Japan Considers New Mount Fuji Barrier Because Tourists Have Already Damaged Current One
Tourists started poking holes in the barrier just a week since the barrier was installed.
By Tamara Jayne — 31 May 2024, 05:36 PM
Japan is planning to install a stronger barrier after tourists damaged the current one blocking the view of Mount Fuji
The Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko, which has a popular viewing spot of Mount Fuji, recently installed a mesh barrier to prevent unruly tourists.
Residents had complained of tourists littering, trespassing, and breaking traffic rules in the town, prompting officials to set up the black netting.
However, within just a week, the mesh barrier was said to already be damaged, with people having poked about 10 small holes in it.
Despite officials patching up the holes, new ones have appeared daily
SoraNews24 reported that the city plans to replace the current mesh netting with a stronger, more aesthetic barrier.
They are considering a brighter colour for the new screen, such as blue, green, silver, or brown, to make the area look cheerier and to indicate that it isn't just a short-term measure.
The town's mayor, Hideyuki Watanabe, said that although the current netting has led to fewer tourists congregating at the photo-taking spot, he described the cause of the holes as "a disappointing lack of morals".He told reporters that he hopes to "change the barrier as soon as possible", before the summer season rolls around.
The town also plans to incorporate QR codes onto the barrier to encourage tourists to visit other attractions, including alternative spots for capturing photos of Mount Fuji
An official mentioned that they will consider taking down the barrier when the spot becomes less popular.
Japan has seen a significant increase in tourists so far this year. In March, the number of international visitors surpassed three million for the first time in a single month, exceeding even pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Overall, tourist numbers for 2023 were also strong, reaching 25 million visitors, which is 80% of the record set in 2019.
