Shibuya City will introduce stricter anti-littering measures from April 1, 2026, under a revised “Clean Shibuya” ordinance aimed at tackling rising waste linked to increased tourism and foot traffic. A key change is the introduction of on-the-spot fines of 2,000 yen for littering, set to begin on June 1 following a public awareness campaign. The policy also mandates that food and beverage retailers—particularly around Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ebisu stations—install trash bins, with non-compliance resulting in fines of up to 50,000 yen.
To ensure fair enforcement, multilingual patrol staff will be deployed, and cashless payment options will be available for penalties. The move reflects growing concerns about environmental degradation as visitor numbers surge beyond the ward’s resident population. Previously reliant on public etiquette campaigns, the city now seeks more enforceable solutions. Officials aim to balance Shibuya’s global appeal with improved cleanliness and urban responsibility, positioning it as a model for managing tourism-related environmental challenges.
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