Everything you need to know about the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival Every autumn, the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi provides foliage enthusiasts with something exciting to look forward to: a stunning display of seasonal color, which is celebrated at the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival and spending time surrounded by fall’s brilliant colors is a humbling experience; to be among the turning leaves as they put on one final magnificent display is an experience you won’t soon forget before visiting Kawaguchiko for the first time in 2019 I’d never experienced such beauty in the form of leaves visitors from across the world venture to the shores of Lake Kawaguchi to admire the approximately 400 to 500 autumn trees that put on a show This year’s festival — the 26th iteration — runs from October 26 to November 20 The festival is more than just fall leaves; it also boasts a craft market stages with traditional drumming among other performances Most sightseers will browse the market stalls briefly but will spend most of their time admiring the leaves and taking photos among the vibrant red momiji (maple) and yellow icho (ginkgo) leaves Mount Fuji gazes down upon Lake Kawaguchi like a castle in the sky whether freely or with help from the festival’s pamphlet which features a map with the area’s photo-worthy spots Places you won’t want to miss include Momiji Kairo (Maple Corridor) and Momiji Kaido (Maple Road) in the main festival area and You likely already have an idea of what you’ll find at Momiji Tunnel — images of the scenic viewpoint’s red autumn leaves framing Mount Fuji grace many a travel brochure and Instagram post This collaboration between vibrant fall leaves and Japan’s tallest mountain draws artists and you’ll often see them with sketch pads or easels you’re not quite sure you’ve found the ultimate view And remember: From late afternoon until late evening several of the festival’s venues are illuminated providing another way to marvel at nature’s beauty Some of my all-time favorite market stalls can be found at the bustling Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival market At this predominantly craft and handmade artisanal market you’ll find a wide variety of lovingly crafted items sculptures and hand-crafted hats and clothes as the festival draws a variety of food vendors you’ll find food stalls serving fresh lemonade Along the Lake Kawaguchi shoreline — across the road from the market — are a variety of cafés selling delectable sweet treats and lunch meals My favorite artisan is an older gentleman who creates uniquely shaped The lightweight drinkware is specially crafted to make your morning cup of tea or coffee a grounding experience you’ll find the most beautiful hand-painted plates shaped like unfurled paper scrolls are embellished with vibrant depictions of abstract birds My personal favorite is the smaller jewelry dish — I find myself smiling at the end of each day as I take off my earrings and see the colorful lovebird winking back at me This artisan attends the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival market as well as spring’s Fujikawaguchiko Sakura Festival market every year but you’ll find him elusive throughout the rest of the year: He doesn’t own a permanent shop and opts to work out of his shed studio The puree is carefully simmered with chicken and coconut milk for over three hours to create depth and umami you’ll find a variety of Mount Fuji-shaped cookies any of which would make a perfect souvenir to take home to friends and family Taking a bus from the Shinjuku Station-adjacent Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal will deliver you to Kawaguchiko Station in just one hour and 45 minutes (¥2,200 one way) taking the limited express JR Fuji Excursion train from Shinjuku Station will have you at Kawaguchiko Station in just under two hours (¥4,130 one way) slightly faster than the train and close to half the cost For those who are driving, there is both free and paid parking available near the market area The local buses that depart from Kawaguchiko Station can be a bit tricky to navigate They also fill up with fellow travelers carrying suitcases so aim to arrive before mid-morning to avoid the worst of the crowds disembark at the Kubota Itchiku Bijutsukan (Ichika Kubota Art Museum) bus stop a free shuttle bus operates between Oike Park and a parking lot near the market from 10:00 a.m The shuttle departs Oike Park every hour on the hour and the market parking lot every hour on the half-hour New fences were erected Tuesday to prevent jaywalking in front of a convenience store in central Japan that has become a popular spot for photographing Mt has drawn many foreign tourists seeking to capture images of the iconic mountain perching above the Lawson convenience store The town installed fences and black screens to block the view on the opposite side of the road in May to reduce crowding and misbehavior such as loitering and littering additional fencing was erected on the same side in October after a resurgence of jaywalking each measuring 3 meters in length and 80 centimeters in height on the side of the road closest to the convenience store to prevent people from jaywalking The town also plans to repaint the nearby pedestrian crosswalk in green and white by the end of December to improve visibility and encourage its use Mt. Fuji photo spot to get new fences to curb jaywalking Mt. Fuji tram line idea derailed, rubber-tired tram now eyed Mt. Fuji gets season's 1st snowcap, latest ever To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tokyo There's no shortage of ryokans lining the vast Lake Kawaguchi area, but if you're seeking one with Mount Fuji views, onsens, delectable meals and a convenient location, Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou ticks all your boxes and more It's located some ways off from attractions like the Music Forest Museum and Maple Corridor – which means less tourist bustle more tranquility – but should you