Key facts
- Shibuya Ward in Tokyo has implemented on-the-spot fines for littering.
- The fine is 2,000 yen, approximately $13.
- The new rules took effect on June 1.
- The measure is part of broader efforts to address overtourism.
Shibuya Ward in Tokyo has started issuing on-the-spot fines of 2,000 yen (approximately $13) for littering. This measure aims to combat overtourism challenges and maintain the urban environment in one of Japan's most popular destinations.
This policy reflects a growing trend of popular tourist destinations implementing stricter measures to manage the impact of overtourism on local infrastructure and quality of life, potentially setting a precedent for other cities facing similar challenges.
Shibuya Ward in Tokyo has introduced immediate fines for littering, charging 2,000 yen (approximately $13) for improperly disposing of trash in public areas. This initiative, effective June 1, is a response to increasing overtourism and visible littering in the popular district, home to the iconic Shibuya Crossing. Despite educational campaigns, officials found them insufficient to manage the growing crowds, which can swell the daytime population to more than double its resident count. The ward plans to increase patrols and deploy multilingual staff to enforce the new rules, accepting both cash and cashless payments. This measure is part of Japan's broader strategy to manage record tourism numbers, which reached 42.7 million international visitors in 2025, and to balance visitor growth with the quality of life for local residents.
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