Tokyo＊s Shibuya Ward began on Monday issuing a ?2,000 ($12) fine to anyone found littering, stepping up efforts to tackle a trash problem that has worsened as crowds of visitors flocked to one of the capital＊s busiest entertainment and shopping districts.

Patrol officers from the ward will now monitor the area and collect the fine on the spot from anyone caught throwing away trash improperly. Cashless modes of payment, including credit cards and QR code payment services, will also be accepted, a measure aimed in part at foreign visitors who may not be carrying cash.

On the first day of enforcement, the ward collected fines from 10 people, according to media reports.

The ward is also tightening rules for businesses. Takeout shops and other businesses in designated areas, as well as those operating vending machines, are now required to install trash cans nearby. Those that fail to comply may have their names publicly disclosed and face a ?50,000 fine.

The littering fine was introduced under an amendment to the ward＊s Ordinance for Creating a Clean Shibuya Together, which Shibuya Ward enacted in 1997. The ordinance was based on the idea that residents, businesses and the city need to work together to promote a cleaner urban environment.

The ordinance sets out measures to prevent littering, graffiti and smoking on the streets, and aims to comprehensively promote the development of a beautiful and healthy ward under the philosophy of ※Creating a Clean Shibuya Together.§

The amendment took effect April 1, but the ?2,000 fine for littering and the ?50,000 fine for businesses were introduced Monday.

Shibuya has seen its littering problem grow since the COVID-19 pandemic ended, alongside a recovery in visitor numbers. The area around Shibuya Station and nearby nightlife districts have long struggled with trash, particularly those tossed after large gatherings and late-night drinking.

According to a 2025 survey conducted by the ward, foreign nationals accounted for 52% of those found littering.