Kyoto's historic Gion district has introduced a ban on tourists taking photos, as well as introducing new fines for those who break the rules.
The iconic neighbourhood boasts beautiful streets, traditional tea houses and is home to geishas, so it's no surprise that it's become a visitor hotspot.
While photos in popular areas such as Hanamikoji Main Street are deemed acceptable, some visitors have been heading to the private streets and properties nearby and taking photos without the owner's permission.
In some instances, tourists have also taken photos of geishas and maiko (geishas in training), without their permission.
To crack down on the problem, Kyoto's authorities are now banning photos of any private streets or properties, although this won't extend to popular spots such as Hanamikoji Main Street.
According to Japan Today , the new ban has already come into effect, and those who break the rules could face fines of 10,000 Japanese Yen (approximately £71).
It's believed that video surveillance will also be used to ensure that visitors are sticking to the new rules.
It's not the first time that Kyoto has issued warnings for tourists on how to behave when visiting the city.
In fact, the city's authorities have previously released an etiquette guide for visitors to help them navigate through the local customs and behave in a way that's deemed appropriate.
For example, tourists are asked not to sit on Inuyarai bamboo fences, not to smoke in the street, not to touch the city's lanterns and not to take photos of geishas without requesting permission first.
The city also has a series of signs indicating when there is private property or areas where visitors are asked not to sit down or eat and drink.
Kyoto is by no means the first destination to enforce new rules in a bid to manage the crowds of tourists.
Recently the Church of Bones in the Czech Republic announced it would ban photography because of visitors taking inappropriate photos with the skeletons, while Rome unveiled a whole host of strict rules for tourists ranging from banning wheelie suitcases from the Spanish Steps, to oddly specific regulations such as not letting your lips touch the metal spout if you drink from a water fountain.
