Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono



 

Seiraiin, a temple in Kyoto’s Gion district, has recently banned visitors from wearing kimono, Japanese-style clothing, and costumes. The temple is known for its beautiful garden and traditional artwork, but it has faced problems with tourists taking inappropriate and invasive photos.

Some visitors have entered restricted areas, stepped into the temple’s rock garden, or opened sliding doors without permission while taking pictures. These actions have caused damage and disturbed other visitors. Although the temple says the problem is not kimono itself, many of the visitors involved in these incidents were wearing kimono, leading the temple to introduce the restriction.

The situation highlights the importance of respecting Japanese cultural sites and being considerate of others. Japan generally welcomes foreigners who enjoy wearing kimono and experiencing traditional culture. However, temples are not private photo studios, and visitors are expected to behave respectfully. Seiraiin may remove the restriction in the future if the situation improves.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source: https://japantoday.com/category/national/kyoto-temple-bans-visitors-from-wearing-kimono

Comprehension

Where is Seiraiin located?
Why did Seiraiin ban visitors from wearing kimono?
What kinds of inappropriate behavior have some tourists done while taking photos?
What other types of clothing are prohibited at Seiraiin?
What important cultural value does the article say visitors should follow?

Discussion

Do you think Seiraiin was right to ban kimono? Why or why not?
Why do you think some tourists care so much about taking the perfect photo?
Have you ever seen tourists behaving badly at a famous tourist destination?
What should tourists do when visiting temples or other cultural sites?
Do you think taking photos can sometimes be more important to people than enjoying the actual place?
Should tourists be allowed to take photos anywhere inside a temple?
How can tourists show respect for another country’s culture?
Would you still want to visit a temple if you could not wear traditional clothing there?
Should tourist destinations create stricter rules because of overtourism?
What advice would you give to someone visiting Kyoto for the first time?

Vocabulary

temple — a place used for religious worship
prohibited — officially not allowed
invasive — causing unwanted interference or disturbance
restricted — limited or not open to everyone
damage — physical harm done to something
precaution — an action taken to prevent a problem
attire — clothing or clothes
customs — traditional practices or ways of behaving
considerate — thinking about other people’s feelings and needs