The crisis that cancelled Japan’s annual cherry blossom festival

• A viral photograph of Mount Fuji and a red pagoda led to an overwhelming influx of tourists in Fujiyoshida, Japan.
• The surge in visitors caused significant issues for residents, including chronic traffic, litter, and public urination.
• Consequently, local officials cancelled this year's annual cherry blossom festival, originally established to promote tourism, due to the negative impact.
• This 'tourism pollution' highlights a broader national challenge for Japan, as the government seeks to increase tourist numbers despite unprepared local communities.
• Fujiyoshida has implemented measures such as increased security and restricted vehicle access, but overtourism continues to cause disruption and division among residents.

IN FULL

Viral cherry blossom photo sparks overtourism crisis for Japanese town