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No Flashing in Kyoto

Billboards and flashing neon advertising are on their way out in Japan's tourist-laden ancient city of Kyoto. New council regulations, to be phased in over the next 6 years, will ban all rooftop advertising and flashing ads and will also tighten restrictions on building heights, especially near the main tourist sites.

Rules around Kiyomizu Temple--one of the sites nominated as a New Wonder of the World--are especially strict. Within a 500 meter radius, colors and shapes must all fit the "natural harmony" of the World Heritage site. A Kyoto official gave the government's reasoning: without the new rules,

We will fail to pass on the distinguished scenery of the ancient city to future generations.

Enough said. Just don't expect to see flashing Coca Cola signs or any of the Tokyo lights we love so much if you head to Kyoto's most prized sights. Arigatou.

[Photo: P F C]

Related Stories:
· Kyoto To Ban Flashing Neon [Daily Yomiuri]
· The New 7 Wonders [Jaunted]