Tokyo ‘smartly’ addresses lack of trash cans amid overtourism concerns

Travel & Leisure

Akihabara to get automated bins, Shibuya to fine shops without receptacles

Pedestrians cross the famous “scramble” intersection in Tokyo’s Shibuya district on March 24. Tourists say that a shortage of public trash cans in Japan is a headache. (Photo by Satoko Kawasaki)

RIKU TAZAKI and KOHEI TAKAHASHI

TOKYO — The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and local ward offices are addressing the absence of public garbage bins — a long-standing headache for visitors from abroad — not only as a welcoming measure but also to address growing concerns about overtourism.