New barrier in Japan limits tourist access for photos of Mount Fuji

A picturesque town in Japan is taking drastic steps to address the challenges of overtourism as tourists flock to a bustling convenience store for the perfect photo opportunity of the iconic Mount Fuji.

Fujikawaguchiko, nestled at the foot of the Yoshida Trail leading to Mount Fuji, has been inundated with foreign visitors eager to capture snapshots of Japan’s iconic peak. The viewpoint outside Lawson’s, a convenience store, has become particularly popular, offering a striking contrast between its neon-lit facade and the serene backdrop of the majestic mountain.

Despite repeated warnings and the presence of security personnel, the town has been grappling with issues of littering and disregard for traffic regulations. In response, local authorities have made the decision to install a large mesh barrier to obstruct the view, as reported by CNN.

This decision underscores the town’s frustration with the situation, with an unnamed official expressing disappointment at the necessity of such action due to ongoing challenges with tourist behavior.

The mesh barrier, standing eight feet high and spanning 66 feet across, is set to be installed early next week, symbolising the town’s effort to regain control over its environment.

Situated in Yamanashi prefecture, Fujikawaguchiko is located to the north of Mount Fuji, approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers) west of Tokyo. The town’s struggle reflects broader issues of overtourism that have plagued Japan since its reopening post-pandemic in late 2022.

March 2024 witnessed record-breaking tourism figures, with over three million foreign visitors entering the country, further straining Mount Fuji’s delicate ecosystem. The influx of tourists, attracted to the UNESCO World Heritage site, has resulted in environmental degradation and littering, raising concerns among local authorities.

Masatake Izumi, an official from the Yamanashi prefectural government, highlighted overtourism as a significant challenge, describing it as the primary issue facing Mount Fuji. Despite its status as a national symbol, the mountain has unfortunately been dubbed “trash mountain” due to the accumulation of waste left behind by irresponsible visitors.

In response, the Yamanashi prefectural government has implemented measures to alleviate overcrowding, including a daily hiker limit of 4,000 individuals and the enforcement of a mandatory fee of 2,000 yen (USD 13) per person, previously optional.

The decision to erect a barrier mirrors similar actions taken elsewhere, such as in the Austrian town of Hallstatt, which experienced a surge in tourism due to its resemblance to the animated film “Frozen”. In May 2023, Hallstatt installed a wooden fence to discourage selfie-taking amid concerns about unsustainable tourism practices.