Click it and Unblock the Notifications
In Fujikawaguchiko town, Japan, officials have taken a significant step to address the issues caused by unruly tourists flocking to a popular selfie spot near Mount Fuji. Reports indicate that panoramic views of the iconic mountain peak will be blocked, and a mesh net, approximately 2.5 meters high and 20 meters long, will be installed at the site.
The decision to block the view stems from concerns over the behavior of tourists who visit the area primarily to capture pictures of Mount Fuji. According to a report in the Independent, the construction of the mesh net is scheduled to commence next week, as confirmed by a local official.
The specific photo spots, particularly one offering a view of Mount Fuji behind a Lawson convenience store in Yamanashi prefecture, have recently witnessed an influx of badly behaved tourists. The behavior of these visitors, which includes leaving litter behind and disregarding traffic regulations despite warnings, has prompted officials to take action.
In a statement to The Japan Times, a Fujikawaguchiko official expressed regret over the necessity of such measures, attributing them to the lack of respect for rules exhibited by certain tourists. The official highlighted the importance of protecting the town's infrastructure and preserving the tranquility of the area as primary motivations behind the decision to install the mesh net.
This development follows a broader trend in Japan aimed at managing tourist behavior and preserving cultural heritage sites. In March of this year, reports emerged that Japan would begin imposing an entry fee of ¥2,000 per person to limit the number of trekkers to Mount Fuji, effective from July 1st, coinciding with the beginning of the climbing season.
Earlier instances of similar initiatives include the decision by officials in Japan's Geisha district in Kyoto to restrict access to tourists who engage in intrusive behavior towards geisha and maiko, the teenage trainee geisha. Additionally, the historic Gion district's local council announced measures to prohibit sightseers and tourists from entering alleys and streets inhabited by geisha and maiko, following years of complaints over disruptive photography.
Despite the measures taken, officials have noted that the Lawson store in Yamanashi has become a favored spot for photography due to its offering of views of Mount Fuji against the backdrop of a typical Japanese convenience store. An unidentified Japanese official highlighted the role of social media in popularizing the location, leading to overcrowding issues extending beyond the pavement adjacent to the store.
Overall, these actions underscore the ongoing efforts by local authorities in Japan to strike a balance between promoting tourism and preserving the integrity of cultural and natural landmarks, ensuring a sustainable and respectful experience for visitors and residents alike.
