Fujikawaguchiko Takes Action: Erects Eight-Foot Barrier to Preserve Mount Fuji's Serenity
The town of Fujikawaguchiko is taking a stand against the influx of tourists seeking the perfect shot of Mount Fuji. Discover how this Japanese town is safeguarding the tranquility of its iconic landmark.
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A picturesque Japanese town near Mount Fuji is installing a large mesh barrier to block a popular selfie spot.
Fujikawaguchiko, located at the base of the Yoshida Trail leading to Mount Fuji, has been flooded with international visitors seeking the ideal photo of Japan's renowned mountain.
In particular, they gather in front of Lawson's, a branch of the popular Japanese convenience store chain, to capture the striking contrast between the bustling neon-lit store and the serene mountain in the background.
And now the town has had enough and is putting up the mesh barrier to block the view, a local official told CNN.
A tourist takes a photo at the spot in Fujikawaguchiko where the barrier is due to go up.
A tourist takes a photo at the spot in Fujikawaguchiko where the barrier is due to go up.
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
The official, who preferred not to disclose her name, mentioned that there have been continuous issues with tourists littering and disregarding traffic regulations. Even though signs and security guards have been put in place to caution them, the problem has persisted.
"It is unfortunate that we had to resort to implementing these measures," expressed the official.
The net, which is 8 feet (2.5 meters) high and 66 feet (20 meters) across, will be set up at the beginning of next week.
Fujikawaguchiko is a town located in Yamanashi prefecture, situated north of Mount Fuji and approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers) to the west of Tokyo.
The small town is facing overcrowding issues due to the larger problem of overtourism in Japan. Since reopening in late 2022 after the pandemic, Japan has been struggling with overtourism. In March 2024, the country experienced its highest number of tourists ever, with over three million foreign visitors entering.
Many tourists flock to Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage site, but unfortunately, some of them leave behind trash and contribute to erosion.
According to Masatake Izumi, an official from the Yamanashi prefectural government, the main issue facing Mount Fuji is overtourism, which leads to problems such as litter, increased CO2 emissions, and irresponsible behavior by hikers.
Some locals had even nicknamed the 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) mountain, called Fuji-san in Japanese, “trash mountain.”
Maiko participate in a bean festival in Kyoto.
Maiko participate in a bean festival in Kyoto.
The Asahi Shimbun/Getty Images
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To address the issue of overcrowding, the Yamanashi prefectural government has introduced new policies for tourists. This includes implementing a daily limit of 4,000 hikers and a mandatory fee of 2,000 yen ($13) per person. Previously, the fee was optional.
Following in the footsteps of other places around the world, Yamanashi has also erected barriers to prevent photographers from accessing certain areas. One example is the Austrian town of Halstatt, which is believed to have inspired the visuals of the popular Disney movie "Frozen."
Hallstatt, a charming village with approximately 800 residents, attracts up to 10,000 tourists daily during peak season. In response to the influx of selfie-takers, a wooden fence was installed in May 2023 as a preventive measure.
Reporting for CNN was contributed by Emiko Jozuka and Junko Ogura.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the rising issue of overtourism in Japan, specifically at the popular selfie spot near Mount Fuji. The installation of a large mesh barrier to block the view is a drastic measure taken by the town of Fujikawaguchiko to address concerns over littering, traffic violations, and overcrowding. This incident reflects the growing challenges faced by destinations worldwide as the influx of visitors puts a strain on local infrastructure and resources.
It is important to note that while tourism can provide economic benefits, it is crucial to manage it responsibly to minimize its negative impacts. The introduction of new policies, such as hiking limits and mandatory fees, along with the erection of barriers, demonstrates the efforts being made by local authorities to balance the needs of tourists with the preservation of the environment and the well-being of local communities. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of overtourism, innovative solutions and sustainable tourism practices will become increasingly necessary to ensure that the beauty and cultural significance of destinations are preserved for future generations.
