{
  "id": 5371768,
  "title": "Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/kyoto-temple-bans-visitors-from-wearing-kimono",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-03T17:30:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SoraNews24",
    "slug": "soranews24",
    "url": "https://soranews24.com/2026/09/04/kyoto-temple-bans-visitors-from-wearing-kimono/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A 600-year-old Kyoto temple, Seiraiin, has banned visitors from wearing kimono due to issues caused by individuals prioritizing self-centered social media photos over basic etiquette. Located in Kyoto’s Gion district, Seiraiin is renowned for its tranquil garden and striking white dragon painting on the ceiling of its main hall. Typically, kimono-clad visitors would be welcomed to explore the temple grounds. However, recently, Seiraiin announced a prohibition on kimono-wearing visitors entering the grounds. The temple attributes the decision to a growing number of disruptive tourists who are preoccupied with capturing elaborate and intrusive photographs. This behavior not only hampers others from using the temple’s facilities properly, but also results in damage to the site as visitors disregard restrictions, venturing into sensitive areas like raked rock gardens or opening sliding doors without authorization. While the temple emphasizes that wearing a kimono is not the source of the problem, the prevalence of problematic photo-takers donning the traditional garment led the temple to deem kimono prohibition a necessary precaution. Seiraiin also prohibits the wearing of \"Japanese-style clothing\" and \"costumes,\" a decision not made hastily. This policy is part of a broader discussion surrounding Japan’s cultural traditions and their relevance in contemporary society. Japan has no restrictions against non-Japanese individuals donning kimono, and many locals are enthusiastic about tourists engaging in the country’s customs. However, the temple’s action echoes larger themes of respecting cultural sites, maintaining decorum, and understanding the delicate balance between preserving history and embracing modernity.",
  "summary": "Visitors to 600-year-old temple prohibited from wearing traditional garment following problems caused by those prioritizing cool social media photos over basic manners. Seiraiin is a temple in Kyoto’s Gion district, founded some 600 years ago and known for its beautiful garden and dynamic white dragon painting on the ceiling of its main hall. Ordinarily, its […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Seiraiin temple in Kyoto bans kimono-wearing visitors.",
    "Disruptive tourists prioritize self-centered photos over etiquette.",
    "Temple cites damage to site and restrictions violation as reasons."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}