A huge barrier to block views of Mount Fuji will be installed at a popular photo spot by Japanese authorities as a last resort, a decision brought about by crowds of badly-behaved foreign tourists who disobeyed rules and left litter behind.
An official from Fujikawaguchiko town said that a mesh net of about 2.4 metres high and 20 metres long will be constructed next week.
While the famous mountain can be photographed from many spots in Fujikawaguchiko, this viewpoint is particularly popular on social media because Mount Fuji appears behind a Lawson store, which are ubiquitous in Japan. This attracts tourists who overcrowd a stretch of pavement next to the convenience store, and ignore traffic signs and repeated warnings from security guards.
The official shared that the current plan was for the screen to stay up until the situation improves.
This barrier at Mount Fuji is the latest direct action in Japan against overtourism after residents of Kyoto’s geisha district banned visitors from small private alleys this year due to tourists who harassed the city’s geishas and took photographs of them without permission.
In addition, Japan has announced a series of new measures that will take effect from 2024 for the safety of Mount Fuji hikers, such as charging a fee of 2,000 yen (US$13), which will go towards supporting Mount Fuji’s conservation efforts. Night-time climbers will also be required to make reservations at mountain huts for their ascent.
