The Truth About Kyoto's 'Tourist Ban': What Really Happened and Why It Never Existed

Videos about Kyoto 'banning tourists' have exploded in number on KZbin in recent weeks. However, most influencers spreading these claims seem to rely more on hearsay than on facts. I was in Kyoto after the supposed 'ban' took effect, and I'm here to explain what actually happened and why there was never a ban in Kyoto. #japan #travel

[@shink287]

I'm Japanese and his information is correct. Tourists still can go to the Gion district. Just don't enter private pathways. Don't blame KZbinrs for incorrect info because English news media are responsible for having released misleading headlines and contents. Thanks for providing the accurate information, Will.

[@BokushingusKendoTV]

Actually most of the mis information has come from foreign KZbinrs living in Japan. They put out a lot of regurgitation.

[@rikky2139]

Thank you for spreading correct information. As someone who lives in Kyoto, tourist are warmly welcome. Just have your common sense, be nice, obey the rules and instructions and don't do things you don't want others to do to you.

[@TheSowinska]

Hi, if you live in Kyoto, could you please recommend some of your favourite, traditional food places/restaurants? I prefer that to some 'tourist trap'. I love japanese food, tea etc. (along many other things). Anything which you think is good will be OK, unfortunately I do not know anyone from Japan, so I cannot ask for any friends' recommendations 🙁

[@Gullikind73]

I smell underrated content creator

[@Bakapooru]

Nah… this guy made click bait too by using other content creators. He only clipped part of Chris Broad’s video. Chris went on to explain the details of the ban if you watch Chris’ entire video.

[@Spangletiger]

Me too! I like that smell and I'm subscribing to it!

[@Spangletiger]

@Bakapooru He's used brief clips from Chris Broad's and Akidearest's videos, as well as screenshots of search results, listing videos covering the same topic, made by other youtube creators, in order to illustrate the point that he's making: that a lot of channels have put out videos about the ban, without necessarily being specific or accurate about the ban's details. That's content, Will's content, and this is no clickbait video. I clearly didn't pay enough attention to Chris Broad's video when I watched that the first time because I thought that the ban was city wide, but even Chris seems to refer to it being across the whole of the Gion district (and actually, he mentioned how much he will miss wandering around the back streets... Has the Abroad in Japan creator inadvertently got us banned?!!? 😂). I came across another video from a channel that I don't subscribe to that also seemed to imply that the ban covered the whole of Gion. I decided to look for other videos covering the ban, to see if any suggested alternative places with machiya-lined streets (these places exist!) and was thrilled to discover this one, informing viewers that it is still possible to visit and enjoy Gion, providing a more detailed, accurate explanation of what the ban means, and recommendations of what to see and experience. I started subscribing to several channels relating to Japanese culture, language and travel destinations during the pandemic, with dreams of visiting the country once it opened up again but, sadly, the pandemic also ate up my savings to the point that plans of visiting are on hold for now but, I can dream, I can 'experience' the country through youtube and I am delighted to have discovered Will Zhao's channel. You can never subscribe to too many great channels and, even when different Japan-based creators inevitably cover the same places or topics, no two experiences or viewpoints are going to be the same and there's always something new to learn and enjoy.

[@aibao_eipariru_april]

You should do one on the Fuji Lawsons next, tourists keep running into a busy road trying to get themselves killed to take photos, one finally got hit by a car a couple of weeks ago and the city decided to put up the blackout screen to deter them and keep everyone safe. Now they’re all grouping up in the parking lot and obstructing business even though there’s no view from the Lawsons itself and there are other, better, open-space places to take photos (like the parking lot near the station).

[@Slame333]

The ban also isn’t prohibiting people from entering the private alleyways at this point. Just no pictures on the alleyways. I walked the main road and expected all of the cops to yell at people who turned onto them, but was surprised when they just let people walk and go about their day. So I walked around them myself without issue.

[@Will_Zhao]

I think their vagueness is part of the issue itself. The new signage says no trespassing in Japanese but only 'no driving through these areas' in English. And there are a lot of Japanese people complaining about the discrepancy between the two versions. No idea why the translation is so different from the original, really weird. I mean just tell me the things you wouldn't want me do and I won't, and I'd imagine most people probably went into the alleyways not knowing they weren't allowed to.

