Tourists in Tokyo could now be fined for throwing trash on streets
Tokyo's Shibuya Ward is now fining litterbugs ¥2,000 on the spot. Businesses must provide trash bins or face penalties. These measures aim to tackle increasing waste issues. Foreign visitors were found to be responsible for over half of littering ...
By ET Online | Updated:
Agencies
Authorities in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward have started imposing on-the-spot fines of ¥2,000 ($12) on people caught littering, as officials step up efforts to address growing waste problems in one of the city's busiest entertainment and shopping districts.
The new enforcement measures came into effect on June 1, with ward patrol officers monitoring public areas and collecting fines immediately from violators. Authorities have also introduced cashless payment options, including credit cards and QR code payment services, to make payments easier for both residents and foreign visitors, as reported by Japan Times.
According to the report, 10 people were fined on the first day of enforcement.
New rules for businesses
Alongside penalties for individuals, Shibuya Ward has tightened regulations for businesses operating in designated areas.
Takeout restaurants, shops and operators of vending machines are now required to provide nearby trash bins. Businesses that fail to comply could have their names publicly disclosed and face fines of up to ¥50,000.
The measures were introduced under amendments to Shibuya Ward's Ordinance for Creating a Clean Shibuya Together, a local regulation first enacted in 1997 to promote a cleaner urban environment through cooperation among residents, businesses and local authorities.
Littering problem worsened after pandemic
The ward said littering has become a growing concern since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, as visitor numbers returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Areas around Shibuya Station and nearby nightlife districts have long struggled with discarded waste, particularly after large gatherings and late-night social activities.
The ordinance covers littering, graffiti and smoking in public spaces and aims to improve cleanliness and public health across the ward.
Foreign visitors accounted for over half of littering cases
According to a 2025 survey conducted by Shibuya Ward, foreign nationals accounted for 52% of recorded littering cases, Japan Times reported.
Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most visited commercial and entertainment hubs, drawing millions of tourists each year to attractions such as the Shibuya Crossing, shopping centres and nightlife districts.
The new enforcement measures came into effect on June 1, with ward patrol officers monitoring public areas and collecting fines immediately from violators. Authorities have also introduced cashless payment options, including credit cards and QR code payment services, to make payments easier for both residents and foreign visitors, as reported by Japan Times.
According to the report, 10 people were fined on the first day of enforcement.
New rules for businesses
Alongside penalties for individuals, Shibuya Ward has tightened regulations for businesses operating in designated areas.Takeout restaurants, shops and operators of vending machines are now required to provide nearby trash bins. Businesses that fail to comply could have their names publicly disclosed and face fines of up to ¥50,000.
The measures were introduced under amendments to Shibuya Ward's Ordinance for Creating a Clean Shibuya Together, a local regulation first enacted in 1997 to promote a cleaner urban environment through cooperation among residents, businesses and local authorities.
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Littering problem worsened after pandemic
The ward said littering has become a growing concern since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, as visitor numbers returned to pre-pandemic levels.Areas around Shibuya Station and nearby nightlife districts have long struggled with discarded waste, particularly after large gatherings and late-night social activities.
The ordinance covers littering, graffiti and smoking in public spaces and aims to improve cleanliness and public health across the ward.
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Although the revised ordinance took effect on April 1, authorities began enforcing the ¥2,000 littering fines and ¥50,000 business penalties from June 1.Foreign visitors accounted for over half of littering cases
According to a 2025 survey conducted by Shibuya Ward, foreign nationals accounted for 52% of recorded littering cases, Japan Times reported.ADVERTISEMENT
Officials said the new enforcement measures are intended to encourage responsible waste disposal and help maintain cleanliness as the district continues to attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors.Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most visited commercial and entertainment hubs, drawing millions of tourists each year to attractions such as the Shibuya Crossing, shopping centres and nightlife districts.
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