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As Japan grapples with record tourist numbers, one of Tokyo\u2019s busiest districts is taking a tougher stance on a growing problem: Litter.<\/p>\n
Visitors caught dropping rubbish in the capital\u2019s bustling Shibuya ward now face on-the-spot fines, as authorities crack down on overflowing streets, public drinking and the pressures of overtourism.<\/p>\n
The move is the latest attempt to balance Japan\u2019s<\/a> booming visitor economy with the needs of local residents.<\/p>\n Litterers in the popular hub of Shibuya \u2013 home to the iconic, eponymous crossing \u2013 are now facing on-the-spot fines of 2,000 Japanese yen (\u20ac10.75) if found to be dropping rubbish.<\/p>\n Litter is a serious business across Tokyo<\/a>. In other areas, authorities have been giving penalties to food and beverage business owners who fail to install waste bins.<\/p>\n Related<\/b><\/p>\n Japan\u2019s popularity as a tourist destination shows little sign of slowing down. In 2025, the Asian nation welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors, but with the boom comes more rubbish.<\/p>\n Japanese broadcaster NHK<\/a> has reported that, around Shibuya, there has been an increase in the number of people \u2013 including tourists \u2013 drinking alcohol and littering in the streets.<\/p>\n As well as the fines, visitors can expect to be faced with an anti-rubbish campaign, which uses the slogan, “if you throw trash, you lose cash”.<\/p>\n Local authorities are dispatching up to 50 officials to patrol neighbourhoods and impose these fines, which can be paid via cash, credit card or QR codes.<\/p>\n Japan is notorious for its lack of rubbish bins, absent in part due to their potential use in terror attacks. It hasn\u2019t gone unnoticed by visitors, 20% of whom cited it as the most significant inconvenience for tourists in a government-run survey last year.<\/p>\n Tourism has skyrocketed<\/a> in Japan since the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to a weakened currency and countless viral videos on social media.<\/p>\n\u2018If you throw trash, you lose cash\u2019<\/h2>\n