Japan: To avoid overtourism, city will hide views of Mount Fuji

A small Japanese town near Mount Fuji has decided to erect a high fence to stop the influx of sometimes rude foreign tourists at a very popular spot for photographing the famous volcano. The city of Fujikawaguchiko plans to begin construction of a mesh network 2.5 meters high and 20 meters long next week.

“It’s unfortunate that we have to do this because some tourists don’t follow the rules,” one city official explained to AFP on Friday, complaining in particular about trash left behind by tourists or more traffic violations.

More than three million foreign visitors arrived in Japan in March.

It is the latest shock decision in Japan to combat the effects of overtourism following the recent closure of some alleys in the geisha district of Kyoto (in the west) or paid and limited access to Mount Fuji from this summer.

More than three million foreign visitors arrived in Japan in March, a monthly record for a country long closed to international tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak (3776 m), can be photographed from many locations in Fujikawaguchiko and other places.

But the viewpoint, which will be closed, is particularly sought after by some tourists because it appears in the background behind the Lawson supermarket, a ubiquitous chain in the archipelago.

“Popular place for photos”

Because of this visual juxtaposition, “the reputation of this very Japanese place has spread on social media, making it a popular photo spot,” explained a city official interviewed by AFP, who wished to remain anonymous.

After the failure of prevention campaigns using signs and even security agents, the municipality decided to use large funds as a last resort.

The move also aims to protect a nearby dental clinic whose parking lot was attacked and even found tourists climbing on the roof to take photos, according to the city manager, who said the drastic measure will remain in place until the situation improves. .

The problem of overtourism and its damage to the environment recently led to Venice in Italy charging €5 for entry into the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.