News Fujikawaguchiko blocking Mt. Fuji view due to tourist overcrowding

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Fujikawaguchiko town decided to take drastic action to address the issue of overcrowding by installing a massive barrier that will obstruct the view of Mount Fuji from a popular photo spot. The decision comes in response to the unruly behaviour of foreign tourists, which is causing problems in the area. The mesh net, which will be 2.5 meters high and as long as a cricket pitch (approximately 20 meters), is set to be constructed in the coming week, according to an official from Fujikawaguchiko town. The picturesque viewpoint, known for its stunning backdrop of the majestic volcano behind a ubiquitous Lawson convenience store, has become a magnet for tourists seeking the perfect shot.

Fujikawaguchiko

However, the influx of visitors, mainly non-Japanese tourists, has led to several issues. Tourists have disregarded rules, left litter behind, and even ignored traffic regulations. Despite traffic signs and repeated warnings from security guards, the situation persisted, prompting the town to resort to this drastic measure. The barrier will not only protect the view of Mount Fuji but also serve as a safeguard for a nearby dental clinic. Tourists have been parking without permission and, in some cases, even climbing onto the clinic's roof to capture the perfect photo.

The town officials regret that such extreme action is necessary but emphasize that it is a last resort. The plan is to maintain the screen until the situation improves.


www.theguardian.com

Mount Fuji view to be blocked as tourists overcrowd popular photo spot

Fujikawaguchiko town official says choice to erect huge barrier is ‘regrettable’ and last resort
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
Is this mostly a recent phenomemon? Or have tourists always been so bad? Not just in Japan, there have been an increased number of stories about misbehaving tourists post-Covid 19.
 
It started pre-Covid. I remember complaints and incidents in Kamakura and elsewhere:

Kamakura steps up safety measures on Slam Dunk site

Fans of the baseball anime series "Slam Dunk" know the location: Kamakurakōkōmae Station along the coastline of Kamakura has turned into a pilgrimage site for tourists from all over the world, particularly from Asian nations. Complaints and incidents have been surging, with dozens of tourists...
jref.com jref.com

One thing's for sure: the favourable exchange rates attract a clientele Japan hasn't seen before. Pair this with the fact that "anything goes" for that memorable Instagram shot, and you comprehend why Fujisan needs to be blocked. I am happy to see Japan opening up to international travellers, but there is still a steep learning curve.
 
The plague that is Instagram. I cannot help commiserating the locals. Watch the video.

news.yahoo.co.jp

「富士山を遮断」人気撮影スポットに幅20メートルの黒幕を町が設置へ　観光客の“マナー違反”に「最終手段をとらざるを得なかった」 観光客・住民から様々な声【news23】（TBS NEWS DIG Powered by JNN） - Yahoo!ニュース

観光客が殺到するある自治体。人が集まる撮影スポットに「富士山を隠す」大きな黒い幕を設置することを決めました。この方針に様々な声があがっています。 ■道路に寝そべる、入口に座り込んで食事をとる、ポイ
news.yahoo.co.jp news.yahoo.co.jp
 
There's a picture gallery, too:

web.archive.org

「富士山を遮断」人気撮影スポットに幅20メートルの黒幕を町が設置へ　観光客の“マナー違反”に「最終手段をとらざるを得なかった」 観光客・住民から様々な声【news23】 | TBS NEWS DIG (1ページ)

観光客が殺到するある自治体。人が集まる撮影スポットに「富士山を隠す」大きな黒い幕を設置することを決めました。この方針に様々な声があがっています。喜入友浩キャスター「歩道を埋め尽くすように観光客の方が… (1ページ)
web.archive.org web.archive.org
 
8a1c6fd275d21da84285e7749d0b9511.webp

A few days ago, Fuji-Kawaguchiko installed a black plastic sheet to protect the Kawaguchiko Ekimaemae Lawson. However, that's not enough to tame the hordes of inbounds eager to gain Instagram fame:


An increasing number of tourists have already been seen heading to a different Lawson store only about 1 kilometer west that offers a similar view of Japan's tallest peak. Some residents there are bracing for a repeat of the bad behavior from visitors. The black plastic sheet, 20 meters long and 2.5 meters high, was placed between the road in front of Lawson's Kawaguchiko Ekimae store and the sidewalk of the opposite side on 21 May. The workers first installed poles between the road and the 1-meter-wide sidewalk, and then attached the sheet.
Click to expand...

:LOL:

 
Thanks @salyavin, the video really shows whats it's like on the ground, and illustrates the kind of general nuisance at the Fuji Lawson

While I personally take a lot of photos to act as a memory aid, and taking the images myself is important for this reason, I don't understand why people are so bent on recreating the exact same image they see online.

I think the clear answer is to improve signage and have safety officers who can communicate with foreign tourists, to start. You can't stop them from coming, so make sure the situation provides for them to safely enjoy their copycat instagram moment.
 
So tourists have indeed found another Lawson nearby. :LOL:

​



While some still try their luck at the original viral location.

19e6877fd3d0b8afe41bf027aeaa6ad8.jpg

Photo credit: Asahi​



www.independent.co.uk

Japanese town blocks iconic Mount Fuji view to stop bad behaviour by tourists

Residents and businesses in Fujikawaguchiko have been frustrated for years because of tourists who litter, trespass, and break traffic rules to take a perfect photo for social media
www.independent.co.uk www.independent.co.uk
 
Yesterday, my brother asked me if that "black wall" was covered by J-media; it's obviously reported all over Europe.

