The order, which will take effect in October, will ban people from drinking 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 a ward in Tokyo, Shibuya can set its own regulations. Mayor Ken Hasebe told reporters: “We have increased patrols and implemented other measures over the past year. But it is difficult to control personal behavior when drinking alcohol. With the new regulations, I hope people will switch to enjoying drinks at restaurants and eateries.”
Shibuya Ward, Japan issues year-round ban on outdoor drinking in public places
In fact, Shibuya is Tokyo's top entertainment and entertainment district, with some of the most famous and crowded streets in the world. It is not uncommon to see young people and foreign tourists drinking alcohol on the streets. However, this has made shop owners and local residents worried about the waste from drinking alcohol.
The decision, which was made to reduce disruptive behavior and protect the urban environment, is an expansion of previous regulations that only limited alcohol consumption to certain festive occasions.
This is contrary to the thinking that, to develop the night economy in tourist areas, it is necessary to open up services, especially beer and alcohol services for tourists.
This decision is aimed at avoiding littering and noise pollution from crowds.
Locals may not be surprised by the move, as Shibuya banned Halloween-related activities last year, citing alcohol as a key reason for the ban. Mr. Hasebe said local businesses supported the move last year and called for the restrictions to be permanent.
Educating tourists about local culture is an important solution to limit problems arising in the context of the influx of international tourists.
Shibuya is home to some of the capital's most famous attractions, such as Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park and Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world.
Many of Japan's most popular tourist destinations have been hit hard by overtourism since reopening following the Covid-19 pandemic. More than 3 million tourists visited the country in April and May, with the number expected to rise further in the summer.
