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Japan erects 8-foot wall to ward off tourists trying to take perfect image of Mount Fuji
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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Summary
The decision to erect the eight feet barrier is similar to the action taken in places like Austria’s Hallstatt, which faced a surge in tourism due to its resemblance to the animated film “Frozen”.
A charming town in Japan is taking drastic action to address the issue of overtourism as travellers flock a bustling convenience store to get the perfect photo spot of the iconic Mount Fuji.
Fujikawaguchiko, nestled at the base of the Yoshida Trail leading to Mount Fuji, has been overwhelmed by the influx of foreign visitors vying for snapshots of Japan’s iconic peak. Particularly popular is a viewpoint outside Lawson’s, a convenience store, offering a striking contrast between its neon-lit facade and the serene backdrop of the scenic mountain.
Faced with mounting issues of littering and disregard for traffic regulations despite repeated warnings and the presence of security personnel, local authorities have decided to install a large mesh barrier to obstruct the view, a CNN report reveals.
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The decision to resort to such measures reflects the town’s frustration with the situation. An unnamed official lamented the necessity of the action, citing ongoing challenges with tourist behavior.
The mesh barrier, towering eight feet high and stretching 66 feet across, is scheduled for installation early next week, marking a symbolic effort to reclaim control over the town’s environment.
Located in Yamanashi prefecture, Fujikawaguchiko lies to the north of Mount Fuji, approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers) west of Tokyo. The town’s plight is emblematic of broader overtourism issues plaguing Japan since its reopening post-pandemic in late 2022.
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March 2024 witnessed record-breaking tourism figures, with over three million foreign visitors entering the country, exacerbating the strain on Mount Fuji’s fragile ecosystem. The influx of tourists, drawn to the UNESCO World Heritage site, has led to environmental degradation and littering, prompting concerns among local authorities.
Masatake Izumi, a Yamanashi prefectural government official, highlighted overtourism as a pressing issue, describing it as the primary challenge confronting Mount Fuji. The mountain, revered as a national symbol, has sadly earned the moniker “trash mountain” due to the accumulation of waste left behind by careless visitors.
In response, Yamanashi’s prefectural government has implemented measures to mitigate overcrowding, including a daily hiker limit of 4,000 individuals and the enforcement of a mandatory fee of 2,000 yen ($13) per person, previously optional.
The decision to erect a barrier echoes similar actions taken elsewhere, such as in the Austrian town of Hallstatt, which faced a surge in tourism attributed to its resemblance to the animated film “Frozen”. In May 2023, Hallstatt installed a wooden fence to deter selfie-takers amidst concerns over unsustainable tourism practices.
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