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Scheduled to take effect in October, the order will prohibit people from drinking alcohol on the streets or in public places in Shibuya between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. daily. Currently, the legal drinking age in Japan is 20.
As an autonomous prefecture within Tokyo, Shibuya is able to set its own regulations. This alcohol ban stems from a recent surge in people visiting the area for entertainment, following a call from neighboring Shibuya to limit gatherings and parties in the popular Scramble Crossing area near Shibuya Station.
In Shinjuku Ward, authorities said the purpose of the ban was to prevent overcrowding and to clear the mountains of trash from the streets.
This crowded place is a gathering spot for the nation's youth.
Local residents didn't seem surprised by the news. In the fall of 2023, Shibuya banned Halloween-related activities, largely due to drunken brawls. The ban also included prohibiting drinking outside of bars and restaurants. Mayor Hasebe said local businesses had supported the regulations.
Last October, the city stated: “The damage caused by overtourism has become serious, particularly property damage caused by drunk drivers. In addition, tourists often get into fights with locals or litter with large quantities of empty cans and bottles.”
The influx of tourists has caused Shinjuku to become overcrowded.
Shibuya is a top tourist destination with many famous attractions such as Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, and bustling, vibrant streets.
Japan has struggled to cope with tourist overcrowding since fully reopening after the Covid-19 pandemic. More than three million tourists visited the country in April and May this year.
Promoting local culture to tourists is a crucial solution to mitigate problems arising from the influx of international visitors.
