Japan's Fujikawaguchiko Replaces Tourist Barrier Amid Mount Fuji Photo Frenzy

You know how sometimes you visit a place and it becomes super popular, and then people start to get a bit out of hand? That's what's happening in a Japanese town called Fujikawaguchiko, where tourists are flocking to take photos of Mount Fuji. The town is trying to manage the crowds and keep the area safe and clean, but it's been a bit of a challenge.

Fujikawaguchiko upgrades its tourist barrier for unobstructed Mount Fuji views

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So, what's going on? Well, the town recently put up a barrier to block the view of Mount Fuji from a popular photo spot. The barrier is 2.5 meters high and 20 meters wide, and it's designed to keep people from crossing the road to get a better view of the mountain. The idea is to prevent accidents and keep the area clean, but it's not been without controversy.

Some people are upset because they feel like the barrier is ruining the scenic view and limiting their freedom to take photos. Others are worried about the impact on local businesses, as the crowds are causing problems for residents and shopkeepers.

Despite the controversy, the town is sticking to its plan to replace the barrier with a stronger and potentially lighter-colored material. The new barrier is expected to be more effective in deterring unruly tourists and ensuring that the area remains safe and clean.

Mayor Hideyuki Watanabe shared with reporters that he "hopes to change the barrier as soon as possible" before the summer holiday season, according to the Asahi Shimbun daily.

Local residents in Fujikawaguchiko have reacted to the replacement of the barrier with mixed feelings. Some residents expressed concerns about issues like littering, trespassing, and traffic violations by tourists, which led to the initial installation of the barrier. They likely support the replacement as a measure to address these problems and maintain order in the area.

However, there may also be residents who view the replacement negatively, possibly seeing it as an obstruction to their freedom to take photos or as impacting the scenic beauty of the area. Overall, the reaction among local residents is likely a mix of support for the town's efforts to manage tourism-related challenges and concerns about the impact of the barrier on the town's environment and atmosphere.

In addition to the installation of the barrier, Fujikawaguchiko is taking several measures to manage tourism and address the issues caused by overtourism:

1. Signs and Language Support: Signs are being posted in multiple languages to urge visitors to use designated crosswalks, avoid running into the road, and respect local regulations.

2. Security Guards: The town has hired security guards to help manage the crowds and maintain order.

3. Entry Fee for Mount Fuji: The Japanese government has introduced a 2,000 yen ($13) entry fee per person for hikers planning to ascend Mount Fuji this summer, with a daily cap of 4,000 visitors to manage congestion.

4. Restrictions on Commercial Tours: The National Park Service has restricted commercial private tours to the Statue of Liberty to relieve congestion and improve the visitor experience.

5. Day-Trip Fee in Venice: Venice has implemented a pilot program charging day-trippers a 5-euro ($5.35) entry fee to discourage overcrowding and improve the livability of the historic city for its residents.

6. Increased Security and Enforcement: The town is increasing security and enforcement measures to address issues like littering, trespassing, and traffic violations.

7. Community Engagement: Local businesses and residents are working together to address the issues and find solutions that balance tourism with local needs.

These measures aim to manage the influx of tourists, maintain order, and preserve the local environment and culture.

So, what does this mean for you if you're planning to visit Fujikawaguchiko? Well, you might need to adjust your expectations a bit. The barrier is there to keep you safe, so you'll need to find other ways to get a good view of Mount Fuji. But don't worry, there are plenty of other amazing things to see and do in the area!

In the meantime, the town is working hard to find a solution that works for everyone. They're trying to strike a balance between preserving the natural beauty of the area and accommodating the needs and desires of tourists. It's a tough job, but they're doing their best to make sure everyone has a great time.