the restrictions and besides the extremely popular spots there were almost no foreigners, it was great. Then there was that one time where an entire class of kids said hello to me and my two friends, individually as they passed us. Well at least the kids had fun.

[@joblakelisbon]

By loud I'm guessing you mean American

[@Jakob.Hamburg]

@@joblakelisbonThere are loud and quiet people in every nation.

[@mixswist]

​@@joblakelisbon As a Thai, I am sure he talking about Thai or Chinese.

[@BrandonAEnglish]

Introvert or not, it was absolutely the best time because the cities weren't overrun with a bunch of foreign faces. It really felt more like Japan.

[@tompitman8672]

Good stuff. I thought I'd leave this video fuming but you managed to deliver it with levity.

[@tiller2473]

It's not often i actually laugh out loud, but that "Ivan + Haley 23" in the Gladiator coliseum got me

[@emb21982]

I think part of the reason is that recently Japan has blown up as a tourist destination on social media. A few years ago, most people didn't consider visiting Japan unless they already had some interest or understanding of the country and culture. However now people are going there because they saw it on Tiktok or Instagram, without bothering to do any research. I recently started working for a travel agency and it doesn't help that the tour operators feature pictures of geisha and other women in kimono heavily in their brochures, as if they are some sort of tourist attraction. Sometimes they give bad travel advice as well - one pack I printed out for a customer said "you should ask permission before taking someone's photo and you might have to pay them a fee".

[@mogaman28]

"Most people didn't consider visiting Japan unless they already had some interest or understanding of the country and culture" Here you are talking about nerds and, like in gaming, comics and movies, when normies enter "nerd spaces" they ruin the fun for everyone. This kind of gate keeping is absolutely necessary, well done Japan.

[@sukotu23]

Really? I still think Japan is a pretty uncommon destination. The stories you hear of tourists are just a small handful and being blown out of proportion thanks to the internet.

[@kowboyinkorea]

Significant increases in Japan tourism began in 2014 and had a peak in 2018 and 2019 before Covid shut things down. So I would say a decade ago Japan wasn’t a super popular tourist destination, but people have been considering it for more than just a “few years”. Although it is without a doubt that social media and KZbin is a (if not the) driving factor for Japan’s exposure to the mass public as a tourist destination.

[@emb21982]

@@sukotu23 It is definitely getting more popular, it was in a list of our company's top 20 most popular destinations. When you consider almost all the other places were typical tourist resorts or places you would visit on a cruise, that's quite a difference compared to a few years ago. I think the trouble makers are probably tourists who are used to going to tourist towns / resorts where everything is catered to them and there's no expectation for them to learn the local customs.

[@emb21982]

@@mogaman28 I agree, although I would say it's not just those with nerdy / pop culture interests - I've met plenty of respectful people who travelled to Japan because they have an interest in kimono or Japanese history or were just interested to learn about Japanese culture in general. The point is they bothered to learn a bit about the country before going there.

[@ScreamingTc]

This reminds me so much of the tourists who mess with the military guard around Bukingham & St James's Palace. It's frustrating and just plain disrespectful when people do zero research into cultural norms and practices.

[@TheDarksteel94]

Thankfully at least the guards are allowed to stand their ground and fight back, if needed. At least as far as I know. They're guards, after all.

[@VoxxyNZ]

​@@TheDarksteel94 They can kill you if needed. They aren't bouncers, they're infantry.

[@englishatheart]

Is Bukingham Buckingham's cousin? 😛

[@user-zp4ge3yp2o]

I believe their rifles aren't loaded, but their bayonets are very real...​@@TheDarksteel94

[@jdotoz]

Perhaps the tourists learned about respecting cultural norms and practices by going to the British Museum first.

[@skatr62]

I've always been fascinated with Japanese culture and history as it just felt "different" in a way, but I think what it really is, is their maintaining of cultural traditions and art forms and stuff.

[@JordanVanRyn]

While I am on board with the ban for the sake of protecting Japan and its people & culture from misbehaving tourists, part of me feels sad because I really so badly want to visit Japan and treat it with the respect it deserves. But there are too many uneducated tourists who don't even show a lick of decency and think the whole world is a theme park. As long as we can realize that the places we travel to are not theme parks and are actually countries with everyday people living local in the same way we do, then we can be able to learn something from this and have a sense of humility when we come to visit.

