Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, long a popular destination for tourists, is closing off some private-property alleys in its famous geisha district because of complaints about misbehaving visitors.

The district is home to two of the most beautiful streets in Kyoto, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. The streets lead up a slight slope to the Yasaka pagoda. This 5-story pagoda is one of the few pagodas ...

Tourists walk through the streets by Yasaka Pagoda (behind) during a visit to the city of Kyoto on Jan 13, 2025. (Photo: AFP/Paul Miller) Tensions are highest in the Gion district, home to ...

The district is said to have relocated to its current site from the castle town following a huge fire in 1727. Maizuru launched its survey on Yoshihara with the assistance of Kyoto Women's ...

Maikos walking on in Gion, Kyoto. The historic district of Gion is another highlight of Kyoto. Known as the center of Kyoto’s geisha culture, Gion is filled with traditional wooden machiya ...

Tourists walk through the streets by Yasaka Pagoda (behind) during a visit to the city of Kyoto. (Photo by PAUL ... Tensions are highest in the Gion district, home to teahouses where "geiko ...