wish to explore those spots a quick 10 to 15-minute bus ride will get you there in a jiffy it's a stone’s throw from the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for sky-high views of the area It’s also not too far from Kawaguchiko station but don’t you worry about walking over with luggage in tow because the hotel offers a convenient free shuttle service to and from the station for all guests View of Lake Kawaguchi from our room | Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out We made our booking via Rakuten Travel opting for a traditional Japanese-style room (Type B – Kohaku) with futons but there's also a handful of Western-style rooms with beds Waking up to the view of the lake right before our eyes was unreal – and the private open-air onsen facing the waters was a real treat in the chilly weather But don’t just stick to the bath in your room for it’s fully worth experiencing Konansou’s public onsen where you’ll be graced by the majestic sight of Mount Fuji on a clear day Unwind in the onsen’s outdoor rock bath and grab a complimentary popsicle from its tatami rest area to cool down once you’re done There’s also a scenic rooftop foot bath on the eighth floor which offers a similar unobstructed view of Japan’s tallest peak Public onsen | Photograph: Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou Though plenty of dining options are dotted around the vicinity you’d be remiss to skip Konansou’s lavish kaiseki dinners that’ll have even big eaters bursting at the seams It was course after course of seasonal Japanese dishes served straight to our room with each one meticulously prepared using the freshest ingredients and a perfect balance of flavours And fret not if you’re staying for multiple nights because the menu is switched up on a daily basis such that it never feels repetitive A breakfast buffet with a mix of local and international fare awaits the next morning with some highlights being a live egg station and Yamanashi’s local specialty of comforting hoto noodles simmered with vegetables in broth Photograph: Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou Classic Japanese omotenashi (hospitality) is a given at ryokans like these, but Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou goes the extra mile to make guests feel cared for We stepped into our room to find snacks and a tea set already prepared for us and all guests get complimentary tokens for coffee or chocolate beverages at the lakefront lounge the front desk staff not only gave us detailed directions to the attraction but also presented us discount coupons for it While Konansou’s zen rooms and top-notch facilities already make for an undeniably cushy experience at Kawaguchiko it’s the little touches like these that made our stay all the more memorable Book your room at Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou via Rakuten Travel. facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us Today's print edition Home Delivery Construction was carried out on Monday to install new fences along the sidewalk near a convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko in an attempt to control a recent flood of visitors with further measures expected to take effect on Tuesday a popular photography spot because of how Mount Fuji rises behind the convenience store The fences are intended to prevent jaywalking and improve safety.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); The town aims to curb tourists' dangerous behavior such as entering the roadway or illegally crossing to take photographs Two temporary fences had already been set up in front of the store with workers installing the fences near a large number of foreign tourists photographing Mount Fuji measuring 80 centimeters in height and 3 meters in width Similar to those already installed on the opposite sidewalk the panels will be placed in front of the Lawson Kawaguchiko Station branch In May, the town gained widespread media attention for installing black netting to block the iconic view of Mount Fuji, but it was removed in August to protect it from potential typhoon damage Local media reported that at least 10 small holes had appeared in the 2.5 by 20-meter black netting installed outside the convenience store to address residents' complaints about mostly foreign visitors littering The pedestrian crossing in front of the convenience store is set to be painted green and white next Tuesday to improve visibility In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt A town in Japan got so fed up with tourists earlier this year that they built a huge fence blocking the view of the attraction they are coming for - the famous Mount Fuji The 20-metre long and 2.5-metre high fence covered with a black mesh which prevented tourists from taking selfies with the landmark has now been removed This was initially done as a precaution when a typhoon was forecast last week but authorities now say it will remain down for the time being that it could be reinstalled if tourists return in large numbers "We wanted to see what would happen," an official told AFP news agency "There are still some people who come to the place but we no longer find many people suddenly rushing out into the traffic to cross the road We feel like it has been effective," he added The town of Fujikawaguchiko is known to offer some of the best views of the Japanese mountain. But locals had had enough of tourists blocking pavements and stopping traffic to get the perfect shot A particularly popular photo location was outside a Lawson convenience store, from where a photograph taken at a particular angle would make it seem as if Mt. Fuji was sitting atop the shop's roof. The tourists "Kawaguchiko is a town built on tourism, and I welcome many visitors, and the town welcomes them too, but there are many things about their manners that are worrying,” says Michie Motomochi, owner of a cafe serving Japanese sweets near the photo spot ignoring traffic lights and trespassing into private properties The town spent 1.3 million yen (€7,700) to install