[@uranomichiaruki1]

Chill with the virtue signaling man holy cow

[@ruishima2830]

Bro, even as a tourist, I got a taste of the rude apples. I was in Kyoto at Kiyomizu-dera standing on the edge of the path where you could get a view of the pagoda and the temple without fighting a crowd. It was in the afternoon and the balconies within the temple were filled with people. Until suddenly, I was forcefully shoved to the side at Kiyomizu Temple by some random tourists who just wanted a group photo. They didn't ask me to move. That action was beyond rude like I was just an NPC to them. Rather than cause a scene, I just went home after that to cool off. I just went to other Kyoto places insanely early in the morning to avoid these people. Like, I understand the excitement, but you've gotta have even the slightest level of respect. I can't with these people.

[@Diree]

Sometimes I wish I could be like someone like you... I'd have probably lost my shit though. I feel like people are so entitles and arseholey these days, because they get away with pretty much everything. And if you're the one rightfully complaining most people will indeed turn on you, instead of the ones actually causing the issues. It's crazy...

[@GikamesShadow]

@@DireeNah, these people arent entitled. Something you learn when you work in retail is that some people just genuinly do not have manners or were never taught whats right and wrong to do. Thats mostly what it ends up being. I look at our store and it could be the cleanest it was in fricking months. Everything nice and orderly and super clean. If you dont clean up and pack stuff back where it belongs for even 10 minutes with at the very least 10-15 customers in the store, the entire store will change from a super clean and orderly wonderland to an apocalyptic hellscape. (Granted the example takes the worst of the worst into consideration but considering we are talking about them, I think its quite apt). Most of them dont even think about it. Thats the worst part. And dont get me started on kids and families on top of all this bs. Its even worse believe me. Cause the kids dont even think about it cause they are kdis. They are gonna grab whatever they want cause the parents are too... Cant say that... and never taught them any manners and then the parents? Bro the parents are more often than not even worse when they are the bad type. Cause they just reinforce the bad behavior by not even correcting their kids. Kid puts something into the wrong shelf? Mom says nothing. Literally. I still remember one time when I was out in a different store of ours and saw a young girl like... 5-6 years old I think, put something onto the wrong shelf. I had time, saw the mom was nearby and just bowed down to the girl and said nice and calm that it doesnt belong onto the shelf. Mom came over with a smile cause she saw what was going on and also lightly scolded her daughter. Thats how it should be. But most parents dont even pay attention to this crap and tbh even tho the mom did the right thing? She did it AFTER I made her aware of it.

[@DarkSithJawa]

PRC?

[@MaximSupernov]

​@@DarkSithJawa😂

[@lif6737]

@@DarkSithJawa Do you even need to ask?

[@sandervankampen8537]

Why is the fine for defiling an ancient monument only 300.000 yen, that's way to cheap for such actions!

[@Iscream4j0y]

I hope they still have to go through the whole month long legal and jail process on top of that as well as being deported

[@AngieBasto]

how rich are you? for me that a lot of money and i want to use that many for anime. $1,981 is a lot

[@sandervankampen8537]

@@AngieBasto for ruing a inreplacable monument 2k dollar is not allot.

[@austinjuh7]

​@@AngieBasto If you took a trip to Japan, 2k isn't that much. Maybe don't defile historic landmarks in a foreign country? Probably the cheapest way to go about it don't ya think

[@AngieBasto]

@@sandervankampen8537 Ohhhh! you were talking about the ancient stuff, sorry, I didn't read your comment through. i was slow and brain fart

[@alman6581]

That Gladiator moment was a classic

[@randomicelollol294]

That was sad that I was going to go over there and go trial a Komodo now it’s gone. This is too sad for me now. I will always love their culture and their way of living

[@Shrubo]

Honestly if everyone treated different cultures respectfully this wouldn’t have happened.

