Japan Deals With Overtourism at Mount Fuji

Speaking to reporters, a Fujikawaguchiko town official said the barrier is 2.5 meters high and 2 meters long. The erection of the barrier to block the view of Mount Fuji at the photo spot will be implemented as early as next week. The official also expressed regret that the measure had to be implemented because some tourists did not respect the regulations, littered and ignored traffic regulations.

It is the latest drastic measure taken by Japanese authorities to combat overtourism. Visitors can take photos of Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain, from several locations in the resort town of Fujikawaguchiko. However, the location of the barricades is particularly popular with tourists because the majestic volcano appears behind a Lawson convenience store, a popular convenience store chain that has locations across Japan.

The location has gone viral on social media and has become a popular photo spot, according to the official. Most foreign tourists usually crowd the sidewalk next to the Lawson store. As tourists ignore traffic signs and warnings from security guards, the town authorities decided to use the barricades as a last resort. The measure is also intended to protect a nearby dental clinic from disruptive tourists. Tourists sometimes park their cars at the clinic without permission and even climb onto the roof to get the perfect photo.

Located between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures in eastern Japan, Mount Fuji has always been a favorite of both domestic and international tourists. But the recent surge in visitors to Japan has led to extreme pollution and other problems. The UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 2013 has further increased Mount Fuji's popularity. However, the designation comes with the condition that Japan must reduce overcrowding, reduce its environmental impact, and improve artificial landscapes such as large parking lots that have been built to accommodate tourists.