Tourists from overseas at a popular sightseeing spot in Kyoto are being reminded of etiquette via their smartphones in a pilot project that began Monday, after local residents complained about behavior such as taking pictures of geisha and their apprentice maiko without permission.
The test took place around the Hanamikoji street in Kyoto's Gion district, where teahouses and other historic buildings are clustered. Visitors who have installed a tourist information app or carry mobile devices rented out by hotels and inns automatically received information about local manners in English and Chinese.
Tourists were also asked not to enter private property when they approached the designated district.