Photo= Tourists receiving pamphlets from women dressed up as characters from an anime set in Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (in front of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto)

A street event to encourage tourists to follow local manners was held on March 3, around Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, which many foreign tourists visit. While introducing Japanese culture, local shopkeepers and students handed out pamphlets explaining traffic rules and notes for visiting the shrine.

In response to an increasing number of foreign tourists, "Fukakusa Inari Hoshokai," a shopkeepers' association to preserve the tourist attractions, and Fushimi Ward Office's Fukakusa Branch held the event, as they also did last year. Students from nearby Ryukoku University served as interpreters. Cosplaying women dressed up as characters from "Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha," an anime set in Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, also participated.

The participants spoke to tourists in English, saying things like, "Please don't block the way while walking," and handed out packets of tissues and pamphlets with written instructions on how to worship and notes for taking photos. Many tourists stopped by as the event site provided workshops for tasting brown rice tea, introductory lessons in "Origami," or paper folding, and chances to take photos with anime characters.

Norihito Minami, a member of "Fukakusa Inari Hoshokai," said, "I would like foreign tourists to follow local manners and enjoy both old and new Japanese culture at the same time. I hope they can enjoy Kyoto sightseeing safely."