Rickshaw Overcharginglow
Human-pulled rickshaws near Arashiyama and Gion charge very high prices. Always confirm the full price for the complete journey before boarding.
Rickshaw Overchargingmedium
Human-powered rickshaws (jinrikisha) in Gion and Arashiyama are a legitimate tourist experience, but prices are rarely displayed. Always confirm the exact price and route before boarding. A 30-minute tour should cost around ¥3,000–4,000 per person. Prices can escalate significantly without prior agreement.
Overpriced Matcha Experience Shopsmedium
Tourist-trap matcha shops in Gion charge ¥2,000–4,000 for an 'authentic tea ceremony experience' that lasts 10 minutes with a pre-made bowl. A genuine tea ceremony with a licensed teacher costs ¥3,000–5,000 and takes 45+ minutes. Book authentic experiences through your hotel or official tourism apps.
Photography of Geiko & Maiko Without Consentmedium
Taking photos of geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentices) without permission in Gion is deeply rude and has led to Gion Kobu closing some streets to tourists. Some tourists have physically blocked geiko from passing to take photos — this behaviour can result in being asked to leave the district.
Deer Park Nara — Bowing for Crackerslow
Nara's deer have learned that bowing means tourists will give them crackers (shika senbei). Groups of deer will surround and nudge you aggressively once you show food. Keep crackers hidden until you want to feed them, and be especially careful with bags and shopping — deer will bite and pull anything paper or cloth.