Kyoto, the jewel of Japan, has long been a symbol of ancient beauty and sophistication. This place is not only famous for its majestic temples and tranquil Zen gardens, but also for its traditional teahouses bearing the mark of history. Over the centuries, Kyoto has still kept its ancient beauty intact, becoming an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world.
After the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the global tourism industry is gradually recovering and flourishing. Japan is no exception to that trend, and Kyoto, with its special appeal, is witnessing a significant increase in the number of tourists. The lifting of travel restrictions after the pandemic has created favorable conditions for international tourists to visit and explore Kyoto.
To prevent tourists from littering, Kyoto city has installed about 300 trash cans at popular tourist spots.
The increase in the number of tourists not only brings joy and excitement to the city, but also gives Kyoto the opportunity to introduce its traditional cultural values to the world. Ancient temples, quiet tea houses, traditional festivals... all are precious gems that Kyoto wants to share with visitors.
However, the increase in the number of tourists also poses many challenges for Kyoto. Preserving and maintaining traditional cultural values, while ensuring the best experience for tourists is not an easy problem. The government and people of Kyoto are trying to find harmonious solutions to solve this problem, to ensure that Kyoto will always be an attractive and memorable destination in the hearts of tourists.
More than 200 smart trash cans have been placed at many popular tourist spots in Kyoto, including the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
To solve this problem, the Kyoto government has implemented a creative and effective solution: installing "smart trash cans" in the Gion district and several other tourist spots in the city.
With solar panels installed on top, the trash bin can provide its own energy to operate. The smart waste compression mechanism helps reduce the frequency of collection, saving costs and manpower. In particular, the screen door at the trash hole is designed to prevent trash from being scattered outside, keeping the surrounding area clean.
The installation of “smart trash cans” is an important step in Kyoto’s efforts to tackle pollution caused by “overtourism.” This is not only a short-term solution, but also a strong message about environmental awareness that the city wants to send to visitors and the community.
Since the 1995 Aum Shinrikyo terrorist gas attack in Tokyo, waste containers have disappeared from many public spaces.
In addition, the use of "smart trash cans" also brings many other benefits. They help raise awareness among residents and tourists about maintaining public hygiene, creating a cleaner living and tourism environment. At the same time, they also contribute to minimizing the negative impact of tourism on the environment, towards the sustainable development of Kyoto's tourism industry.
In the future, the Kyoto government plans to continue to expand the installation of "smart trash cans" to many other locations in the city. This is a testament to Kyoto's determination to protect the environment and maintain its position as one of the world's top tourist destinations.
Since March 2023, thanks to the contribution of Kinoshita Kansei Waste Treatment Company (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture), Kyoto has replaced old trash cans with smart trash cans, and as of February 14, all trash cans in the Gion area have been replaced.
In the area around Gion district, there are a total of 14 trash cans installed at 7 locations, including the west side of Minami Theater and the east side in front of Yasaka Shrine.