the black mesh net it didn't seem like tourists had much respect for the measure which tourists exploited to snap the iconic view Within just a week of the fence being built and all apparently just the right size to fit a camera lens through the screen has helped ease congestion in the area Tourist crowds have caused other problems on the mountain too The Yamanashi prefecture, also home to the Yoshida Trail - the most popular of the four routes to summit the 3,776-metre high mountain - introduced a booking system ahead of this year's Fuji climbing season to ease overcrowding only up to 4,000 climbers are allowed to enter the trail per day for a hiking fee of 2,000 yen (about €18) with an option of donating an additional 1,000 yen (about €9) for conservation during the climbing season which started 1 July and runs until 10 September Designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013 it's popular among hikers who climb the summit to watch the sunrise Kawaguchiko isn't the first place to try and reclaim their home from tourists though theirs is one of the boldest pushbacks we've seen so far Also in Japan, the Geisha district of Kyoto has closed off some streets to tourists after "misbehaviour" Menorca's most popular tourist attraction, a small town with white-washed houses, has introduced visiting hours in a bid to quell visitor numbers Venice, one of Italy's most popular destinations, has been on a years-long battle to manage visitors, who often outnumber residents. They have recently introduced a daytripper fee as well as banning loudspeakers We have now entered one of Japan’s most beautiful seasons – fall mountains and landscape transform into fiery crimson and orange hues throughout the month of November If you still haven’t made a daytrip to check out the vivid colors heading to the Fuji Five Lakes in Yamanashi Pref might be a great option you and your entire group will enjoy Fuji Kawaguchiko Town is only about a two-hour drive from most U.S along with around 400-500 maple trees along Lake Kawaguchiko all in autumn colors are illuminated from sunset to 9:30 p.m every night during the period allowing for great night views of Mt Enjoy dozens of food and game booths selling local produce and other products as you enjoy the gorgeous Fuji-Kawaguchiko Momiji Matsuri (autumn foliage festival) Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan WORLD NEWS People walk pass the black screen as the city of Fujikawaguchiko built a screen to dissuade tourists from taking photos of Mount Fuji from a sidewalk in front of a Lawson convenience store on May 21 at Fujikawaguchiko city in Yamanashi Prefecture ( David Mareuil/Anadolu/Getty Images via CNN Newsource) BY LILIT MARCUS, CNN (CNN) — A small town in Japan that received international attention for its controversial decision to block views of Mount Fuji has quietly reversed its decision Fujikawaguchiko, at the base of Mount Fuji became popular for a specific photo op where the mountain could be seen behind an outpost of the Lawson’s convenience store chain on the town’s main street When the photo spot became popular on Instagram and TikTok the town was overwhelmed with tourists coming from around the world the visitors would leave behind trash and not follow traffic rules despite the presence of signs and security guards effectively blocking the view of Mount Fuji city officials quietly had it taken down – possibly for good the plan was to take the net down temporarily due to strong winds in the area But now Fujikawaguchiko officials say there’s no timeline to put the barrier back up there have been no more people staying long in the area We do feel it has been effective,” a city councilor told CNN The councilor added that there are still security guards patrolling the area and that the net can be put back up if the situation changes Before the net was installed, the Lawson’s photo op area was so busy that the store issued a formal apology for being too popular a resident of the building next door to Lawson’s told CNN that “there was a series of nuisance illegal activities such as leaving garbage eating in the parking lot or under the roofs of private homes It became not uncommon for people to shout insults at us or to throw away their cigarettes while they were still lit when we asked them to move their cars.” has a population of about 10,000 people and marks the beginning of one of the most popular hiking trails up Mount Fuji officials told CNN Travel that the hordes of tourists visiting the mountain were littering overtaxing toilet facilities and hiking in improper gear new measures were put in place to protect the mountain including a daily cap on the number of climbers and a small entrance fee to help with maintenance costs Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures How Tobacco Laws Could Help Close the Racial Gap on Cancer Could Trump’s Tariffs Replace Income Tax for the Bottom 90% Peter McColough Series on International Economics With Robert E Although the national government may be happy with the success of their policy many who live in popular tourist destinations are less so The numbers are overwhelming the local infrastructure and not all these guests from abroad have behaved respectfully Local authorities have had to take their own steps to curb tourism’s disruptions including cases where their kimono have been ripped and vandalized as well as clusters of tourists clamoring for photo opportunities have led to complaints about the impact that tourism is having on business in Gion Insights and analysis from CFR fellows on the latest developments across Asia. Monthly A summary of global news developments with CFR analysis delivered to your inbox each morning. Weekdays CFR President Mike Froman analyzes the most important foreign policy story of the week get the latest news and insights from the Council’s experts Gion’s approach is to deter tourists from upsetting the longstanding traditions of the geisha community. The fines are not legally binding, but media reports suggest that deterrence may be working