Japan town to obstruct views of Mount Fuji due to unruly visitors

NEW DELHI: According to the authorities, the Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko has chosen to obstruct the view of Mount Fuji in an attempt to prevent overtourism and safeguard the location from those who are unable to “respect rules.”

According to a town official in Fujikawaguchiko, “it’s regrettable we have to do this because of some tourists who can’t respect rules,” such as disregarding traffic laws and leaving rubbish behind.

The official said that work on the mesh net, which would be 20 meters long and 2.5 meters (8 feet) high, may start as early as next week.
Following an earlier this year ban on access to tiny, secret passages in Kyoto’s Geisha district, this is Japan’s second overt action against overtourism.

Japan’s tallest peak, Mount Fuji, may be photographed from a variety of angles, but this particular spot is well-liked as the volcano appears behind a Lawson convenience shop, which is rather ubiquitous in the nation.
“A reputation has spread on social media that this spot is very Japanese, making it a popular photo location,” the town official remarked in reference to this.
The majority of the visitors, he added, are not Japanese, and they are packing the sidewalk behind the Lawson store.
Not everyone has embraced the decision, especially in Kyoto, where residents have voiced complaints about visitors pestering the city’s finely attired geisha.