Fujikawaguchiko, a small town in Japan located at the base of Mount Fuji, recently made headlines for its controversial decision to block views of the iconic mountain. The town gained international attention for its unique photo op where Mount Fuji could be seen behind an outpost of the Lawson’s convenience store chain on the main street. However, the popularity of this spot on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok led to an influx of tourists from around the world, causing issues for the town and its residents.
According to reports, the increased tourism brought about problems such as littering, disregard for traffic rules, and disruptive behavior by visitors. In response to these challenges, Fujikawaguchiko erected a large black net in May to block the view of Mount Fuji from the Lawson’s photo op area. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some supporting the move to manage overtourism while others criticized the town for limiting access to a popular attraction.
Despite initial plans to only temporarily install the net due to strong winds in the area, city officials quietly had it taken down on August 15, with no set timeline for its return. A city councilor mentioned that since the net was put up, there has been a noticeable decrease in people lingering in the area, indicating that the barrier had been effective in controlling the crowds. Security guards continue to patrol the area, and the net can be reinstalled if the situation changes.
Before the net was installed, the Lawson’s photo op area was so crowded that the store issued a formal apology for its overwhelming popularity. Residents in the vicinity also reported various issues, including trespassing, littering, and disrespectful behavior by visitors. The situation had become untenable, prompting the town to take action to address the negative impacts of overtourism on the community.
Fujikawaguchiko, with a population of around 10,000 people, serves as the starting point for one of the most popular hiking trails up Mount Fuji. Concerns about the environmental impact of tourism on the mountain have been raised in recent years, with reports of littering, improper hiking gear, and accidents among visitors. To address these issues, new measures were implemented, such as a daily cap on the number of climbers and an entrance fee to support maintenance costs.
In conclusion, the reversal of Fujikawaguchiko’s decision to block views of Mount Fuji reflects the ongoing challenges faced by destinations dealing with overtourism. The town’s experience serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving the environment and local community. As travel patterns continue to evolve, it is essential for destinations to implement sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of their attractions.
