Cleaner Streets for Tourists: Shibuya and Harajuku Implement New Anti-Littering Fines

Published on December 20, 2025

As tourism continues to thrive in Japan’s capital, two of the city’s busiest and most iconic districts, Shibuya and Harajuku, are implementing new measures to keep their streets clean and enhance the experience for both locals and tourists. In an effort to combat littering, authorities have introduced new anti-littering fines while also placing more trash cans throughout these popular neighborhoods, which attract millions of visitors every year.

Shibuya, known for its bustling crowds, neon lights, and the world-famous Shibuya Scramble intersection, sees a constant flow of both tourists and locals. The district, stretching from Shibuya Station to the Center-gai shopping street and surrounding areas, is one of Tokyo’s most visited spots. Harajuku, located nearby, is famous for its youthful culture, trendy boutiques, and vibrant street fashion, drawing in visitors from around the globe. With such high foot traffic, maintaining cleanliness in these areas has become a growing concern for city authorities.

Introducing Anti-Littering Fines

The new initiative involves enforcing stricter regulations on littering in Shibuya and Harajuku. Starting in 2026, visitors and locals caught littering in these districts will face fines. The goal of the policy is to create cleaner public spaces while also promoting respect for the environment and local customs.

The initiative comes as the number of tourists visiting Tokyo continues to rise, especially in popular districts like Shibuya and Harajuku. With streets frequently lined with food vendors, shopping bags, and crowds of people, managing waste effectively has become an increasingly important task. Tokyo, already known for its commitment to cleanliness, is now looking to ensure that its vibrant public spaces remain welcoming for everyone.

Tourists planning to visit Shibuya or Harajuku should be aware of these changes and avoid leaving trash on the streets. The new fines aim to encourage people to dispose of their waste responsibly and use the designated trash cans placed along the streets. These changes highlight the importance of maintaining public spaces in high-traffic tourist destinations.

Increased Availability of Trash Cans

In response to concerns about the lack of trash cans in busy tourist areas, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has committed to increasing the number of waste disposal bins in both Shibuya and Harajuku. While Japan is famous for its cleanliness, it has historically had fewer public trash cans compared to many other countries, primarily due to past incidents of trash being left in public spaces after large events.

Now, with the influx of both local and international visitors, the addition of more trash cans will provide tourists with more opportunities to properly dispose of waste while exploring the districts. These new trash bins are strategically placed around the popular shopping streets, entertainment areas, and near transportation hubs, ensuring that visitors have easy access to waste disposal.

This addition is particularly important for food vendors in the area. As street food becomes more popular with visitors, having accessible trash bins for quick disposal of packaging and containers will help prevent litter from accumulating on the streets. The city is also working to educate tourists about the importance of responsible waste disposal, and the new trash cans are a visible reminder of this ongoing effort.

The Impact on Tourism in Shibuya and Harajuku

Shibuya and Harajuku are two of Tokyo’s most iconic neighborhoods, offering tourists a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. The introduction of anti-littering fines and increased trash cans will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of these districts but also ensure that tourists continue to have a positive experience while visiting.

For tourists, maintaining clean streets is an important part of the overall travel experience. Cleanliness helps preserve the beauty and charm of a destination, making it more inviting for visitors. In areas like Shibuya, where thousands of people pass through each day, the combination of effective waste management and stricter littering regulations will contribute to a better, more enjoyable environment for everyone.

The addition of more trash cans also makes it easier for visitors to be responsible with their waste, as they won’t have to search for a bin while shopping or exploring the neighborhood. This change aligns with the growing global trend of promoting sustainability and responsible tourism, encouraging visitors to play an active role in preserving the cities they visit.

How Tourists Can Contribute

While the introduction of anti-littering fines is aimed at promoting cleaner public spaces, tourists can also do their part by being mindful of their waste and using the newly placed trash cans. Visitors should avoid leaving food packaging, plastic bottles, or other waste on the streets, especially during their time in busy shopping areas like Harajuku’s Takeshita Street or the iconic Shibuya Crossing.

Additionally, tourists are encouraged to carry reusable water bottles or shopping bags to help reduce waste. Many shops and food vendors in Shibuya and Harajuku now offer discounts or incentives to customers who bring their own reusable containers, further promoting sustainable practices.

Shibuya and Harajuku: Welcoming Tourists Responsibly

Shibuya and Harajuku have long been integral to Tokyo’s tourism landscape. The measures being implemented to combat littering and improve waste disposal are part of the city’s efforts to create a more sustainable, tourist-friendly environment. These changes reflect Tokyo’s growing commitment to keeping its public spaces clean and safe, ensuring that both locals and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the city without compromising its cultural heritage.

With the added benefit of more convenient trash bins and stricter littering regulations, Shibuya and Harajuku are set to become even more welcoming destinations for tourists in 2026 and beyond. Visitors to these iconic neighbourhoods can look forward to a more responsible and enjoyable experience, contributing to the preservation of Tokyo’s public spaces and keeping the city’s streets as inviting as ever.