[@AD-kv9kj]

Weirdly, this was not actually a problem before the internet generation. Never heard anything about tourists going around shoving cameras in people's faces and pulling their hair for "viral content" until recent years. Honestly, as useful as it CAN be, I think on the whole, all things considered, the internet has proven itself utterly toxic to society. It's a sad reality, but it's just true. Everyone is filling their brains with endless information overload, adhd, deliberately anxiety-inducing news and endless endless vapid and regurgitated "content" with less and less actual value to say through art forms. Doing anything for attention, content and clicks online has become an all-consuming craze for so many people and if you actually look into each case, the vast majority of these problems in Japan, among many other countries, stem from "influencers", wannabe "influencers" and social media crazes.

[@LucksackGames]

@@AD-kv9kj Excuse me, as a person with ADHD I feel attacked for literally no reason. :/ Not my fault my brain is this way. Especially as I've been a model tourist while here.

[@ShootingStar_JB]

It's starts with being raised properly, which many aren't.

[@AD-kv9kj]

@@LucksackGames I'm sorry you feel personally "attacked" by my saying that internet culture has massively increased cases of attention disorders in young people, which it has. Not everything is about you and if you choose to feel victimized when you simply aren't being, that's nobody else's responsibility. I said nothing whatsoever about all people with adhd. Thanks for getting my perfectly factual and reasonable comment removed though, well done.

[@LucksackGames]

@@AD-kv9kj I didn't report it, nice assumption though.

[@nanbourdeu3071]

After 4 trips to Japan (2006 - 2018) and falling in love with the people and their wonderful country, it breaks my heart that anyone would disrespect this absolutely beautiful, clean, orderly place! My kids were taught as I was to respect rules and to know right from wrong. A basic thing that is missing in so many people in the world today. I am from the US and I always felt that I was representing my country as mush as myself while visiting Japan. Chris, so many experiences we had in Japan were gifted us by your awesome channel! While bans will definitely affect those who visit and would never be a problem they are worth that if Japan and the Japanese people can protect their heritage and culture. Thanks for the opportunity to see more of Japan through your delightful eyes!

[@richardtong3907]

My Amerikkkan brother, Amerikkkan politicians send the military not just to pull the hair of geishas. Do you know what happens in Okinawa all the time?

[@DiCarpio-yk9pd]

Anyone and everyone disrespects Japan, didn't you?? Lol

[@marragonn]

​@@richardtong3907 Can you explain?

[@meinblubber]

sad too see for sure, but if the situation is better this way, good for them.

[@IceBlueEyesX]

I don't think it's going too far to ban foreign tourism in certain areas if the ones who are doing the defiling aren't paying adequately enough for their disrespectful acts. It sends a message to the rest of the world not to be a dick if you're visiting another land.

[@profwaldone]

its a problem everywhere. tulip farmers here in the Netherlands had to put up signs asking people (ineffectually) to not stand in the tulip fields and trample the crops. Unfrotunatly people seem to forget the places they are on holiday in are peoples homes an businesses. they aren't well curated open air museums or amusement parks.

[@Agnes1322]

Plus, even places like museums have limits. I work at a museum and the amount of shit I see people do is insane, just what is wrong with some people

[@takay6502]

The things people are doing just to get an instagram photo is absolutely mad.

[@powerpuff_avenger]

Or randomly trespassing in homes and peeking inside like it´s a goddamn dollhouse as they like to do in Giethoorn.

[@Judge_Magister]

@@Agnes1322like climate activists thrashing old artworks.

[@Norf.F.C.Zoomer]

Japan is a high trust homogenous society, like England used to be, they absolutely need to crackdown on anyone remotely out of line even if it means keeping most foreigners out. We didn't in England and now we're basically a failed state, high crime, high taxes, low trust and the streets are disgusting in our cities

[@ellorasg4525]

My aunt travelled to Japan a few years ago and told me amazing stories about the country. I really hate when people ruin the experience for others.

[@Alpenmilch]

Japanese people ruin the experience, they could simply use their laws to handle those who break the peace, in any other country in the world this is the case, have you seen what English and German people do in places like Majorca every year, never heard to ban foreigners. Japan is filled with xenophobes that is the issue, they enjoy the money generated with tourism but already during the Olympic games year many were pissed by the gov policy to include more English on signs/stores/ect. How many were at the end happy that Covid reduced the amount of foreigners visiting for the games. There is a strange illusion that people have that Japanese are always welcoming or being the best at hospitality, not the case! I've been around a lot and South Korea and the Caribbean are a far more welcoming place for tourists or globetrotters. Been in Japan in 98, 2002 and 2020 and year after year more people normalized the gaijin label, in most cases overreacting due to one bad experience they had.

