Kyoto's picturesque geisha district fights back against over-tourism with keep-out signs

Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto has long been a popular destination for tourists, but visitors will no longer be able to venture into some private-property alleys in the city's famous geisha district. Officials say complaints have grown about misbehaviour accompanying a deluge of tourists crowding the narrow, quaint streets of the area called Gion. One official says that includes tour guides who show people around and lecture for long hours. Local official Isokazu Ota said Friday that signs will go up next month telling tourists to keep out. Violators will be fined the yen equivalent of about $70. The ban covers just several blocks of Gion, meaning the rest of Kyoto will still be brimming with tourists.