Image credits - CNA
Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, has removed a barrier that was put in place to manage a surge of unruly tourists eager to capture photographs of Mount Fuji. The large screen, which was installed in May to block a popular viewpoint, was taken down on August 15, ahead of an approaching typhoon. The town’s decision to lower the barrier comes in response to a notable decrease in tourist activity, which has eased some of the local disruptions caused by the influx of visitors.
The barrier had been erected after residents complained about the disruptive behavior of large crowds, mostly composed of foreign tourists, who converged on the area to photograph the iconic volcano. These disruptions included traffic congestion and pedestrians blocking roads while trying to get the perfect shot. The screen, positioned to obscure the view of Mount Fuji, was intended to alleviate these problems by redirecting foot traffic away from busy areas.
With the recent drop in tourism, the town officials decided to remove the barrier to assess the impact on local conditions. “We wanted to see what would happen,” a town official told AFP. The official noted that while there are still some visitors, the frequency of chaotic situations, such as tourists rushing into traffic, has decreased significantly.
During the period when the barrier was in place, photographs taken from a narrow pavement in front of a local dentist’s office became popular online. These images featured Mount Fuji in the background, framed by a convenience store, and added to the area’s appeal.
As the summer tourist season winds down, Fujikawaguchiko remains prepared to reinstall the barrier if tourist numbers increase again and the associated problems resurface. The town’s experience underscores the challenges faced by popular destinations in balancing the needs of visitors with those of local residents, and highlights the dynamic nature of managing tourism in high-profile locations.