[@amirrashidan3047]

My mom too, months before COVID struck and she had a blast. She even bought an MG Hi Nu Gundam kit as a souvenir for little brother.

[@ellorasg4525]

@@amirrashidan3047 cool

[@YSKA_Gaming]

1:23 sounds like a good Plan you gave there.

[@KariHaruka]

One key point regarding tourists being banned from certain streets within Gion. The only areas that are off limits are the smaller private roads, unless you have a reservation at one of the establishments in the area.

[@aussiepineapple1st]

It's sad to hear that. When I was over ther in 2015 on exchange for 3 months my host family took me to the same place and I felt so honoured becasue while in a hair pin shop a Geiko came up to me and asked if she could have a photo taken with me. One of the many highlights of my time there. I hate that people don't have the common respect you should have for people and their culture.

[@bradmenpes809]

You've hit the nail on the head, mate. Common respect - which seems to be not so common anymore, unfortunately.

[@OnlyLocus]

​@@bradmenpes809 just the disgusting downfall of humanity.

[@Nariasan]

I am a foreign resident in Japan and this news made me both angry and very sad. I live near Kyoto and spend time in Gion frequently. With the government making that decision, I fear I can't go anymore without attracting ire. I'm very sad, but I also understand the decision. Edit: I also don't think the 10,000¥ fine was ever applied, which didn't help the situation. I've told tourists before that the sign clearly says no pictures, and they felt free to ignore it because there were no consequences (beyond me, another foreigner, berating them). I want to make it clear I have never so much as followed or addressed a geisha or maiko when I've seen one (they are busy and I respect their personal space). I know that's not the case for everybody.

[@kiearawagner7901]

Can I ask something about the photography laws in Japan? In the US, you are legally allowed to take pictures and video of anywhere that is deemed non-private. That you are not owed privacy. IE, personal homes, washrooms, showers, places where you can't expect privacy. But outside of those examples, a person can take photos of anyone and anywhere as long as they are not covered by that area, is that the same in Japan? Or are the laws more strict? Because, yes, technically, you are legally allowed to even take pictures of people's homes from the outside in the US as long as you stay on public property like the sidewalks. But those signs saying "no photography" makes it sound like Japan has a lot stricter laws on photos in general, even in what would be considered public areas, especially in the US.

[@jacksan1]

@@kiearawagner7901Without writing a whole legal treatise on it, basically taking pictures without the subject's permission is an act that infringes on the Japanese law regarding the right of privacy, or more specifically, under something called 肖像権 which is usually translated as image or portrait rights. The Japanese Supreme Court's 2005 opinion on this issue does support the idea that the right of privacy necessarily includes the image/portrait rights of not having one's image taken and/or used without permission. However, as a practical matter, unless the subject can show that damages have occurred as a result of the act, the law doesn't do much if any about that.

[@kiearawagner7901]

@@jacksan1 I see, so it's one of those "yes, technically it's illegal, but we really can't do much about it unless it goes beyond just the act." So, essentially, if you're out on the Shibuya Crossing, and you take a picture of it, and the inevitably hundreds of people around that area, that's technically breaking the law, but practically there's nothing that can be done unless say the photographer does something like monetize that image. Even then, that's not including stuff like foreigners who are back in their home countries, or simple ignorance. I appreciate you explaining it, thank you.

[@jacksan1]

@kiearawagner7901 Correct. And I'm frankly not sure about the 10k yen fine on the Gion ordinance. You can cite people, but if they refuse to pay, there is likely not much the authority can do about it since the portrait rights law is civil, not criminal. They can file a civil complaint for enforcement, but for 10k yen? Besides, all the cited tourists have to do is to get on the plane. Because it's not a criminal penalty, it wouldn't have any impact on their future admission to Japan, either.

