That too
With a large fence measuring 2.5 meters high and 20 meters long, the Fujikawaguchiko city government will eliminate a popular photo spot. The Japanese have been annoyed for a long time about the large crowds of tourists causing nuisance.
Japan is on the rise as a tourist destination. In March, more than three million foreigners visited the island state for the first time. “It is unfortunate that we have to build this fence because some tourists do not respect the rules. They leave litter behind and ignore traffic rules,” an official from Fujikawaguchiko told the news agency Agence France-Presse. Earlier this year, the Kyoto city government also banned visitors from small private streets.
Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and you can photograph it from many places in the tourist attraction Fujikawaguchiko. The town is especially popular because the majestic and active volcano appears behind a Lawson supermarket, a ubiquitous chain in Japan. Because of this visual confrontation, “the reputation has spread on social media that this place is very Japanese, making it a popular photo location,” said the municipal official, who did not want to be named.
Foreign tourists crowd the sidewalk next to the Lawson store, creating unsafe conditions. Traffic signs and city guards yielded no results, hence the drastic measure. It should also protect a nearby dental clinic from tourists. Drivers take over the parking spaces and even climb on the roof to take the perfect photo.
Global plague
Japan has been booming as a tourist destination since the corona measures were lifted. The government has focused heavily on tourism, but the success has a downside. There are also complaints in Kyoto about the massive influx of eager tourists who harass the traditionally dressed geishas. This summer, hikers who use the most popular hiking trail to climb Mount Fuji will have to pay 2,000 yen, about 12 euros.
Popular destinations elsewhere in the world are also struggling with overtourism. Since Thursday, day trippers have had to pay to enter Venice. The Canary Islands, Amsterdam and Dubrovnik are also tired of mass tourism.
