In an effort to combat the growing number of tourists flocking to a popular viewing spot for Mount Fuji, a Japanese town has erected a large mesh barrier to deter photo-taking. The town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi prefecture took this drastic measure after experiencing an influx of mostly foreign visitors who were littering, trespassing, and breaking traffic rules in their quest for the perfect social media shot.
The barrier, measuring 2.5 by 20 meters, was installed across the road from an Instagram-famous view of Mount Fuji. Local residents, tired of the disruptive behavior of tourists, hope that the barrier will prevent dangerous activities and protect the area from further damage.
While some tourists expressed disappointment at the barrier obstructing the iconic view, others understood the necessity of the measure. With record numbers of overseas visitors coming to Japan, overcrowding and overtourism have become pressing issues in popular tourist destinations like Mount Fuji.
To address safety and environmental concerns, officials have implemented new measures, such as charging hikers to climb Mount Fuji and introducing online booking systems to manage visitor numbers. Residents near other popular photo spots in the region have also reported complaints about overtourism.
As Japan grapples with the challenges of balancing tourism and conservation, it remains to be seen how these measures will impact the visitor experience at Mount Fuji and other iconic landmarks in the country.