[@ibm30rpg]

There is definitely a culture of entitlement when it comes to Western foreigners coming into Japan. There's this notion that if something is done in their hometown but not in Japan, or something that is not done in the hometown but is done in Japan, then Japan is the one in the wrong. Easiest way to confirm this is in any live chat of stream of such foreigner visiting and you have majority of the English comments trying to assert their superiority just because they have cognitive dissonance with the country. It is disgusting.

[@ruthespiritu502]

I was scared when I read an article recently that Japan is now Australia’s Top 5 Holiday Destination. Scared that Kyoto will be the next Bali…

[@smakaev]

I have to say what I allowed myself while being a tourist in Japan. There is the Hozukyo train station the one you could get lucky arriving into if you skip getting off a train at Arashiyama station. It is a beautiful bridge over the river between mountains station from which you can get off into the wilderness. So there after a 5 min walk there is an old red bridge with a pretty dusty metal. And this dust was where I wrote my name with a finger and a date of visiting. It was in 2019 and to my surprise when I came back to the same spot in 2022 that dust and my sign was still there. Felt pretty mind boggling.

[@notaweebb]

I think the best solution would be to actually make examples to deter bad behaviour. Slap a massive fine and deportation, no one likes paying thousands in fines and being humilitated by being escorted by police to the next available flight. I know its hard to babysit every tourist and its sad it has come to as far as banning foreigners. Im half japanese and after the logan paul and that somali guy incident ive become more angrier towards people who make mockery of the privilege of visiting a country and ruin the fun for everyone else.

[@britasha1194]

Drunk tourists don’t care about anything.

[@Capt.Steele]

I completely agree, banning foreigners will only hurt an already struggling japanese economy and the people themselves. The fact that government would rather ban people from one of their only successful economic sectors instead of actually punish people literally breaking the law is not a good sign of things to come.

[@dannyrpgninetwooak6434]

I feel exactly the same thing about this, and I'm not even remotely Asian. It boils my blood that people are becoming increasingly problematic everywhere we go.

[@alphakowaclips]

...like the ban they're doing now? 😅 They're doing it already

[@thelonecabbage7834]

3:20

[@sofiafett]

in Portugal we had a french tourist lady spray paint red one of our oldest monuments by the river, the amount of money it took to recover the monument to a fairly decent state was quite a sum. Needless to say that after that nobody can come as close to the monument and cops patrol the area even more now. People can't be respectful, if you can't be respectful don't go visit other countries.

[@user-lk2qf4rt3m]

100% this. I live in a tourist city, now the lovely main statue of a famous city son which used to have a nice seating area is surrounded by very imposing 6ft iron bars because people kept climbing it. Thanks... Now less seats for everyone... Plus my tax money has to pay for it. In my town tourists kept removing bricks from the road too to take home as souvenirs. Again, thank you, now my local tax has been raised.

[@alexseguin5245]

Wait, what was the monument? When you spray red paint on something, it is generally because it's a statue of a heinous figure.

[@ValaaronMatos]

i believe it was the discoveries monument, she wrote bye lisbon or something like that because she was leaving....

[@alisons9740]

@user-jz3dq6fi7x Horrible comment. When history that lasts thousands of years can be destroyed in seconds, such extreme events should be put on blast for more than 3 years. Preserve, protect, and use good manners.

[@jetixlol]

You should see what tourists are doing at our Colosseum in Italy

[@GabbaaGhoul]

ok congrats on 1.3 mill views in 7 days!

[@DavefromWork]

Flashbacks to 2004/2005 when I was a royal guard stationed outside the Norwegian palace, when bus-loads of japanese tourists would engage in pretty much the same behavior. Not saying one thing justifies the other, just pointing out that they're not exactly great tourists either. Practice what you preach type of deal.

[@portanrayken3814]

yeah but they cant control what others outside the country do but they can control what happens inside there country honestly i allows found it stupid what tourists can do to the royal guard with out getting punishments i allows thought that the laws for very lax for that and they needed to be harsher

[@KYLETIBOR]

I live and work in an outdoorsy tourist area in California and it seems since covid people have lost thier minds. Any respect for locals or the natural beauty is right out the door.

[@DonkeyMuscles]

YUP. It’s insane.

[@LucksackGames]

Is it Joshua Tree? Asking as a local. Haha.

