A well-intentioned plan to curb tourist congestion in Japan has hit a snag. The town of Fujikawaguchiko, a popular viewing spot for Mount Fuji, erected a large black mesh screen to deter photo-snapping crowds. However, the strategy seems to have backfired – tourists are creating holes in the screen to get their perfect Fuji shot.
A Screen with Unforeseen Holes at Mount Fuji
Fujikawaguchiko officials installed the 8.2-foot-high, 66-foot-long screen last week at a cost of 1.3 million yen (£6,485). Unfortunately, within a day, a hole appeared in the material. By Tuesday morning, authorities had discovered around 10 similar holes, all conveniently placed at eye level and sized perfectly for camera lenses.
The Mount Fuji screen was intended to address concerns from local residents about the negative effects of overtourism. Tourists blocking narrow sidewalks, wandering into traffic, and trespassing on private property to capture the ideal Mount Fuji photo had become a growing problem. One particularly popular vantage point is outside a Lawson convenience store, where a specific angle creates the illusion of Mount Fuji resting on the store’s roof. This photo opportunity seems to be a major motivator for the determined tourists, willing to breach the barrier to get the iconic shot.
A Net Gain Despite the Holes?
Despite the Mount Fuji screen’s compromised state, officials maintain it has helped alleviate some of the overcrowding. The screen, along with additional fencing, appears to have had a positive impact on managing tourist flow. Fujikawaguchiko’s struggle with overtourism highlights a global issue. Many destinations are grappling with the negative consequences of excessive visitor numbers and are implementing various measures to limit the impact on local communities and ecosystems.
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