Tourists banned from private alleys in Kyoto's geisha district

Despite common misconceptions, geishas are not prostitutes, but rather entertainers who are highly skilled in traditional Japanese dance, musical instruments and games. - The Japan News

TOKYO: Visitors will be banned from entering private alleys in Kyoto's famous geisha district, a local representative said on Thursday (March 7), as the ancient city tackles over tourism after the pandemic.

Kyoto residents have long expressed frustration with tourists behaving badly, especially in the city's Gion district, home to teahouses where "geiko" -- as geisha are locally known -- and their young "maiko" apprentices, perform.