The town of Fujikawaguchiko in Japan has initiated a unique measure to address issues caused by tourists crowding popular scenic spots to capture photos of Mount Fuji. Concerned about the behavior of foreign tourists, such as littering and disregarding traffic rules, the town has started constructing a large black screen along a sidewalk to obstruct the view of the mountain.
The decision comes after complaints from residents about tourists blocking sidewalks, taking photos in dangerous areas, and trespassing on private property. The surge in visitors was sparked by a viral photo angle known as "Mt. Fuji Lawson," where Mount Fuji appears to sit atop a local convenience store, attracting tourists to the area.
Efforts to manage the situation, including multilingual signs and hiring security guards, have proven ineffective. Now, the town plans to install a 2.5-meter-high and 20-meter-long black mesh net to block the view of Mount Fuji almost entirely.
While some tourists see this measure as an overreaction, others understand the concerns of locals. The influx of tourists to Japan, especially after pandemic restrictions were lifted, has led to overcrowding in popular destinations, triggering complaints from residents.
Despite the uncertainty about the effectiveness of the black screen, residents like Michie Motomochi and Yoshihiko Ogawa feel they must adapt to the situation as tourism continues to boom in their area. As Japan aims to attract even more tourists, finding a balance between tourism promotion and preserving local livelihoods remains a challenge.