[@simondesu1]

Thank you for clearing this up. It is sad that some videos tend to mislead by leaving out vital details.

[@Bakapooru]

Well… this guy did the same because he left out a vital detail. He only clipped part of Chris Broad’s video. Chris went on to explain the details of the ban if you watch Chris’ entire video.

[@sidetracked2715]

Another well-made, well-informed Will Zhao banger

[@Bakapooru]

Nah… this guy made click bait too by using other content creators. He only clipped part of Chris Broad’s video. Chris went on to explain the details of the ban if you watch Chris’ entire video.

[@arianebhs3678]

I'm new here but I already love your content so much !❤

[@LBsamba]

Your videos are great! I can't stop watching, keep going! I would like to make similar videos myself, but as a non-native english speaker, am too shy to speak over the videos. Is this your real voice? If not, how do you do this?

[@kwoltekublai3337]

Commenting as I am interested to see the reply also, I think its his real voice but I was not sure at first if it was ai generated as the pitch is quite monotone and the intonation is very consistent (I don't mean this in a negative way (: ).

[@Spangletiger]

Don't worry about your english, just have a go anyway. You don't have to speak while you are making your video, you can add a narration to your video footage after you've done the filming bit. That gives you time to check through what you want to say first and edit out any mistakes you make. Maybe record videos in your first language to begin with and add versions in english later. If it's any consolation, english is my native language but I hate the way my voice sounds when it's recorded. I sound middle class instead of sounding like 'me'! 😮 Anyway, I'm subscribing to your channel now so, if and when you upload your videos, you will have at least one viewer!

[@oiyoto]

nah bro why u make such good videos, literally gonna binge watch them until my trip to japan, cheers!

[@Vandebirt]

You do have some balls to call out big KZbinrs on misinformation… SUBSCRIBED!!!

[@saf1999]

So happy about this. I love culture and would love to see Kyoto and this district. However why some people do is just so ridiculous and distasteful.. don’t understand people fr

[@benfiegert9423]

Thank you so much for posting this. You definitely need to get more viewers.

[@ZorimePati]

So I was guilty of wondering the private streets in Gion and Ninenzaka. It wasn't too obvious until I visited in 2019 where I noticed no picture signs and no one passing through so I thought not passing through was the safer option since I do my best to be a good visitor.

[@stopwaitaminute3969]

Your videos are so helpfull! Thank you so much and please continue on making them ❤

[@kinpatsu6366]

Geisha only go out at night. Any of the girls that you showed in the video, those were Maiko-san. (Trainees)

[@allajacobs9667]

👍👍👍🌟😊Thank you for your really great helpful videos and you have one fan more👍😊⛩️💜

[@2393034]

great work again

[@Neo08CA]

I have watched two of your Japan related videos and I'm a subscriber now. Keep it up :)

[@mihaylo_kovin]

Thanks!

[@katiecook7280]

Thank you for the video! I just got back from trip to Kyoto as well, and yes there were plenty of tourist on hanamikoji street taking photos and videos. I was also able to attend one of the Miyako Odori performances and it was a highlight of the trip. I also wanted to say thank you for making content on regional JR passes. I spent a lot of time prior to my trip trying to research how they differed in use from a regular JR pass and kept coming up empty as people only made videos talking about the JR pass and not any of the regional passes. I ended up using the Kansai Wide Area Pass and saw the cherry blossoms at Himeji and Kinoski Onsen.

[@Will_Zhao]

Thank YOU for watching my videos! Man I wish I could have watched the Miyako Odori.

[@pirahnamontreal]

I just returned from Kyoto. I ran around unscathed nor scowled at for both walking through Gion or private property, because respect is given at all times. All my interactions were pleasant… ‘cept ole’ girl from Lawson’s when I was asking when the next Shonen Jump was gonna get released. She was tweakin’.. bless her heart though. Hope you’re doing better this week Obasan! It’s all love. 🤙🏾

[@Will_Zhao]

I totally agree, the issue is not nearly as huge as the influencers make it out to be. As long as you stay polite and respectful, I don't think people would bat an eye for things like this.

