Ken Hasebe

Visitors face immediate fines for making one big mistake in crowded destination

One of Tokyo's most visited districts has begun issuing on-the-spot fines to people caught littering as local officials attempt to address growing overtourism challenges. As of June 1, people caught improperly disposing of trash in public areas can face an immediate 2,000-yen fine, or roughly $13, under revised rules adopted by Shibuya Ward officials, Japan Today reported. The move comes as Japan continues to see a sharp increase in tourism following the post-pandemic travel boom.