The town of Fujikawaguchiko in Japan has decided to take action against misbehaving tourists by constructing a large black screen to block the view of Mount Fuji, one of the town’s most iconic attractions. The surge in foreign visitors, especially after Japan reopened its borders following a pandemic hiatus, has led to concerns about littering, traffic violations, and trespassing on private properties. Despite welcoming tourists, residents have expressed worries about their manners and behavior, prompting the decision to block the view of the mountain from a popular photo spot near a convenience store known as “Mt. Fuji Lawson.”
The influx of tourists to Fujikawaguchiko has raised various issues, including overcrowding, with visitors often blocking the narrow sidewalks, taking photos on busy roads, and entering private properties without permission. The town has attempted to address these problems by putting up signs in multiple languages urging visitors to follow rules and hiring security guards for crowd control, but these measures have proven ineffective. The decision to install a 2.5-meter-high and 20-meter-long black mesh net to block the view of Mount Fuji reflects the frustration among residents about the behavior of tourists.
Similar concerns over tourism-related issues have been reported in other popular destinations around the world, such as Venice, where entry fees are being considered to manage the influx of day-trippers. In Fujikawaguchiko, the decision to block the view of Mount Fuji is seen as a drastic measure to address the problems caused by tourists, despite some visitors expressing disagreement with the approach. While foreign visitors have flocked to Japan since the easing of border restrictions, leading to record-breaking numbers of tourists, the impact on local communities has raised debates about how to balance the benefits of tourism with the concerns of residents.
The ongoing debate over managing tourism in Fujikawaguchiko highlights the challenges faced by communities that rely on tourism for economic growth but also face issues related to overcrowding, littering, and traffic congestion. The situation has prompted discussions about finding a balance between welcoming tourists and preserving the quality of life for residents. Local business owners, like cafe owner Michie Motomochi, have expressed concern about the impact of tourism on their daily lives, with some suggesting that the black screen may not effectively address the underlying issues caused by the surge in visitors.
As Japan continues to attract a growing number of tourists, the government faces the challenge of managing the impact of tourism on local communities. Issues such as overcrowding, noise pollution, and safety concerns have become prominent in popular tourist destinations, leading to calls for sustainable tourism practices and better management of visitor numbers. The case of Fujikawaguchiko reflects a broader trend of local communities struggling to cope with the consequences of increased tourism, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of Japan’s tourism industry and the need for responsible tourism practices to protect the environment and cultural heritage.
