Mount Fuji is a very popular natural attraction in Japan. The active volcano has been standing for over 100,000 years. It is most notable for its striking peak, which is the tallest in Japan. So much so that photographers and tourists come to surrounding towns to capture its beauty and excellence at alarming rates. It is not the first Japanese site that tourists have blatantly disrespected. But the people of Japan have had enough of the inconsiderate crowds. If people want to come from all over the world to learn more about Japan and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site for themselves, they should know the impacts. Learn how a Japanese town is curbing over-tourism with a barrier to Mount Fuji.
The Barrier To Mount Fuji
The small resort town, Fujikawaguchiko, has decided to put up a barrier to block tourists’ views of Mount Fuji. The overwhelming number of tourists and their inconsiderate behavior has led to the decision. Since the local community, which is north of Fuji, has suffered at the hands of tourists it is seen as a necessary step to restoring peace. The barrier is also seen as an effort to lessen overcrowding. Technically, the barrier is going to be a series of nets, fences and poles. The net is eight feet high and 66 feet wide. Altogether, these barriers are supposed to discourage jaywalking, large gatherings and stop tourists from becoming a public nuisance.
But that is not all the government is doing to make a change for the local community. There are new policies in effect that will apply to tourists. One of the new policies is a daily limit for hikers and people going to see Mount Fuji. The new limit says that only 4,000 people will be allowed daily. This is a reduction compared to the nearly 5,000 people that hike it a day in peak seasons like July and August. Another new rule comes from a fee that was previously optional. But now, tourists will be required to pay a 2,000 yen fee. This mandatory fee equals out to be around $13.
The Reason For The Barrier
Over the years locals have had to endure various unfortunate circumstances due to tourists. Some of the most common concerns have to do with the impacts of over-tourism. Environmental and societal issues have risen in response to how tourists have behaved or what their presence has done to the mountain and Japan, in general. The top concerns are rising CO2 emissions, reckless hikers and the community and mountain being trashed by visitors. In fact, sadly, some locals have nicknamed the attraction “trash mountain” due to the incessant littering.
A local store has also been a big reason the barrier is being put into place. The town, which is otherwise known as Kawaguchiko, has been at the mercy of tourists and they have even impacted the Lawson convenience store. Lawson’s is one of Japan’s largest convenience store chains. But it has started to get overrun by tourists. Tourists have actually – there to get the best photo opportunities. This gathering has led to unauthorized parking, blocking of the entrance and even some people climbing onto the roof. Obstructions to the pedestrian walkways also have caused issues. Signs (in multiple languages) have been put up to discourage these behaviors but not much change has taken place. The barrier is the next line of defense for this Japanese community.