In an effort to combat the overwhelming influx of tourists, small Japanese towns are resorting to drastic measures to regain control of their communities. One such town, Fujikawaguchiko, located at the foot of the Yoshida Trail to Mount Fuji, has decided to block the view of the iconic mountain in an attempt to deter tourists from visiting.
The town has become a hotspot for foreign tourists, particularly outside the Lawson’s convenience store, where the stunning natural vista serves as the perfect backdrop for selfies. However, the town has been plagued by disrespectful tourists who ignore road rules and leave trash behind, despite efforts to mitigate the issue with signs and security guards.
To address the problem, local officials have announced plans to erect a giant mesh barrier, 20 meters long and 2.5 meters high, to obstruct the view of Mount Fuji. Additionally, the Yamanashi prefecture has implemented a daily limit of 4,000 hikers on Mount Fuji and a mandatory fee of 2,000 yen ($13) to help manage over-tourism.
This is not an isolated incident, as other Japanese cities have also implemented measures to address the negative impact of tourism on local communities. In Kyoto, tourists are being banned from certain alleys in the Gion geisha district due to reports of disrespectful behavior, such as tearing kimonos and putting cigarette butts in collars.
As the effects of over-tourism continue to be felt around the world, more cities are considering entry fees and tourist taxes to regulate visitor numbers and protect their cultural heritage. The struggle to balance the benefits of tourism with the preservation of local communities remains a pressing issue for destinations worldwide.