[@gnnascarfan2410]

It sucks because I went to Japan in 2023 for the first time and was excited, yet humble/respectful at the same time. It sucks that if and when I go back in the future there are bad apples ruining it.

[@LucksackGames]

@@gnnascarfan2410 I went in 2023 as well. I'm currently here in 2024. The tourist crowd has increased tenfold, easily.

[@ShootingStar_JB]

Agree, it's truly disturbing as this is the new normal (it's not normal and it's not alright).

[@zam023]

I was part of a tour group conducted by the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, and I saw a Chinese tourist throw his drink can behind a stack of crates at the Imperial Palace. The fact that he went out of the way to throw it in a hidden spot tells you that he knew littering was not allowed, but he littered anyway.

[@cloned81]

Chinese have another standard

[@Kev27RS]

You have Chinese people who don’t like Japan, so I guess he did it on purpose!

[@kiraaofthedust8123]

littering is generally never allowed but to do it in places of great historical heritage and importance isn't just illegal but absolutely abhorrent.

[@meinelust]

@@cloned81 Mainlanders, Chinese descents who have been living abroad are embarrassed and frown upon for the mainlanders as well.

[@KHANSTER1029]

@@meinelust Don't bother making this distinction, it's embarrassing. most westerners wouldn't give a crap either way

[@ericaceous1652]

I recently went to a tropical butterfly house in the UK. Had to tell three separate groups of adults not to grab or pick up the butterflies - I'd have thought it was common sense, but seemingly not. Sometimes it's lack of awareness, and people sort themselves out when they're made aware - but sometimes they keep right on with their behaviour. Depressing.

[@istiompaxindica9676]

While I understand what theyre going through, but to ban ALL foreign tourist because of what, probably less than 1% of the tourist did is kinda extreme. I just hope this plan to ban all foreign tourist made by the oh-so highly local japanese government is not one of those reactionary plan that's gonna be good for the short term, but causing damage in the long run. Cause I'll be honest, other than I cant visit kyoto in the future, I'm kinda worried about the local economy too.

[@istiompaxindica9676]

btw before someone said "only 1%? more like 30%" like I saw in the other videos about this, 2.7 million people went to japan in January 2024 (according to tourism,jp) quick math, 1% of that is 27k you telling me theres more than 27k tourist in japan looking for trouble, every month? absolutely not

[@CHEFPKR]

When my wife and I visited in October, we noticed the "no photography" signs in that area. Apparently, we were the ONLY ones who noticed because it looked like a damn rave with all the flashes at night.

[@SeMDesu]

They did respect (kinda) the signs 3 days ago, so there are some improvements I guess?

[@southcoastinventors6583]

If there is no real enforcement why would you expect anything less. Most western countries have lax laws when it comes to taking pictures. It really on Japan side to enforce their rules because many people were never raised in a culture that values decency rules.

[@unkopower7899]

if there's no actual consequences then easy to ignore a sign

[@renefrijhoff2484]

It's likely more the case that they did notice, but just ignored it.

[@mikaross4671]

@@unkopower7899 That's the issue i have. Where is security for these geisha and maiko? They talk about a fine, but I have heard nothing even happens to these tourists. How did it get this bad? Nothing was being done until it was too late.

[@crystepsi]

i think it’s amazing that japan is taking measures to protect its nation and culture, no matter how sad it is for tourists

[@oniemployee3437]

I wish more countries would do it, but sadly tourism here in Europe in an enormous industry.

[@lillysummer3546]

Indians belief of "athithi devo bhava" "guest is God" cost them their lives. Entire country was invaded by foreigners. Today the soul of India is dead. I hope Japan protects itself.

[@barrygormley3986]

Yes, sad as it is for me as someone who loved visiting Japan and hopes to live there someday, I must say that I totally support the government’s decision on this and place 100% of the blame on foreigners who have no respect for other people’s history or culture.

[@philipfirks7755]

Yes it is sad, but whilst 100% of the blame can be laid on foreigners who show no respect, that is a very small percentage of foreigners, all of whom have now been punished.@@barrygormley3986

[@bazza1024]

@@barrygormley3986 same!

[@LMPL1993]

Visited Kyoto and Gion in 2019. A shame I won’t be able to visit again.

