The town of Fujikawaguchiko in Japan recently constructed a large black screen in front of a popular view of Mount Fuji to deter tourists from overcrowding the area. This decision was made as visitors would often block sidewalks, take photos on busy roads, or walk onto neighbors’ properties in pursuit of the perfect shot. Known for offering some of the best views of the iconic Japanese mountain, this town has taken steps to address the issue of over-tourism and promote safety within the community.
In addition to the black screen, the Yamanashi prefecture, home of the most popular route to summit Mount Fuji, introduced a booking system ahead of this year’s climbing season to ease overcrowding, littering, and safety risks. Only up to 4,000 climbers will be permitted to enter the trail per day for a hiking fee of approximately $18, with an optional donation for conservation during the climbing season. Those with reservations for an overnight stay at huts along the trail are allowed to hike beyond certain stations, implementing measures to prevent “bullet climbing” where climbers rush to the summit without proper rest, putting lives at risk.
Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 2013, has become a popular spot for hikers looking to catch the sunrise. However, the issue of trash left behind by visitors, including plastic bottles, food, and clothing, has become a major concern. The town aims to address these issues through the booking system and conservation efforts to protect the natural environment surrounding the mountain. Over-tourism has become a growing concern in popular tourist destinations across Japan, including Kyoto and Kamakura, as the number of visitors continues to rise each year.
Last year, Japan saw over 25 million visitors, with expectations that the figures could surpass nearly 32 million by the year 2024, setting a new record from 2019. This rapid increase in tourism has led to challenges in managing overcrowding, littering, and ensuring the safety of visitors and locals alike. As a result, initiatives such as the black screen in Fujikawaguchiko and the booking system for Mount Fuji’s climbing season have been introduced to address these issues and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Despite the changes implemented to manage over-tourism, there are still alternative photo spots available for tourists to capture the beauty of Mount Fuji. While the black screen may deter visitors from overcrowding a particular area, there are many other locations where tourists can enjoy stunning views of the iconic Japanese mountain. By encouraging responsible tourism practices and implementing measures to protect the natural surroundings, Japan aims to strike a balance between promoting tourism and preserving its cultural and environmental heritage for future generations.
