Tokyo's Trendy District Set to Prohibit Public Drinking

Boston Brand Media brings you the latest - Tokyo's vibrant urban hub is poised for change as a popular neighborhood announces plans to prohibit public drinking. This move aims to address concerns about public safety and promote a more orderly environment. Residents and visitors alike are likely to experience a shift in the area's social dynamics, with potential implications for nightlife and community gatherings. Stay tuned as this development unfolds in one of Tokyo's trendiest districts.

CNN — One of Tokyo’s most popular tourist districts is initiating a measure to control unruly behavior by shifting alcohol consumption indoors.

Expected to be implemented by October, the regulation will prohibit public alcohol consumption in Shibuya from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily, aligning with Japan's legal drinking age of 20.

As a self-governing area within Tokyo, Shibuya City holds the authority to establish local ordinances.

Mayor Ken Hasebe stated recently, "We've intensified patrols and other efforts over the past year, but some individuals have argued, 'Aren't we allowed to drink according to the rules?' By instituting this regulation, we aim to communicate the district's intentions, even during patrols, encouraging people to enjoy their drinks inside restaurants."

For local residents, this development may not be unexpected.

Last autumn, Shibuya prohibited Halloween-related events due to concerns over alcohol, extending the ban to drinking outside of designated establishments. Mayor Hasebe noted that local businesses supported these regulations in October 2023 and advocated for their permanent implementation.

"The negative impacts of overtourism, including property damage from street drinking, clashes with residents, and extensive littering, have become severe," the city stated in an October announcement.

Shibuya boasts some of Tokyo's most renowned attractions, such as Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, and the bustling "Shibuya scramble," recognized as the world's busiest intersection.

Since Japan's full reopening post-pandemic, the country has grappled with overtourism, with over three million visitors in both April and May this year, a trend likely to persist into the summer months.

Boston Brand Media also found  that educating tourists about local customs has been crucial in managing the influx of international visitors.

In Kyoto, known for its historic charm and iconic geisha, locals have taken steps to deter tourists from harassing the women. The city's tourism office has disseminated information about Japanese social norms, including etiquette around geisha encounters.

Despite these efforts, issues like "geisha paparazzi" and other disruptive behavior persist, causing tensions between visitors and locals.

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Source: CNN‍