Due to the unacceptable behavior of a large number of foreign tourists, the town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, will be setting up a large black barrier at a popular selfie spot to block visitors from photographing Mount Fuji.
Fujikawaguchiko is located on the Yoshida route leading to Mount Fuji and is usually crowded with foreign sightseers.
They come here to capture the picturesque views of Japan’s most famous mountain. At this spot, there is a large chain convenience store, where the bustling neon lights contrast sharply with the serene backdrop of Mount Fuji.
According to multiple media reports on Friday, Fujikawaguchiko town officials stated that they will begin setting up a 2.5-meter high, 20-meter long net barrier as soon as next week.
Officials mentioned, “It’s regrettable that we have to take this step because some tourists are not following the rules.”
The official revealed that these misbehaviors include littering and not obeying traffic regulations. Despite the presence of signage and security personnel around, the situation continues.
This action is also taken to protect a nearby dental clinic from being disturbed by sightseers.
Officials mentioned that tourists sometimes park their cars without permission next to the clinic, and there have even been cases of individuals climbing onto the clinic’s roof to take photos of the stunning scenery.
The plight of this small town is actually a common issue at numerous tourist spots in Japan.
Since reopening at the end of 2022, Japan has been facing issues of over-tourism. The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has reached a new high record, with over 3 million visitors in a month for the first time in March 2024.