[@NintendoDaikaijuFan]

Been there 7 years ago and it was absolutely beautiful. I can’t say it was empty, but it wasn’t overcrowded and you had plenty of time to enjoy the views and take some photos. Except Ginkakuji, that one was already exploding from tourists. This year though, Kyoto was probably the saddest thing I’ve seen all through my one month travel. It was barely impossible to even move at most nice areas. It was unbelievably dirty, I was so shocked - Told my family beforehand how clean it was there and was proud to show it to them. As most of you probably know, Japan doesn’t really have a lot of possibilities to throw away your trash while your outside, except the bins for plastic bottles and cans. Wherever there were such, the place was overflowing with trash - absolutely disgusting. The tourists tried to shove every kind of trash inside, almost clogged every single bin and just threw the rest next to it after that. Everywhere where there was a lot of tourism, I didn’t even want to use some of the toilets. Everywhere where there were none, the toilets were the cleanest place you could imagine - Not comparable to any other country I’ve been to. Altogether I still had another great travel through the absolute nicest country in this world, but I feel so sorry for the Japanese. It’s unbelievable how much has happened since I’ve been there the last time. Since I‘ve been travelling around the whole country for the third time now, I’d like to share some lesser knows places in Japan, where you can enjoy the culture, everything great about Japan, and really feel the atmosphere and feel what Japan is about. But after experiencing the changes and seeing this video, I decided not doing that is probably the better decision. I‘d be devastated if Japan banned tourists from certain places or activities, but if that’s the only way to help the situation, then please do it! I also know that nowadays many Japanese, especially younger people, are more open to foreigners, immigrants, tourists, or whatever and want their country to also be more international and open. But I‘m sorry to say you don’t know what problems it brings, especially in such a well-functioning, respect based society. I, as a foreigner myself, really beg you not to do it and protect your unique country!

[@ceard]

At first I was sad when I heard I won't be able to visit that part of Kyoto when I eventually visit Japan. But after some research I learned that those streets are privately owned and the area was never really intended to be publicly available and it only stayed open out of consideration for tourists who might not know that they are trespassing. Even though it's a bit sad I won't be able to go there, I fully respect their decision to close it off so everyone living and working there can do so in piece.

[@LucksackGames]

As I'm currently in Japan - can't blame them. Most tourists I see behave closer to locust than respectful humans.

[@NJ-wb1cz]

People have no obligation to obey your expectations of them and your ideas about respect. Japan is free to close borders and self isolate

[@bachmai4529]

​@NJ-wb1cz and this is why we can't have nice things

[@codym5352]

Meanwhile in the U.S. most foreigners behave worse than that but if we point it out we're called " Racists" aren't double standards great?

[@dariyanvalentine3564]

okay Ron.

[@LucksackGames]

@@codym5352 I live in a tourist town stateside. It's why I believe you should have as little impact with your trip as possible.

[@PhilHyde]

Going back to 2008 Chris, there was the naked Briton who swam in the imperial moat (around the Imperial palace in Tokyo), but because it`s 16 years I`ll erase that from memory.

[@juanjosemora6534]

Sadly, it seems this is common behavior around the world. I was in Olympia, Katakolon at the Olympic ruins in Greece in 2017, people were climbing the ruins to take pictures. They have volunteers who sentry and when they see someone doing this behavior, they blow a whistle and right away call out the tourist.

[@burado1974]

That's so sad. Years a go I bumped into a Geisha one evening in Gion, waiting at the lights to cross the road, I asked if it was ok to talk and she gave me a few moments to have a chat about the Miyako Odori, I had tickets the next day and she said she was in the show. It's a moment I cherish from a time when the only other tourists I would see were Japanese.

[@suezcontours6653]

The Japanese are specifically banning because of WHITE tourists. American white people are extremely entitled groups of people

[@Sweenus987]

They should do a permit system, where A) you have to pay, which will act as a disincentive and B) have limited number of people who can enter which makes things easier to track so if anyone does misbehave, they can have their permit revoked and forced to leave the area

[@gcanaday1]

And fined.

[@alexshinra6722]

You mean a passport?.

