A town in Japan has grown so weary of tourists that they’ve constructed a massive barrier obstructing the view of the very attraction they come for – the renowned Mount Fuji.
The 20-meter long, 2.5-meter high fence is draped with a black mesh net, hardly the most social media-friendly backdrop for the selfies visitors flock here to capture.
Fujikawaguchiko is famed for offering some of the most picturesque vistas of the iconic Japanese peak. However, locals have reached their breaking point with tourists clogging sidewalks and halting traffic in pursuit of the perfect shot.
One particularly popular photo spot was outside a Lawson convenience store, where, from a specific angle, a photo could make it appear as if Mount Fuji was perched atop the shop’s roof. Tourists, predominantly foreigners, even christened the spot “Mt. Fuji Lawson.”
“Kawaguchiko is a town reliant on tourism, and while I welcome many visitors, and the town does too, there are numerous concerns regarding their behavior,” says Michie Motomochi, owner of a café specializing in Japanese sweets near the photo spot.
Motomochi cited littering, jaywalking amidst busy traffic, disregarding traffic signals, and trespassing onto private properties as notable issues.
Nevertheless, there are alternative spots where tourists can find their ideal photo opportunity.
The Yamanashi prefecture, also home to the Yoshida Trail – the most popular of the four routes to summit the 3,776-meter-high mountain – implemented a reservation system prior to this year’s Fuji climbing season to alleviate overcrowding, littering, and safety hazards.
Under the new initiative, only up to 4,000 climbers will be permitted entry to the trail per day for a hiking fee of 2,000 yen (approximately €18), with an additional option to contribute 1,000 yen (around €9) towards conservation efforts during the climbing season, spanning from July 1st to September 10th.
Designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013, Mount Fuji was once a revered site of pilgrimage.
Today, it draws hikers seeking to summit in time for sunrise. However, the mounting pile of refuse left behind, comprising plastic bottles, food scraps, and even clothing, has emerged as a major concern.
Kawaguchiko isn’t the first locale to push back against excessive tourism, but their approach stands as one of the most assertive responses thus far.
Elsewhere in Japan, Kyoto’s Geisha district has closed off select streets to tourists following instances of misconduct.
Menorca’s prized tourist attraction, a quaint town with whitewashed houses, has implemented visiting hours in a bid to curb the influx of visitors.
Venice, among Italy’s premier destinations, has waged a years-long battle to manage tourist numbers, which often surpass the local population. Recently, they’ve introduced a day-tripper fee and prohibited the use of loudspeakers.
It’s sad that it ended up that way.
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