Ask Onix
Shibuya enforces immediate fines for litterbugs
Tokyo's bustling Shibuya Ward began imposing 2,000 yen ($13; £9) fines on Monday for anyone caught discarding trash in public, part of a crackdown amid record tourism.
Why the crackdown?
Shibuya, home to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, has seen a sharp rise in littering-including from foreign visitors-as Japan welcomed 42.7 million international tourists in 2025, a historic high. Public broadcaster NHK reports growing complaints about open drinking and trash in the district.
How the fines work
Under the campaign slogan "If you throw trash, you lose cash," offenders must pay on the spot via cash, credit card, or QR code. Authorities have deployed up to 50 officials to patrol and enforce the rules.
"We cannot tolerate littering simply because there are no rubbish bins. We ask for your cooperation in creating a city where everyone can enjoy themselves comfortably."
Shibuya Ward authorities
Broader measures target businesses
In select areas, food and beverage shops face fines if they fail to install waste bins. Japan's scarcity of public trash receptacles-partly due to past terrorism concerns-was ranked the top inconvenience for tourists in a 2025 government survey, cited by over 20% of 4,000 foreign respondents.
Overtourism strains communities
Japan's post-pandemic tourism boom, fueled by a weak yen and viral social media exposure, has overwhelmed urban infrastructure. Near Mount Fuji, the town of Fujiyoshida canceled its cherry blossom festival this year, citing unmanageable crowds, traffic, and litter.
The government has rolled out other measures, including higher taxes for international visitors and crowd-control apps that provide real-time updates on busy areas.
