The town of Fujikawaguchiko, known for its picturesque views of Mount Fuji, has recently taken action to address the behavior of misbehaving foreign tourists. Concerns have been raised by residents and business owners about tourists littering, ignoring traffic rules, and trespassing into private properties.
One popular photo spot, dubbed 'Mt. Fuji Lawson,' has attracted a surge of visitors, particularly after a social media sensation highlighted the unique view of Mount Fuji from a local convenience store. However, the influx of tourists has led to overcrowding, with visitors blocking sidewalks, taking photos in unsafe locations, and causing disturbances to local residents.
Efforts to address these issues, such as multilingual signs and hiring security guards, have proven ineffective. In response, the town has begun constructing a large black screen to block the view of Mount Fuji from the problematic photo spot. The screen, measuring 8.2 feet high and 65.6 feet long, aims to deter tourists from engaging in disruptive behavior.
While some tourists, like Anthony Hok from France, view the screen as an overreaction, others, such as Helen Pull from the U.K., understand the concerns of local residents. The rise in tourism in Japan, fueled by the lifting of pandemic restrictions and a weaker yen, has led to record numbers of visitors, causing tensions in popular tourist destinations like Fujikawaguchiko.
Local business owners, like Michie Motomochi and Yoshihiko Ogawa, have expressed frustration over the overcrowding and disturbances caused by tourists. Despite the challenges, they acknowledge the importance of tourism to the local economy but seek solutions to manage the influx of visitors more effectively.
As Japan continues to attract a growing number of tourists, balancing the benefits of tourism with the needs of local communities remains a pressing issue. The town of Fujikawaguchiko's decision to install a black screen serves as a reminder of the complex challenges posed by overtourism and the ongoing efforts to find sustainable solutions.
