A Japanese Town, Frustrated by Overtourism, Is Blocking Its Instagram-Famous View of Mt. Fuji

Source: Time

A Japanese Town, Frustrated by Overtourism, Is Blocking Its Instagram-Famous View of Mt. Fuji

BY KOH EWEAPRIL 26, 2024 5:00 AM EDT

For months, Fujikawaguchiko, a Japanese resort town, has been swarmed with tourists eager to soak in the views of Mount Fuji, the country’s tallest mountain. The visitors have also taken a particular interest in one specific parking lot, which offers a picturesque view of the famed volcano in the background of a convenience store.

As the spot surged in popularity after earning a reputation on social media for being “very Japanese,” a local official told AFP, throngs of tourists have wreaked havoc, sometimes parking their cars without permission, leaving litter behind, and even climbing onto the roof of a nearby dental clinic in hopes of a better vantage point for the perfect shot.

Now, residents of Fujikawaguchiko are taking matters into their own hands, armed with plans to install a big barrier to block the view of the mountain. As early as next week, construction will begin for a mesh net measuring 2.5 meters (8 feet) high and 20 meters (22 yards) long.

“It’s regrettable we have to do this, because of some tourists who can’t respect rules,” the official said, adding that the screen will stay in place until the situation eases.

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Read more: https://time.com/6971316/japan-mount-fuji-barrier-block-tourist-view/