Japanese Town Removes Barrier Blocking Mount Fuji View After Tourist Backlash
A small Japanese town, Fujikawaguchiko, known for its iconic view of Mount Fuji, recently reversed a controversial decision to block this scenic sight. Nestled at the base of the majestic mountain, Fujikawaguchiko gained international fame as visitors flocked to capture the perfect photo of Mount Fuji behind a Lawson convenience store, a shot that became wildly popular on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
However, the town’s growing popularity came with a downside. The surge in tourists led to numerous problems, including littering, traffic violations, and a general disregard for local rules, despite the presence of signs and security personnel. Frustrated by the chaos, town officials made the drastic move in May to install a large black net that completely obstructed the view of Mount Fuji from the famous photo spot. This decision was met with mixed reactions, as the once-bustling area suddenly became quiet, devoid of the usual crowd of photographers and tourists.
On August 15, however, the town quietly took down the barrier, with no immediate plans to reinstall it. A local city councilor mentioned that while the net had effectively reduced the number of people lingering in the area, the situation is still being monitored. Security guards continue to patrol the location, ready to re-erect the net if necessary.
Before the barrier was put up, the Lawson’s store became so overwhelmed with visitors that it issued a public apology for its unintended popularity. Residents in the vicinity also expressed their frustration, citing a rise in illegal activities such as littering, trespassing, and even verbal abuse from visitors when asked to move their vehicles. The situation had escalated to the point where some tourists would carelessly discard lit cigarettes, posing potential fire hazards.
Fujikawaguchiko, located in Yamanashi Prefecture just east of Tokyo, is a small town with a population of about 10,000. It serves as the starting point for one of the most popular hiking trails up Mount Fuji. In response to the influx of tourists and the resulting issues, local officials have implemented measures to preserve the mountain’s natural beauty and safety. These include a daily cap on the number of climbers allowed and a small entrance fee to help cover maintenance costs.
This story highlights the delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving the local environment and community well-being. Fujikawaguchiko’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for other tourist destinations grappling with similar challenges.
