Japan Takes Down The Mount Fuji Barrier 3 Months After It Was Erected
The screen was installed to deter unruly tourists.
Japanese authorities have decided to take down the black mesh screen that blocked a popular Mount Fuji photo spot in the town of Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Photo taken 21 May of tourists standing nearby as workers erect a barrier to block the popular photo spot.
Image via Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters
Mount Fuji, which towers majestically behind a Lawson convenience store in the Japanese town, began attracting streams of visitors trying to capture the perfect shot of the famous volcano.
The barrier, which was initially erected in May, was meant to deter misbehaving tourists from causing trouble and disrupting the locals' daily lives. Many visitors ignored smoking bans, littered, parked illegally, and even dashed into traffic to pose for photos in front of the popular vantage point.
Tourists posing for photos in front of a Lawson convenience store on 21 May.
Image via Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters
The barrier will stay down — at least for now
The barrier was temporarily taken down on 15 August ahead of a typhoon due to safety concerns, according to NHK World Japan.
Since then, no major problems have arisen. While some visitors still come by, the rush of tourists darting into traffic has notably decreased. The town has decided not to reinstall the screen.
However, security personnel continue to patrol the surrounding area to ensure safety.
"Depending on the situation, the screen may be erected again. We want to wait and see for a while before making a decision. I hope people are enjoying the sightseeing and take photos of Mount Fuji from a safe place while following the rules," said a staff member of the Fujikawaguchiko Town Urban Development Division.
Workers are seen erecting the black mesh screen to block the popular Mount Fuji photo spot on 21 May.
Image via Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters
Japan initially set up a barrier to prevent overtourism:
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