KYOTO - Visitors flocking to a popular autumn foliage destination in Kyoto's Nishikyo Ward have sparked growing concerns among residents, with photographers repeatedly stepping into the middle of busy roads to capture pictures and drivers illegally parking near bus stops and residential streets.
The tree-lined avenue in Katsurazaka New Town, known for its striking autumn colors, has become a favorite destination for photography enthusiasts. Nearly 360 sweetgum trees, known in Japan as momiji-bafu, line a roughly 2-kilometer stretch of road featuring curves and changes in elevation, creating a picturesque landscape as their leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow.
While many visitors enjoy the scenery responsibly, others have been engaging in dangerous behavior that disrupts traffic and creates problems for nearby residents.
At one point, a man walked into the middle of the road to take photographs despite approaching traffic. A vehicle coming from behind sounded its horn as he continued taking pictures.
Other visitors were seen stepping beyond the sidewalk and standing near the center of the roadway to capture photographs from what they considered the best angle.
One local resident suggested that the growing popularity of photographs posted on social media was attracting increasing numbers of visitors. "People post pictures on X, and I think more people are coming here after seeing them," the resident said.
In another incident, a woman continued posing for photographs even as a motorcycle approached. After the motorcycle passed, she moved farther into the road to resume taking pictures.
A passing police patrol car issued a warning over its loudspeaker, telling visitors to return to the sidewalk because standing in the road was dangerous. However, some photographers stepped back onto the roadway shortly after the police vehicle had passed.
Asked why they were taking pictures in the road, one visitor explained that the location offered the best view of the autumn foliage. "This is the best position for taking pictures. That's where the scenery looks beautiful," the visitor said.
When questioned about the danger of standing in the roadway, the photographer replied, "Well, just for a little while."
A foreign visitor who had also been taking photographs from the road acknowledged the potential danger, saying, "It might be a little dangerous."
Illegal parking has become another source of frustration for residents. Some visitors have been leaving their vehicles near active bus stops, where parking is prohibited, while others have parked along narrow residential streets, making it difficult for local drivers to enter and exit their neighborhoods.
Residents say the additional traffic and improperly parked vehicles have become particularly troublesome during the morning rush.
"We try to drive carefully ourselves, but when you're in a hurry in the morning and get held up by illegally parked cars, it wastes valuable time," one resident said.
Another resident described being verbally confronted after asking a visitor to behave more responsibly. "I once warned someone here, and they told me to shut up," the resident said. "This really is a residential road that everyone uses. We want people to come here with some sense of responsibility and respect for others."
The problems have reportedly increased as photographs of Katsurazaka's autumn scenery spread across social media, drawing more visitors to the neighborhood.
With Kyoto entering the peak autumn foliage season, residents are calling on sightseers to respect traffic rules, avoid obstructing roads and remember that the area's scenic streets are also part of a residential community where people live and travel every day.
Source: YOMIURI