I think we'll soon see a BRICK WALL in front of Lawson. 🧱



english.kyodonews.net

Holes found in black screen blocking viral Mt. Fuji photo spot

Holes have been found in a large black screen set up by a central Japan town to block a scenic view of Mt. Fuji after criticism of tourists' behavior at the viral photo spot, according to the town.
english.kyodonews.net english.kyodonews.net
 
A town in Japan is taking steps to stop tourists from causing trouble while attempting to capture the perfect picture of Mount Fuji – a month after a nearby destination was forced to take drastic measures. Fuji City, in the Shizuoka prefecture, is home to 'The Fuji Dream Bridge', which aligns directly with the outline of the famous mountain – and from some angles, the steps look like they lead right up to Japan's highest peak.

Vehicles drive across the bridge, which has a walkway next to it for pedestrians—but seemingly so desperate for the image, many snappers have been straying into the road. Despite being used by locals for years without issue, an influx of visitors onto the bridge has disrupted the community, with complaints over illegal parking, litter, loud noise, and even tourists defecating in public.

www.independent.co.uk

Second Japan town blocks view of Mount Fuji in battle with problem tourists

Influencers blamed as unruly visitors disrupt community in their search for the perfect picture
www.independent.co.uk www.independent.co.uk


I'd say let them pay for their IG shots! :)





​
 
Update: The temporary screen blocking the iconic view of Mount Fuji from a Lawson convenience store in Kawaguchiko has been removed just three months after its installation. The barrier was erected in May to curb unruly tourist behaviour, including jaywalking and littering, that had disrupted residents' lives. However, the screen was removed on 15 August as a precautionary measure ahead of Typhoon No. 7. While there are currently no plans to reinstall it, local authorities have indicated that they may reconsider if tourist behaviour continues to be problematic. The removal of the screen marks a victory for those who opposed the barrier, arguing that it obstructed the scenic view vital to the local tourism industry.


Mount Fuji barrier

Photo taken yesterday: no screen and no Mt. Fuji (photo credit: Munekata Yusui)​

Before the screen was added, the site had become a popular photo spot among foreign tourists. The unique view of Mount Fuji—seemingly rising from the roof of a ubiquitous Japanese convenience store—had drawn many visitors. After holes appeared in the screen, apparently caused by tourists attempting to take photos through them, officials reinforced the barrier on 25 July with more robust material. They also changed the screen's colour from black to brown to blend with the scenery better. The screen installation and local efforts to educate tourists seem to have had a positive impact. Officials report that the area has remained orderly since the barrier was removed.
Click to expand...

 
If my wife didn't take pictures when we travel, it wouldn't even occur to me any more most of the time. When I used to live there, I took more pictures, but I think I stopped when I didn't see the point any more. That was the time before Instagram and the whole idea of "pic or it didn't happen".

It makes me sad, because sights like Mt. Fuji are amazing and worth sharing with the world. But the problems brought about people's behaviour reminds me of "this is why we can't have nice things". Obviously, this is not limited to Kawagochiko.
 
I started taking pictures at age 7. Now I have 8 large boxes of old pictures & negatives shoved in a closet and about 25 reels of slides with 100 pics in each reel. 2 years ago I bought a $700 machine to convert them all on my computer and have never plugged it in. At 74 , it all just seems overwhelming a project to take on. I imagine when I die , they will all go to the dump. I try and tell myself , just do a little at a time , but never follow through. The slides I took in Japan had little cardboard holders which over the years came unglued and the pictures have fallen out which makes dealing with them almost impossible.
 
Grandpa Frank said:
I started taking pictures at age 7. Now I have 8 large boxes of old pictures & negatives shoved in a closet and about 25 reels of slides with 100 pics in each reel. 2 years ago I bought a $700 machine to convert them all on my computer and have never plugged it in. At 74 , it all just seems overwhelming a project to take on. I imagine when I die , they will all go to the dump. I try and tell myself , just do a little at a time , but never follow through. The slides I took in Japan had little cardboard holders which over the years came unglued and the pictures have fallen out which makes dealing with them almost impossible.
Click to expand...

I cannot tell you how much I'd love to see your Japan slides from the '70s! 🤩
 
I thought people in japan were really nice. Doesn't seem very nice to obscure the perfect photo of one of the most beautiful parts of japan, and in the world.
 
There are such a large number of places to take beautiful pictures of Mount Fuji. This particular spot became popular and caused problems with tourists ignoring traffic rules etc.
 
It's not even really that great of a spot. Mt Fuji behind a convenience store. :rolleyes:
But somebody put it on Instagram and all the sheep followed and the sheep didn't follow basic common sense rules, ruining it for everybody.
And so it goes.
 
​


Kawaguchiko's famous "Mount Fuji Lawson" is back in the news, as the "snow-capped mountain behind combini" attracts a new wave of tourists:

The local authorities in Fujiyoshida hope that foreign tourists' recent behaviour has improved and that measures like blocking the view of Mount Fuji will be unnecessary in the future. Mayor Hideyuki Watanabe expressed optimism about changing attitudes among foreign visitors. He noted decreased littering and increased adherence to queuing rules for photo opportunities.

Unimpeded view of Mt. Fuji to remain unless tourists act up

Photo credit: Toyohira Shin via Asahi​

Mayor Watanabe emphasized the town's welcoming stance towards domestic and foreign tourists. He stressed the importance of preserving a positive image and allowing visitors to capture beautiful memories of Mount Fuji.

But not all the problems have gone away. Foreign tourists still tend to ignore the crosswalks on both sides of the convenience store in crossing the street to take photos. Officials have also noted an increase in visitors trying to capture snow-capped Mount Fuji. The town government has installed an 80-centimeter-high metal railing extending for six meters between the sidewalk in front of the convenience store and the prefectural road. Another railing has been installed on the other side of the road to prevent jaywalking. There are also plans to paint the crosswalk green to attract the attention of pedestrians and encourage them to use the crosswalk.
Click to expand...

"Convenience store Mount Fuji" is one of the candidates for this year's buzzword of the year.
 

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