FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO, Japan — The town of Fujikawaguchiko is tired of tourists.
The town, known for having numerous photo spots that offer near-perfect shots of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, began erecting large black screens on some of its sidewalks on Tuesday to block views of the mountain because of misbehaving foreign tourists.
“Kawaguchiko is a town that depends on tourism, and I welcome many tourists, and the town also welcomes them, but we are concerned about their manners,” says Michie Motomochi, owner of a cafe serving the Japanese sweet “ohagi” near the soon-to-be-closed photo spot.
Motomochi cited littering, crossing busy roads, ignoring traffic lights and trespassing on private property. But she’s not complaining: 80% of her clients are foreign tourists, who saw a surge in demand after Japan was shut down for about two years during the pandemic.
Town officials said her area suddenly became a popular spot after a photo taken from a certain angle that appeared to show Mount Fuji standing on top of a local convenience store went viral on social media, dubbed “Mt. Fuji Lawson.”
Officials say the small area has become congested ever since, mostly with foreign tourists, and residents have voiced concerns and complaints about visitors blocking narrow sidewalks, taking photos on busy roads and encroaching on neighbouring properties.
In Europe, concerns about tourist overcrowding in historic cities led the city of Venice last week to launch a test program to charge day-trippers a 5-euro ($5.35) entrance fee, which officials hope will curb visits at peak times and make the city more livable for its dwindling population.
The town of Fujikawaguchiko has tried other tactics, such as putting up signs in English, Chinese, Thai and Korean urging tourists to stay out of the road and to use designated crossings, and hiring security guards to control the crowds, but none of it has worked.
