Sure, most tourists love exploring Japan. But not every habit from back home is welcome & some things people think are fine could actually get you fined, or at least scolded by staff. Here are thirteen tourist behaviors banned in Japan. Which of these rules do you think is the most surprising?
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Street smoking
Wandering around Shinjuku with a cigarette in hand could lead to you being stopped. This is because walking & smoking at the same time is against local rules. In fact, the area has special smoking areas set up, usually marked with big signs or glass enclosures, which are the only places you can smoke. Don’t be surprised if you get a fine for smoking outside of those zones.
Taking pictures of geiko or maiko
Over in Kyoto’s Gion district, the narrow lanes behind the tea houses aren’t merely free-for-all photo spots. Taking pictures of geiko or maiko (Geishas) there is forbidden. The measure came after the sheer number of crowds got out of control, leading to ward staff patrolling during peak tourist months. The fine is 10,000 yen, or roughly $100.
Selfie sticks
Selfie sticks are completely banned on JR West train platforms due to safety issues. After all, nobody wants a pole waving near packed crowds or overhead wires. That doesn’t mean you can’t have it in your bag. You’re just not allowed to pull one out in the station, or else staff will intervene.
Tripods
Kiyomizu-dera Temple draws huge crowds every day, and that’s why bulky items like tripods or monopods are banned. Unlike other places, you’re not allowed to bring these devices in at all, and guards will turn people away if they spot them. You’ll need advance permission to get professional photos.
Deer feeding
Yes, deer might look tame. But visitors can’t just hand them snacks in places like Nara Park because the only food allowed is special “shika senbei” crackers. These are sold by vendors. The rule is even stricter on Miyajima, where feeding deer is completely banned as a way of stopping the animals from becoming too reliant on humans for food.
Nighttime street drinking
It’s normal in most cities to crack open a can of beer during big nights like Halloween or New Year’s. However, that’s illegal on Shibuya’s streets. Convenience stores stop selling alcohol in the area once the evening ban kicks in at 6 PM. The law doesn’t include any punishments, though. You’ll just have your drink confiscated.
Park barbecues outside set zones
While Tokyo’s parks look like perfect picnic spots, most of them don’t allow for open flames. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a barbecue or a small grill, they’re all banned unless you’re in one of the few approved areas. You may want to check the maps at the park entrances before going so you don’t light up a fire in the wrong place.
Photography at Ghibli Museum
Anyone going to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka should know that cameras have to stay off indoors. The signs are everywhere & staff remind people constantly. Yes, you can take all the selfies you want outside or in the rooftop garden, but not once you’re inside the exhibits & theater. The rule is meant to encourage you to live in the moment.
Feeding monkeys
In Arashiyama Monkey Park, humans are more restricted than the animals themselves. Monkeys can walk about freely, but visitors may only buy snacks at the park & feed them through the wire hut. Handing them your own chips or trying to pass food through the fence elsewhere is completely banned. You’re also not allowed to get too close to the animals.
Approaching wild bears in parks
That’s not all for animal feeding. Hokkaido and other northern regions have bans on leaving food out or throwing snacks toward bears. Even getting close to the animals on purpose is illegal. Rangers are rather strict about enforcing this rule, and anyone caught trying to lure or feed bears will be removed immediately for safety reasons.
Eating while walking
Nishiki Market is always crowded. That’s why walking around with food is banned, as it creates a lot of mess. Shops ask that people finish their purchases at the stall or in small standing areas, rather than strolling with skewers or fried snacks. Just eat first & then move on.
Swimming
Kabira Bay is famous for its turquoise water. However, you can’t swim there because the coastline is part of a protected zone used for black pearl farming. This means that the beach is for viewing only. Still, you can take a glass-bottom boat or sightseeing cruise to enjoy the views from the water.
Solo men at certain zoos
One zoo in Tochigi made headlines for its unusual rule banning solo male travelers. The rule came after numerous uncomfortable situations for staff & other visitors. Groups and couples are fine, but solo male guests will be turned away at the entrance, no exceptions.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us on MSN.