The town of Fujikawaguchiko has become overwhelmed by the influx of tourists, particularly foreign visitors, who have flocked to the area to capture Instagram-worthy photos of Mount Fuji. The town has experienced issues with misbehaving tourists such as littering, disregarding traffic laws, and trespassing on private properties. Michie Motomochi, a local cafe owner, has observed these behaviors and expressed concerns about the impact on the community. Despite the disruption caused by tourists, Motomochi notes that 80% of her customers are actually foreign visitors, a demographic that has surged since Japan reopened to tourists after a pandemic-induced hiatus.
The surge in foreign visitors began about two years ago when a photo capturing Mount Fuji in the background of a local convenience store went viral on social media, attracting tourists to the area. Town officials have reported complaints from residents about the overcrowding caused by tourists, who often block narrow sidewalks, take photos on busy roads, and invade private properties. In response to these issues, authorities in Fujikawaguchiko have attempted various solutions to manage the tourist influx. However, attempts such as multilingual signs, hiring a security guard, and encouraging proper behavior have been ineffective in addressing the concerns raised by residents.
In an effort to curb the disruptive behavior of tourists, the town has begun constructing a large black screen along a sidewalk near a popular photo spot for capturing views of Mount Fuji. The screen, which will be 8.2 feet high and 65.6 feet long, is intended to block the view of the mountain and deter tourists from crowding the area. The decision to erect this screen has sparked mixed reactions among tourists and locals. While some tourists, like Anthony Hok from France, believe the screen is an overreaction, others, such as Helen Pull from the U.K., sympathize with the concerns of local residents.
The issue of overtourism is not unique to Fujikawaguchiko, as popular tourist destinations around the world have grappled with overcrowding and its associated challenges. In Venice, authorities recently implemented a pilot program to charge day-trippers an entry fee in an attempt to manage the high volume of visitors. Similarly, in Kyoto and Kamakura, local residents have raised complaints about congestion and disruptive behavior caused by tourists. The increasing number of visitors to Japan, driven in part by a weaker yen and the lifting of pandemic restrictions, has placed strain on communities and infrastructure in popular tourist areas.
While the booming tourism industry has brought economic benefits to Japan, it has also highlighted the need for sustainable tourism management to balance the interests of residents and visitors. Local business owners like Michie Motomochi and Yoshihiko Ogawa have expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of measures like the black screen in addressing the challenges posed by overtourism. As Japan continues to welcome record numbers of tourists, finding solutions to manage the impact on local communities and preserve the cultural and environmental integrity of popular tourist destinations remains a pressing issue for authorities and residents.
