Litterbugs Face Fines in Tokyo's Shibuya
Friday, 2026/06/05193 words3 minutes1181 reads
Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most popular tourist destinations, has introduced on-the-spot fines for people who litter. Starting this week, anyone caught throwing trash on the streets must pay 2,000 yen ($13) immediately. The fine can be paid by cash, credit card, or QR code.
The new rule comes as Japan experiences a tourism boom. In 2025, the country welcomed a record 42.7 million foreign visitors. However, this surge in tourism has created problems for local communities. Officials report that littering and public drinking have increased significantly in Shibuya, particularly among foreign tourists.
Up to 50 officials will patrol the area to enforce the new penalties. The campaign uses the slogan "if you throw trash, you lose cash" to remind people to dispose of their waste properly. Authorities also note that some food and beverage shops that don't provide waste bins may face fines.
Japan is known for having very few public rubbish bins, partly due to security concerns. Last year, over 20% of foreign tourists surveyed said the lack of bins was their biggest inconvenience. The government is now taking various measures to manage overtourism while keeping cities clean and comfortable for everyone.
