The town of Fujikawaguchiko in Japan has decided to construct a large black screen to block the view of the iconic Mount Fuji due to misbehaving foreign tourists. The surge in foreign visitors to the town has led to concerns such as littering, trespassing, and blocking sidewalks and busy roads for photos. This issue has been exacerbated by a social media sensation known as “Mt. Fuji Lawson,” which has attracted crowds of tourists to a small area in the town. Efforts such as signs urging better behavior and hiring security guards have not been effective in controlling the situation.
In Europe, similar concerns over tourist overcrowding have led cities like Venice to consider implementing entry fees for day-trippers to discourage peak visitor days. Despite concerns from residents and attempts to control the situation, the influx of tourists continues to grow in Fujikawaguchiko and other popular destinations in Japan. Last year, Japan saw over 25 million visitors, with expectations to surpass the 2019 record of nearly 32 million tourists. While tourism has helped the economy, it has also brought challenges such as strained infrastructure and disruption to local communities.
The construction of the large black screen in Fujikawaguchiko to block the view of Mount Fuji has garnered mixed reactions from tourists and locals. While some visitors view the screen as an overreaction, others express sympathy for the concerns of residents who are impacted by the influx of tourists. One visitor noted the power of social media in driving tourism and the need for residents to address the resulting challenges. However, some locals express uncertainty about the effectiveness of the black screen in controlling the flow of people and vehicles in the crowded area.
Local business owners like Michie Motomochi, who runs a cafe in Fujikawaguchiko, acknowledge the importance of tourism for the town’s economy but are concerned about the impact of the overcrowding on their daily lives. Residents like Yoshihiko Ogawa, who runs a rice shop in the area, share similar sentiments about the challenges posed by the surge in tourists, including early gatherings and loud conversations. The lack of clear solutions to address the issue of tourism overcrowding leaves both tourists and residents in Fujikawaguchiko unsure of how to navigate the situation.
As Japan continues to attract a growing number of tourists, the tension between promoting tourism for economic benefits and managing the impact on local communities becomes more pronounced. It remains to be seen how authorities in Fujikawaguchiko and other popular destinations in Japan will address the challenges posed by the surge in foreign visitors. The construction of the black screen to block the view of Mount Fuji may serve as a temporary measure to mitigate some of the issues caused by misbehaving tourists, but a more comprehensive approach may be needed to strike a balance between tourism growth and community well-being.
