After Japan reclassified COVID-19 as a less severe illness in 2023, street drinking became more common in areas around Shibuya Station, particularly among foreigners. This led to increased issues with litter, including abandoned cans, and alcohol-related disturbances. In response, Shibuya Ward revised an ordinance originally introduced in 2019, which had only prohibited street drinking during events like Halloween and New Year’s. As of June 2024, the ordinance was updated to prohibit public drinking in certain areas year-round, from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., and was enacted on October 1, 2024.
Key points of the revised ordinance include:
- A ban on public drinking in areas around Shibuya Station from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. year-round.
- Expansion of the prohibition zone to include areas around Shibuya Ward Office and the east side of Miyashita Park.
- No penalties for violations (this remains unchanged from the original ordinance).
This is the first instance of such a year-round public drinking ban in an urban area in Japan, and the effectiveness of the ordinance is being closely watched. Shibuya Ward has been spending 140 million yen annually on patrols to address the issue, and now, with the ordinance, authorities will have a legal basis to further control street drinking.
The increase in foreign street drinkers is significant, with data showing that in June 2024, there were 134 foreign drinkers on average per weekend day, a 2.7-fold increase from June 2023. Experts suggest that the perception of Japan as lenient towards public drinking, especially in areas like Shibuya, has spread via social media, making the area a popular but problematic “drinking spot.”
Shibuya Ward intends to raise awareness about the revised ordinance through leaflets in multiple languages and is considering introducing penalties if the current measures prove ineffective. There are also discussions about expanding efforts in collaboration with Tokyo and other areas, as this is seen as a broader issue that extends beyond just Shibuya.
