Tokyo's Shibuya ward has introduced on-the-spot fines of 2,000 yen (£9.30) for littering in streets and parks, as part of a cleanliness campaign targeting both locals and tourists. The measure, part of a revision to the Ordinance for Creating a Clean Shibuya Together, aims to tackle increased littering driven by a surge in visitors.
Shibuya, home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections, has seen a rise in street drinking and littering near stations. Officials stated that previous requests for better behaviour had proved ineffective, necessitating stricter enforcement.
To enforce the new rules, the ward will deploy around 50 patrol officials, including ward employees, around Shibuya station. Patrol staff will include speakers of English, Chinese, and Korean to ensure clear communication with foreign visitors. Violators must pay immediately in cash, card, or via QR code.
Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe said: 'Shibuya is an international city visited by many people in Japan and from around the world. While that vibrancy is something we take pride in, we must also fulfill our responsibility to protect the urban environment.' He added that the ordinance revision makes the rules clearer and urged all visitors to follow them.
The move comes as Japan grapples with littering and pollution at major tourist hubs like Mount Fuji, Tokyo, and Kyoto, amid record tourist numbers. Shibuya's daytime foot traffic typically exceeds double its residential population of nearly 240,000, with 1,000 to 2,500 people crossing the intersection during peak times.
