Japanese Town Finally Installs Barrier To Block The Popular Mount Fuji Vantage Point
Thanks, tourists.
By Sadho Ram — 21 May 2024, 03:06 PM
Authorities in the Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko have finally erected a large mesh barrier to block the view of Mount Fuji from a popular vantage point after locals complained about badly behaved tourists
A 2.5m high and 20m long wide mesh screen now blocks the sight of Japan's most famous and Instagram-worthy sight behind a Lawson convenience store in the Yamanashi Prefecture town, reported Kyodo News.
Photos showed workers setting up the large black screen to obstruct the view of Mount Fuji.
The spot has been a popular destination for foreign tourists
Fujikawaguchiko locals, however, grew tired of the visitors' presence.
They complained that the tourists misbehaved, ignored a smoking ban, and broke traffic rules by parking illegally to pose for photos in front of the popular vantage point to shoot the snow-capped stratovolcano.
"I hope that the net will prevent dangerous activities," AFP quoted a resident, Michie Motomochi as saying. She runs a traditional Japanese sweet shop near the popular spot.
A disappointed tourist said that she understands why the barrier is needed.
"I think it's disappointing [...] It's obviously an iconic shot. But it's completely understandable. We were here last night, managing to get the last shot before they were putting up the wall, and there were so many people. It's quite dangerous because of the traffic coming through," Christina Roys was quoted as saying.
Tourists are seen taking photos of Mount Fuji appearing over a convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko town.
Image via Kyodo via ReutersAuthorities said the mesh barrier was a last option for the town after measures such as stationing security guards and posting warnings in English to manage the crowds did little to improve the situation
"It's regrettable we have to do this, because of some tourists who can't respect rules," a town official from Fujikawaguchiko was quoted as saying by AFP last month.