[@timr.2257]

That's why mainstream KZbinrs are cringe.

[@megaszx08]

Found your videos while searching for (of all things) Pon no michi. Keep up the great work, since all your videos are highly funny and informative.

[@kenechkichen]

Thank you very much for that short and really infortmative video. Its getting to the point and it will help to stop spreading wrong rumors. And I think I dislike Johnny Somaly.

[@pac1fic055]

I appreciate the factual information

[@Itsthenaynay]

How do you go about finding accommodation for your travels? Do you use only english-language booking sites, or have you got a method of finding rooms and beds that are not available on regular booking websites?

[@nyatella]

anyone know what that 4:13 reference is before I lose my weeb badge

[@Will_Zhao]

It's Ohedo Julia Night by Mitchie M. There, saved your badge.

[@oliverseiler2871]

Kaboom.....thanks for the info and you got a new sub. 😃👍🏻👍🏻

[@user-qm7jw]

akidearest... I haven't seen her for a while but she often spreads false information about Japan even though she lives in Japan. Not only her but other content creators living in Japan love clickbaiting.

[@exploshaun]

That explains perfectly why I can walk on the Gion street in order to go to the Miyako Odori

[@eduardoreal1056]

Thank you for that information. These other KZbinrs made it sound like you were not allowed at all in the area. I agree, no need to be a nuisance and disrespectful. You always have people who have no sense and ruin it for everyone.

[@byghostlight1]

Yes but none of the video clips you used the beginning were saying the ban was a thing, quite the opposite, they were all disproving it. Indeed half the list you were scrolling through were actively highlighting how the 'ban' wasnt true.

[@neverbeaten]

Hi i will visit japan 2 weeks later. Is it possible u can make a video about tokyo passes? about subway and/or trains? I tried lookin for these ofcourse but no one tells as simple and fun as you!

[@Will_Zhao]

Come back in a few days and check out my new upload🤫

[@alistairwilliams9074]

Thank you for this fun informative video. Had a couple of giggles with the comedy inserts like from 3:17, 3:26 & 4:38. Hopefully you can see the Miyako Odori next time & also get - if you want - the tea ceremony too.

[@actontreadway1168]

Does this mean you also can't do traditional archery in the geisha district anymore, as well?

[@Will_Zhao]

Don't think it'll affect anything really. What was available should still be available now.

[@ayumiejulianayoshiga4418]

What I watched on another channel is also that in some places in Japan it is forbidden to walk around holding a smartphone on the streets, is this true?

[@neverbeaten]

no i dont think so. especially in tokyo and big cities everyone keeps talking and walking.

[@dante4444]

Thanks for this. Tired of these foreigner Gatekeeper types, trying to make everyone else feel bad under the guise of "discipline"

[@awildcyclistappears]

Nice explanation. Time for my bomb... I've cycled through Japan twice, been to Kyoto twice and never managed to go anywhere there mainly due to tourists and that is fine because... I've seen other places with amazing nature and architecture, where there were no/zero/null/rei tourists and it was a damn blast. So, I have a favor to ask - keep going to Kyoto so other people can enjoy rest of Japan without crowds. Yours truly ps. a bit of a troll post, but both cycling tours I did, only places where I definitely felt there is too many tourists was when I arrived at Kyoto just to spend there 3-4 hours on a walk with my bike and stuff at the hotel and then leave the next day. Izu is empty, Hida mountains except Takayama and Shirakawa-go are empty, Shikoku (thank god) is empty. Good. edit, the Elton John piano flash made me smirk - stop touching her you non-commie!

[@ChristopherCricketWallace]

It's a real shame that signs have to be posted to ask people NOT to be annyoing to other people just for a freakin' selfie. What has become of us? People have to be told not to touch a stranger? Don't be a jerk? SMH.

[@sanpoisson1934]

If it is private property then it’s easy! Just make private property signs and out of bounds by law and your shit will be safe. Yes going into somebody’s private property pulling on their clothes is wrong. But if nobody knows it’s private property and that shits on you.

[@geffryx8530]

Why does his voice sound AI generated?

[@HacksignKT]

The ban has nothing to do with Johnny Somali... even tho he is a jerk. It's been an issue since before the pandemic.