[@SniperPIKACHU]

@@alexshinra6722 *Visa

[@Sweenus987]

@@alexshinra6722 No? You need a passport to get into the country, it wouldn't make sense to also then use it to get into the Geisha district, not to mention it wouldn't disuade anyone, rather it would just be more work for the Japanese.

[@SotheAlbion]

​@@Sweenus987you just suggested what visas are. Thats why he said passeport.

[@cskillet2003]

This is a great channel! Hilarious!

[@frankmiller7843]

Its a bit of a mixed bag for me, I had my second trip to Japan this Christmas through New years. I really wanted to get out out see more than just Tokyo this time. You get enough people in an area there are always going to be bad apples. Over new years I saw literally 10's of thousands of people packed into Kyoto. For the most part everyone I saw was very respectful. I certainly saw some real SoB's from time to time but it was very few. That said I worry that some of this is an excuse to keep other nationalities out of areas regardless of tourism or not. While my stay in Kyoto was amazing my stay in Osaka was absolutely terrible. In the week I was there I was rode into the wall by people on bicycles several time, even though there are clearly signs that are huge AF that cycling on the sidewalk is not allowed. I was not allowed in several bars that were in the main tourist hub and generally people were not polite at the restaurants I went to, I would be seated but the hospitality I experienced in Kyoto and Tokyo as a patron just was not there a lot of the time. It was incredibly draining and I was so happy to get back to Tokyo for my final few days where the acceptance of foreigners was genuine.

[@MonBriella]

Exactly as someone mentioned, it's not only happening in Japan..here in Mexico, one tourist crossed the pass of "not allowed" in one of our pyramids and went up, basically it's not allowed and then she started dancing. She was brought down and ppl started throwing things to her because she broke the only important rule there "dont climb the pyramid" she didnt care, she did it for likes, for the "me me me" culture

[@tdelioncourt1268]

That's the thing really, they are not ignorant, which can be excused, they know they're doing something wrong and just do not care. Sociopathic tendencies.

[@ScooterinAB]

That's exactly the problem. It's all about me. It's all about narcissism. Maybe I'm an idiot because I was in Japan at the start of COVID and sow how it was handled, but I really though COVID would have taught us a little something about respecting other people and places.

[@Semesty]

And not just tourists. Destroying old monuments or painting is also some kind of fucknig protest to raise awareness for climate change now aparrently. Nothing says caring about climate as much as throwing paint at a monument/painting and being an overall asshat.

[@ludovica8221]

@@ScooterinAB I think COVID has taught me exactly how very little people care about others and are perfectly happy to risk peoples lives for their own convenience

[@goldfox177]

Ah yes that’s what I thought of when I first heard this story remembering that to me it was not bad enough they went up the pyramid they had to go that extra mile and mock it. I get almost the want to go up it since it’s such an historic thing and the view would be great but like really what would make you go up it and then be an asshole by dancing aka not having any respect for it

[@shadowcat9672]

One thing I’ll always remember from visiting Japan is visiting local restaurants to try local cuisine, and a bunch of them immediately assuming I wanted sushi and trying to shoo me out while telling me off for ‘wanting sushi’. I can only assume the experiences they’ve had to have that reaction to me simply walking in. People suck. To be clear, they were always very apologetic the moment I was able to explain what I wanted, usually by pointing at an outside menu and saying kore. And the food was always lovely, just felt really bad for everyone involved.

[@pdxtran]

It's not unique to Japan. When I was in Seoul a few years ago, I was wandering around the big clothing complex in Dongdaemun when I saw a kind of lunch counter place. It was noon, so I went in and sat down. As I was trying to sound out the menu with my limited command of hangul script. the waitress came by and set down a bulgogi lunch. Now, I like bulgogi (barbecued beef), but I thought it was funny that she automatically brought it to avoid the hassle of communicating with a foreigner whose knowledge of Korean was limited to about twenty words.

[@blackjack1504]

The music in the intro is done by shin suzuma I very talented man

[@zuism]

do u know the name of the song?

[@blackjack1504]

​It's called Merchant Traveller ​@zuism

[@Surfrz3]

I absolutely love Gion and have walked through those charming streets many times. It's like a journey to the past. This is very sad to hear. How about if tourists apply for a permit at the entrance and be given a list of rules and penalties to keep them in line.