Hakuba, the popular Japanese ski village, has approved new fines for certain forms of disruptive behavior in public, including graffitiing and producing loud noises late at night. According to The Japan News, the fines and penalties were added to the existing Hakuba Village Manners Ordinance, with the bill to revise being approved on Thursday.
The village assembly’s regular meeting passed the bill with 8 in support and 2 opposed. The existing ordinance, which was enacted in 2015, prohibited disruptive behavior like drinking or smoking while walking, but there are no penalties for such behavior.
As of July 1st, 2026, eight disruptive behaviors will be subject to fines up to ¥50,000 if the offender refuses to stop after being ordered to do so. That’s about $320 USD, as of December 22nd. Making loud noises, especially at night, is among the forms eligible for a fine.
2024 saw 330,000 more visitors to Hakuba than 2023, with a total of 2.71 million tourists flocking to the village. Tourism-related businesses have complained about people setting off fireworks and making loud noises throughout the night, requesting the enforcement of regulations.
Hakuba is now one of around 20 municipalities around Japan that have ordinances of manners. 6 of those municipalities, including Kyoto, have penalties for the violation of such ordinances.
