Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist neighborhoods, will soon implement a new regulation to curb public drinking. Starting in October, consuming alcohol on streets and in public places will be prohibited from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. This measure aims to reduce bad behavior and enhance the local environment.
Details of the Regulation
• Effective Date: October
• Prohibited Hours: 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Location: Shibuya, a self-governed district within Tokyo
• Legal Drinking Age in Japan: 20
Mayor Ken Hasebe explained the decision, stating, “We have been stepping up patrols and other efforts over the last year, but we have had people say, ‘Well, the rules say you can drink, don’t they?’ By establishing the rule, we would like to convey the district’s intentions, including during patrols — we would prefer people to enjoy their drinks inside restaurants.”
The move follows a temporary ban on Halloween-related activities last fall, where public drinking was cited as a primary concern. Local businesses supported this regulation, leading to the push for a permanent ban.
Shibuya has faced challenges related to overtourism, including:
• Property damage caused by street drinking
• Altercations with local residents
• Littering of empty cans and bottles
Popular Attractions in Shibuya
Shibuya is renowned for several key attractions:
• Meiji Shrine
• Yoyogi Park
• Shibuya Scramble: Believed to be the world’s busiest intersection
Japan has experienced significant overtourism since fully reopening post-pandemic, with over three million visitors in April and May alone. Educating tourists about local customs and respectful behavior is an ongoing effort.
In Kyoto, efforts to manage tourist behavior include:
• Posters and pamphlets about Japanese social customs
• Advice on interacting respectfully with geisha and maiko
• Local measures to block off private alleys in Gion
Despite these efforts, conflicts between tourists and locals, particularly “geisha paparazzi,” continue to pose challenges.
Shibuya’s new regulation to ban public drinking aims to improve the neighborhood’s atmosphere and reduce conflicts between tourists and residents. As Japan continues to welcome large numbers of international visitors, balancing hospitality with respect for local culture remains a priority.