top of page
Writer's picturemeowdini
May 292 min read

Holes in Screen Meant to Block Mount Fuji Snapshots Frustrate Japanese Town’s Efforts

In an attempt to manage over-tourism and improve safety, the Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko recently erected a large black screen to block tourists from snapping photos of the iconic Mount Fuji. However, officials reported on Tuesday that the screen has developed several holes, complicating the town's efforts.


Mount Fuji, Fujikawaguchiko, tourist snapshots, over-tourism, Japan travel, safety measures, tourism management, iconic views, Mount Fuji photos

Fujikawaguchiko town's screen to block tourist photos of Mount Fuji develops holes, complicating efforts to manage overcrowding and safety. Learn more about the challenges of over-tourism in Japan.


The Challenge of Over-Tourism

Fujikawaguchiko is a popular destination for viewing and photographing Mount Fuji. The town installed the 2.5-meter (8.2-feet) high black mesh net, stretching 20 meters (66 feet), last Tuesday at a cost of 1.3 million yen ($8,285). The screen was part of a broader effort to ease congestion and enhance safety along the narrow sidewalks frequently overcrowded with tourists.


Holes in the Screen

The day after the screen was erected, officials discovered a hole. By the following Tuesday morning, approximately 10 similar holes were found, all at eye level and seemingly the perfect size for a camera lens. This suggests that some visitors were deliberately damaging the screen to capture unobstructed photos of Mount Fuji.


Popular Viewing Spots and Local Concerns

One particularly popular viewing spot is outside a Lawson convenience store. Photos taken from this location can give the illusion that Mount Fuji is perched atop the store’s roof, making it a sought-after shot. Local residents have expressed concerns about tourists blocking the sidewalks, stepping into busy roads, and trespassing on neighboring properties to get the perfect picture.



Efforts to Manage Over-Tourism

Despite the setbacks, the screen has helped reduce congestion in the area, according to officials. Over-tourism has become a significant issue not only in Fujikawaguchiko but also in other renowned Japanese destinations such as Kyoto and Kamakura. Managing the balance between welcoming tourists and preserving local quality of life remains a complex challenge.

The town is currently working to repair the holes and reinforce the screen, hoping to find a sustainable solution that accommodates both tourists’ desires and residents’ needs.




1 view0 comments

Comments

bottom of page