Tokyo, 5 November, /AJMEDIA/
Whenever you visit a world-famous tourist site, you should always have your wits about you, and the same is true at Kyoto’s Kinkakuji.
The golden pavilion draws thousands upon thousands of tourists every year, but for some visitors, the experience has been tainted by a person posing as a guide at a nearby bus stop.
According to a tweet that recently went viral online, tourists and locals alike have been harassed by the fake guide, who appears to be acting as if he works for the local bus company, and the local government has put out a notice warning people to be on alert for the man and his unwanted behaviour.
At this bus stop, a person unrelated to the Transportation Bureau has been acting as a bus guide without permission, and there has been harassment involving rough language and physical contact.
Although the Transportation Bureau has repeatedly asked the person to stop such guidance and harassment, it has not been resolved. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to customers using the city bus.
In cooperation with the Kyoto Prefectural Police, we will continue to make strong efforts to prevent harassment, so we ask for your understanding. In addition, if there is any maliciousness or you feel that you are in danger, please call 110.
March 2021
Kyoto City Transportation Bureau
Automobile Department Transportation Section
Despite the message above first appearing over a year ago, locals say the man is still visiting the bus stop regularly, with a lanyard around his neck that reads “Volunteer Guide”.
