Fujikawaguchiko, a town near Japan's iconic Mount Fuji, has decided to obscure the panoramic views of the mountain and a popular selfie spot with a mesh net. This measure aims to address the growing problem of unruly tourist behavior at these locations, where visitors often flock to capture photos of the picturesque mountain peak.
The decision to obstruct the view comes as reports highlight incidents of disrespectful behavior by tourists, including littering and disregarding traffic regulations, particularly at photo spots like the one behind a Lawson convenience store in Yamanashi prefecture. A local official expressed regret over the necessity of this action, attributing it to the behavior of some tourists who fail to adhere to rules and guidelines.
Construction of the mesh net, measuring approximately 2.5 meters in height and 20 meters in length, is scheduled to commence in the coming week, according to reports. The official emphasized that installing the net will help protect the town's infrastructure and maintain the tranquility of the area amidst increasing tourist activity.
This move follows similar measures implemented elsewhere in Japan to address issues related to tourism. In March of this year, Japan announced plans to introduce an entry fee for trekkers visiting Mount Fuji, aiming to regulate the number of climbers during the peak climbing season. Additionally, efforts have been made in Kyoto's Geisha district and the Gion district to address concerns over disruptive tourist behavior, with measures ranging from limiting access to certain areas to banning photography in specific locations housing geisha and maiko.
