Managing Tourism: Fujikawaguchiko's Response to Mount Fuji's Popularity
Fujikawaguchiko, a Japanese town, has taken action by installing a large barrier to obstruct the view of Mount Fuji due to the town's overwhelming popularity on social media platforms like Instagram. Discover how this town is managing the influx of tourists and the impact it has on the iconic mountain's visibility.
The town of Fujikawaguchiko in Japan has put up a large black net to hide views of Mount Fuji. This decision was made in response to the town becoming extremely popular on Instagram and other social media platforms.
A local official expressed disappointment when speaking to CNN last month. The town council made the decision to block the most popular views of Mount Fuji with a 66-foot-long (20-meter) black screen, which was put up on May 21.
This picture, taken on January 1, 2024, captures tourists posing in front of a convenience store with Mount Fuji in the background in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi prefecture. Japanese authorities have decided to set up a large black barrier at this popular photo spot to prevent badly behaved foreign tourists from causing any more trouble. It was reported on April 26, 2024.
This photo taken on January 1, 2024 shows tourists posing in front of a convenience store with Mount Fuji in the background, in the town of Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi prefecture. A huge black barrier to block Mount Fuji from view will be installed in a popular photo spot by Japanese authorities exasperated by crowds of badly behaved foreign tourists, it was reported on April 26, 2024.
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
Related article
Instagram-famous Japanese store near Mount Fuji issues apology in response to overtourism
The small town in Yamanashi prefecture has become the center of an international controversy in recent weeks. A specific viewpoint in Fujikawaguchiko, which is at the foot of Mount Fuji and near the starting point for one of the most-used trails up the mountain, became so popular with visitors that it was causing problems for locals.
The Ibishi Dental Clinic, located next to the photo spot, has been affected by the growing issues caused by tourists. The clinic has reported incidents of harassment towards their employees and patients. According to a statement from the clinic, tourists have engaged in various illegal activities such as littering, trespassing, smoking, and eating in unauthorized areas. These actions have often led to the involvement of law enforcement. Additionally, the clinic mentioned that they have faced verbal abuse and disrespectful behavior from tourists when asking them to comply with the rules. Some tourists have even thrown their lit cigarettes on the ground in defiance.
The photo spot is popular among foreigners and locals struggle to communicate with them when they caution them in Japanese. It attracts visitors from early morning to late at night.
The Ibishi Dental Clinic is one of the businesses that requested help from Fujikawaguchiko officials to address the issue.
Japan’s overtourism problems
This photo was taken on May 20 in front of Mount Fuji in Fujikawaguchiko -- a day before the black net went up.
This photo was taken on May 20 in front of Mount Fuji in Fujikawaguchiko -- a day before the black net went up.
Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty Images
Since Japan reopened to foreign tourists after the pandemic, there has been a surge of “revenge travelers” flocking to the country and its top attractions. In March and April 2024, over three million people visited per month, setting new records. This trend is expected to continue as tourists from North America and Europe plan their summer vacations.
While overtourism is a global issue, affecting destinations like Paris and Hawaii, the situation in Fujikawaguchiko stands out for a unique reason. Unlike other places attracting large crowds due to a specific attraction, the influx of visitors here is centered around a viewpoint where people can capture photos of Mount Fuji. This particular vantage point happens to be located in front of a convenience store, leading to people standing in the road to capture the perfect shot.
Most visitors to Fujikawaguchiko do not stay overnight, choosing instead to make a day trip and return to the bustling city of Tokyo, just 62 miles away, for the night.
This lack of overnight visitors means that the town does not generate income from entry tickets, museum passes, or hotel fees to offset the negative impact of the thousands of visitors who contribute to issues such as erosion, trash, and traffic congestion. Consequently, the small town of only 10,000 residents has faced challenges in managing these issues.
Maiko participate in a bean festival in Kyoto.
Maiko participate in a bean festival in Kyoto.
The Asahi Shimbun/Getty Images
Related article
'Geisha paparazzi' have returned to Kyoto, and the city is prepared to take action.
According to Haruhito Tsuchiya, a 49-year-old local working in the tourism industry, there have been numerous accidents involving foreign tourists in the city. He mentioned instances of people walking into roads, using electronic scooters without following traffic rules, and getting into accidents.
Lawson’s, the convenience store located in front of Fuji that is frequently seen in social media photos of the mountain, has announced that they will be implementing steps to address the issue of unruly tourists.
In a statement released on May 5, the company expressed their regret for any inconvenience caused to local residents, customers, and others as a result of the high popularity of the Lawson Kawaguchiko Station Branch.
Lawson’s added that it would hire private security guards for the Kawaguchiko store and put up signs in multiple languages asking tourists not to litter or block roads.
Editor's P/S:
The decision by Fujikawaguchiko town officials to erect a black net to obscure views of Mount Fuji has sparked mixed reactions. While some residents and businesses welcome the move as a way to address the disruptive behavior of tourists, others express disappointment and concern. The town's struggle to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the negative impacts on its community highlights the complexities of overtourism and the need for sustainable solutions.
The article sheds light on the unique challenges faced by Fujikawaguchiko, where the influx of tourists is primarily driven by the desire to capture Instagram-worthy photos of Mount Fuji. This has led to overcrowding, littering, trespassing, and harassment, particularly at a popular viewpoint located in front of a convenience store. The lack of overnight visitors means that the town has limited resources to mitigate these issues. The decision to block the view with a black net is a temporary measure that raises questions about the long-term viability of tourism in Fujikawaguchiko. It is essential to explore alternative solutions, such as designated photo zones, educational campaigns, and stricter enforcement of regulations, to ensure that the town can reap the benefits of tourism while preserving its natural beauty and the well-being of its residents.
