Mount Fuji view to be blocked with huge barrier due to badly behaved tourists
Foreign visitors are the main culprits, an official said.
A huge barrier blocking a view of Mount Fuji will be installed at a popular photo spot to keep badly behaved foreign tourists away.
The black mesh net measuring 2.5 metres high and 20 metres long will be erected in the resort town of Fujikawaguchiko in Japan as early as next week, according to a local official.
‘It’s regrettable we have to do this, because of some tourists who can’t respect rules,’ leaving litter behind and ignoring traffic regulations, he said.
It comes after the city of Kyoto banned visitors from the private alleys of its geisha district last month, because tourists continued to take pictures of the working geishas despite a ban on photography.
Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, can be photographed from many spots in Fujikawaguchiko.
However, the area where the barrier will be erected is particularly popular becausethe volcano is seen in the background of a popular Japanese convenience store, Lawson.
Due to this visual juxtaposition, ‘a reputation has spread on social media that this spot is very Japanese, making it a popular photo location,’ the town official, who didn’t want to be named, said.
The mostly foreign tourists are overcrowding a stretch of pavement next to shop, he added.
They’re also parking at a nearby dental clinic without permission and have been seen climbing on the roof to get the perfect shot, the official said.
Traffic signs and several warnings have apparently been ignored, so the town feels the huge screen is the only alternative left.
He said they all wish it hadn’t come to this and explained the screen will stay until the situation improves.
Tourism has been booming in Japan since pandemic restrictions were lifted, with the government working hard to attract visitors.
But not everyone is happy with with the high numbers, especially when they don’t show respect for the locals and their environment.
In addition to the new barrier, hikers will now be charged $13 each to climb Mount Fuji, with numbers capped to ease congestion.
Other top destinations worldwide are also struggling with visitor numbers.
On Thursday, Venice began charging day-trippers 5 euros as part of a pilot programme to tackle overpopulation in the Italian city.
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