[@Will_Zhao]

Never said it was because of him.

[@kulutz9565]

Darn influencers

[@AIIIAKS-vn4co]

Content creators don't care about the accuracy of the information, they just want to get views.

[@user-vf8jw2vj7f]

What!??? I was in Kyoto yesterday

[@Will_Zhao]

I feel you brotha. 😮‍💨

[@user-kz5cw2gj3w]

Japan tourism has became an international fad. Like all fads it will fade as quickly as it popped up. I've been to Japan over the years and have many friends their. It is exotic at first but there is a very human, mundane and not so lovely side to it like every country.

[@Will_Zhao]

Definitely, there are always the good side and the bad side. People shouldn't never imagine Japan to be the perfect utopia without its own issues.

[@thisiswilson]

I walked down that area a few days before the "closure" and there were signs that said don't take photos down the local streets. Simple enough.

[@DanNguyen-ey5tw]

Sora the troll?!?! RaGeishasengan!!!!!! Thank you for clearing this up. John Daub( onlyinjapan) had to clear this up also. Just lots of mininformation going around. Considering akidesrest's husband is joey the anine man, who is usually on top of this type of news, surprised she made it with that context.

[@ChristopherCricketWallace]

There's a Visa system. The authorities let them into the country. Maybe limit the number of travel visas.

[@waterdudedev]

No, there isn't, not for most countries with high GDP. Visa waivers.

[@Taiyo_Jingu]

So it appears they have only banned idiocracy? 🤔

[@atlasbravo1564]

Well. It also means that tourists can’t flee away from tourists in those areas.

[@Will_Zhao]

Well, you wouldn't go to Gion expecting a peaceful getaway in the first place.

[@SusanHiggins]

very reasonable, thanks! And why would someone act like a fool in another country and do things you shouldn't do anywhere??

[@awetistic5295]

Honestly, I think many people who act horrible in another country aren't much better at home.

[@cooltwittertag]

ask british people

[@bloodpine666]

goated fact check, thank you

[@TON._.N]

Now she’s spreading misinformation of how kidnapping a child after a divorce is legal in Japan😭 How hard is it to google 離婚 子供連れ去る😭

[@Will_Zhao]

🤣

[@EVL-xj5vc]

I'm glad you cleared this fake news spreading around like wild fire on social media. I've been leaving comments on fear mongering videos. Love the slap on the shiba btw lol😂

[@TomHeyda]

a voice of reason in the midsts of yapping? well done

[@Myriel67]

They may not ban tourists. But….. I hate to spoil your image about Japan. But fact is tourists are not really that welcome. Especially not here in Kyoto. Today in Sado class I was talking to some ladies. They were keep repeating that this now is toooooooooo much! Too crowded. Too many people coming. We can’t do daily chores. Over tourism affects daily lives. Traffic jams cause’s bus delays. If the bus comes often we can’t enter because it is too full. You can hardly see Japanese on the road. Only white people and some multi coloured. It is hell!!!

[@Will_Zhao]

I know it's certain that some locals would have issues against tourists, but if you stay respectful during your trip, there usually won't be a problem. And the most popular spots WILL always be crowded, there's no helping that.

[@Bakapooru]

This guy made click bait too by using other content creators. He only clipped part of Chris Broad’s video. Chris went on to explain the details of the ban if you watch Chris’ entire video. Very deceiving.

[@Will_Zhao]

I'm by no means shitting on Chris' content, he has been my favourite Japan youtuber for a very long time. The part involves him is just a collection of youtuber saying there is a tourist ban in Kyoto, where there simply isn't. In that video he was mostly talking about who Geishas are and what they do and didn't make it very clear what the so-called ban was about. I don't know what's 'very deceiving' about my video, it's just facts and nothing else.

[@dopeeag7621]

@@Will_Zhao if you watched the whole video he clearly mentions at the end that its only being implemented on the ally ways of gion so I would definitely say you are trying to portray Chris abroad in bad way LOL "favorite youtuber" but tries to make him look bad

[@HeavensProtocol]

A Geisha is if parents sold their kids off to Nickelodeon for money.

[@SuuuB]

Finally, someone confronting these bs clickbaiting KZbinrs.