The subject of over-tourism is a hotly debated one. What to do about too many people tramping over the venerated beauty spots of the planet? How to protect cultural and environmental treasures for future generations? As cities like Venice and Barcelona tackle the problem by introducing measures such as day taxes to limit the numbers, others resort to more esoteric means.
Mount Fuji, a symbol of natural beauty and national pride for Japan, has long been a subject of countless photographs and a major tourist attraction. The town of Fujikawaguchiko, located at the base of Mount Fuji, became a hotspot for a specific photo opportunity that showcased the mountain’s grandeur behind a local convenience store. This particular view gained immense popularity on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, drawing crowds from all over the world.
The influx of tourists brought with it a seemingly endless series of problems for the small town. Reports of littering, traffic violations, and general disregard for local regulations led to mounting frustrations among the residents. In response, the town officials took the drastic—and perhaps singular– step of installing a large black net to obscure the view of Mount Fuji, hoping to deter the crowds and alleviate the issues caused by over-tourism.
As the saying goes, it seemed like a good idea at the time. The decision did bring some relief from the hordes of badly behaving tourists in search of a unique photo op. but others felt it was an extreme measure that deprived many of the joy of witnessing Mount Fuji’s splendor.
Officials have now back pedaled and decided to remove the net. The beloved view of Mount Fuji has now been restored. The town councilor mentioned that the barrier could be reinstalled if necessary, but for now, tourists get to enjoy the unobstructed view of one of the most photographed mountains on the planet. Security guards continue to patrol the area to ensure safety and compliance with local rules.
The Mount Fuji area is not the only one in Japan to be looking for a remedy to the overexposure and bad behavior of tourists. Kyoto, a city that harmoniously blends tradition with modernity, has recently taken steps to preserve the tranquility and sanctity of its historic districts. In an effort to manage over-tourism and protect the privacy of its residents, particularly the geisha community, Kyoto has implemented restrictions on tourist access to certain private alleyways in the Gion district. This measure aims to curb the disturbances caused by overcrowding and inappropriate behavior, ensuring that the cultural heritage and local customs are respected.
Other areas like Osaka and Hakone are also exploring measures to manage the influx of visitors while preserving the quality of life for locals.
The story of Fujikawaguchiko and its Mount Fuji view serves as a reminder of the heavy price that the widespread accessibility of travel causes to the very sites that draw us like magnets. Our love for Venice’s canals, the exotic beauty of the Geisha district or of Mount Fuji, may destroy them if we don’t take radical measures to protect them, but a black net may not be the way to go.
