Facing criticism from local residents due to the inappropriate behavior of foreign visitors, the municipal administration has decided to erect a large black mesh to partially block the view of the iconic mountain.
This action was motivated by the growing popularity of Fujikawaguchiko on social media, especially Instagram, where photos of Mount Fuji have become an obsession for many travelers.
Although local authorities acknowledge that this measure is regrettable, they felt it was necessary to preserve the natural beauty of the region and restore tranquility for residents. The partial obstruction of Mount Fuji’s most popular viewpoints is expected to discourage tourists who visit solely to take photos, encouraging a more genuine and respectful appreciation of the landscape.
The small town of Fujikawaguchiko, in Yamanashi Prefecture, has become the center of international controversy in recent weeks. A specific lookout point in the town, located at the foot of Mount Fuji and near the starting point of one of the most popular trails for climbing the mountain, has attracted such a large number of visitors that it has started causing serious problems for local residents.
A notable example is the Ibishi Dental Clinic, situated in the building adjacent to the frequently used photography spot. Staff and patients at the clinic have faced constant disruptions due to tourists’ behavior. According to a statement released by the clinic, issues include illegal and disruptive activities such as littering, trespassing, smoking, eating in the parking lot, and even climbing onto private rooftops. These incidents often require police intervention.
“There has been a series of illegal and disruptive activities, such as littering, trespassing, smoking, eating in parking lots or under the roofs of private homes, and climbing onto rooftops, which often result in police intervention,” the statement highlighted. “It has become common for people to shout insults at us or throw lit cigarettes when we ask them to move their cars.”
In response to this growing situation, the Fujikawaguchiko municipal administration decided to erect a large black mesh to partially block the view of Mount Fuji, hoping to discourage inappropriate tourist behavior and protect the quality of life for residents.
While recognizing that this measure is regrettable, local authorities believe it is necessary to preserve the region’s natural beauty and restore peace for the inhabitants. The expectation is that the partial obstruction of Mount Fuji’s most popular views will discourage tourists who visit solely for photos, promoting a more genuine and respectful appreciation of the landscape.
The situation described in the statement further highlights the challenges faced by the small town of Fujikawaguchiko due to overtourism. The photographic spot in question attracts a constant flow of foreigners from early morning until late at night, making it difficult for local residents to communicate with them, even when warning them in Japanese.
The Ibishi Dental Clinic is one of the businesses that requested Fujikawaguchiko’s city hall to address this issue. The need for local authorities’ intervention underscores the severity of the disruptions caused by the uncontrolled influx of tourists.
These problems are not unique to Fujikawaguchiko; they are part of a broader phenomenon of overtourism in Japan since the country reopened to foreign tourists after the pandemic. The so-called “revenge travelers” have flooded the country and its most popular attractions. In March and April 2024, over three million people visited the country each month, and the record-breaking trend seems to be continuing as American and European tourists plan their summer vacations. This sudden and significant increase in tourism is generating a series of challenges for local communities, from pressure on infrastructure to the deterioration of residents’ quality of life.
While overtourism is a global issue affecting destinations like Paris and Hawaii, the story of Fujikawaguchiko stands out for specific reasons. In this town, it is not a traditional tourist attraction that draws crowds but rather a simple viewpoint where people take photos of Mount Fuji. This vantage point is located in front of a convenience store, and visitors often crowd the road, seeking the best angle for their shots.
An aggravating factor is that most of these visitors choose not to stay overnight in Fujikawaguchiko. Instead, they prefer day trips, spending the night in the bustling city of Tokyo, just 100 kilometers away. This means Fujikawaguchiko experiences a constant flow of tourists throughout the day without the economic benefits of prolonged stays that could offset the disruptions caused.
The story of Fujikawaguchiko is particularly notable because it illustrates how even seemingly less touristy areas can be deeply affected by an excess of visitors. The popularity of social media, especially Instagram, has transformed a simple viewpoint into a massive attraction. People come exclusively to capture the perfect view of Mount Fuji, often disregarding the impact of their presence on the local community.
In addition to the issues already mentioned, such as littering, property invasion, and disrespectful behavior, the constant presence of tourists also disrupts residents’ daily lives. The Ibishi Dental Clinic exemplifies this impact by reporting harassment and communication difficulties with tourists, highlighting growing frustration among residents.
To mitigate these problems, the Fujikawaguchiko municipal administration decided to erect a 20-meter-long black screen to partially block the view of Mount Fuji. This measure, though considered regrettable by authorities, is seen as necessary to restore tranquility and quality of life in the town. The expectation is that the visual obstruction will discourage tourists who visit solely to take photos, promoting more conscious and respectful tourism.
The case of Fujikawaguchiko serves as a warning to other locations facing similar challenges, underscoring the importance of sustainable tourism management that considers both the preservation of natural attractions and the well-being of local communities.
This situation means the local economy does not benefit from the influx of visitors, as there is no significant revenue generated through tickets, museum passes, or hotel fees. These resources could help offset the damage caused by thousands of tourists, such as erosion, litter, and traffic issues. The city of Fujikawaguchiko, with just 10,000 residents, has faced significant challenges in dealing with these issues.
Haruhito Tsuchiya, a 49-year-old local resident working in the tourism industry, reported various problems caused by tourists to Reuters. “I’ve seen people walking on roads, using electric scooters without following traffic rules, and getting involved in accidents. There have been many accidents involving foreign tourists recently,” Tsuchiya stated, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The Lawson’s convenience store, located in front of the Mount Fuji viewpoint and frequently featured in social media photos of the mountain, has also decided to take measures to control the flow of misbehaving tourists. The store seeks ways to mitigate negative impacts while continuing to serve the local community and respectful visitors.
Blocking the view of Mount Fuji is an attempt to reduce the influx of tourists who visit the site solely for photos. This measure, although regrettable, is seen as necessary by local authorities to restore tranquility and residents’ quality of life. By discouraging problem-causing visitors, it is hoped to promote more conscious and sustainable tourism that respects both the region’s natural beauty and the local community’s daily life.
The story of Fujikawaguchiko illustrates a growing problem faced by many small tourist destinations worldwide, where social media popularity can quickly turn a quiet spot into an overcrowded destination. The need for effective tourism management strategies is crucial to balance economic benefits with environmental preservation and residents’ well-being.
“We offer our sincere apologies to local residents, customers of these stores, and others for causing inconvenience and concern due to the popularity of the Lawson Kawaguchiko station branch,” the company said in a statement issued on May 5.
Furthermore, Lawson announced it would take additional measures to address problems arising from overtourism. The company plans to hire private security for the Kawaguchiko store and install multilingual signs asking tourists not to litter or obstruct roads. These actions aim to promote more responsible behavior from visitors and help mitigate the negative impacts of uncontrolled tourism on the local community.
