A Japanese town on Tuesday began work to set up a large black screen to block the view of Mt. Fuji at a popular photo spot in response to what it calls unruly behavior from tourists.
The sight of Japan's highest mountain towering over a Lawson convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, can be captured from across a road and has become popular among foreign tourists after the picturesque location rose to fame on social media.
According to town officials and other sources, the area started drawing crowds around December 2022. Littering and illegal parking have become issues, while visitors have also been seen jaywalking on a road used frequently by large buses and other vehicles.
The town has stationed security guards and posted warnings in English to manage the crowds. However, the measures have done little to improve the situation.
A 2.5-meter high and 20-meter wide black barrier will be installed on the sidewalk by the end of May. The town has said there are no issues with the plan, as the sidewalk is its property.
"It makes me proud to think this is the best spot to see Mt. Fuji, so it is a shame, but I understand this painful decision must be made as an accident could happen anytime," said a 72-year-old man living in the neighborhood.
Japan has seen a spike in tourism since lifting coronavirus border control steps in April 2023, with the yen's weakness helping drive visitor numbers. The country saw a record 3.08 million foreign visitors in March.
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