Preserving Gion culture is just as important to Kyoto as welcoming foreign visitors An altogether different problem has beset a small resort town in Yamanashi prefecture, west of Tokyo. Fujikawaguchiko is very close to Mt Fuji and is adjacent to Lake Kawaguchi, which has a population of twenty-seven thousand people According to residents tourism grew suddenly in the fall of 2022 after a selfie taken in front of a Lawson convenience store with the iconic Mt tourists began to gather there for their own selfies blocking traffic and distressing residents once more allowing an unobstructed view of Mt Social media elevated this small town into a national hotspot, but that does not mean that Fujikawaguchiko does not want foreign visitors. In fact, the mayor is hoping to raise revenue through a new lodging tax to renovate and improve infrastructure to make the town an even more attractive destination. It is proposed that by 2026 visitors will be paying an additional 100 to 200 yen per night to help the town manage its increased popularity and Yoshimura suggested adding a similar amount for foreigners coming to Osaka How would Osaka collect from only foreign visitors some on the expert panel were not enthusiastic about the governor’s proposal Since it had never been done in Japan before it seemed impractical to implement a tax on foreign visitors only there were concerns that this entry tax could violate tax treaties and even to be deemed as “unequal or discriminatory” treatment of foreigners under Japan’s constitution Tourism has been integral to Japan’s economic growth and the Japanese people are welcoming to foreign visitors Yet some communities are feeling the brunt of Japan’s enormous success in attracting visitors from abroad Each locality grapples with the challenge of finding the  correct balance between promoting tourism and preserving their community’s way of life local governments must find creative ways to manage the fallout of Japan’s increasing popularity Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report Yamanashi Prefecture--The hope here is that badly behaved foreign tourists have learned their lesson and there will be no need to block views of majestic Mount Fuji in the future “I feel that unspoken rules are sinking in among foreign tourists because there has been an improvement in the littering situation and they have been abiding by the lines formed to take photos,” Mayor Hideyuki Watanabe told a news conference on Nov Authorities in May erected a plastic sheet in front of a convenience store after residents complained that foreign tourists were littering and crossing the street in a dangerous manner to get good shots of the 3,776-meter-high mountain Watanabe said the black sheet would remain in storage unless the situation worsened considerably The mayor had been pondering whether to erect it again There were fears that doing so would give the mistaken image that the town was not welcoming foreign or domestic tourists nor utilizing its tourism resources properly according to a high-ranking town government official Watanabe said at the news conference that his town welcomed tourists “We should not be transmitting a negative image by blocking (the view with the sheet),” he said “I want foreign tourists to take pretty pictures of Mount Fuji.” Foreign tourists still tend to ignore the crosswalks on both sides of the convenience store in crossing the street to take photos Officials have also noted an increase in visitors trying to capture snow-capped Mount Fuji The town government has installed an 80-centimeter-high metal railing extending for six meters between the sidewalk in front of the convenience store and the prefectural road Another railing has been installed on the other side of the road to prevent jaywalking There are also plans to paint the crosswalk green to attract the attention of pedestrians and encourage them to use the crosswalk “Convenience store Mount Fuji” is one of the candidates for this year’s “Buzzword of the Year." Reflecting on the national attention the black sheet focused on his town we would like to continue transmitting and playing up our location in a way that will lead to (tourism promotion).” 10 holes found punched in sheet designed to block view of Mt Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission have removed a huge black screen that had been blocking an iconic view of Mount Fuji since late May The screen was removed last Thursday to prevent it from being damaged by Typhoon Ampil the officials said.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); The town became known on social media for the picturesque view it offers of the mountain looming behind a convenience store the area in front of the store became swamped by travelers who came to take photos Following local residents' complaints about visitors' bad manners the town authorities erected the screen on May 21 to dissuade tourists from flocking to the spot There has been no trouble since the screen was taken down The screen will not be put up again as long as visitors' behavior remains improved A black screen set up by a central Japan town to block a scenic view of Mt Fuji following troublesome behavior by tourists will be replaced after multiple holes were found in it The new screen will be made of stronger material and possibly changed to blue or green as black "has a negative image," Mayor Hideyuki Watanabe of Fujikawaguchiko After setting up the screen on May 21 to prevent visitors from flocking to the site in front of a Lawson convenience store in the town local authorities confirmed the first hole the following day "It is disappointing to see a lack of morals" among those making the holes the town put up a sign in English requesting that visitors not touch the screen and mentions that it will be repaired as necessary The area has become a popular photo spot for foreign tourists after the sight of Japan's highest mountain towering over the convenience store went viral online the surge in visitors drew complaints from residents due to an uptick in people jaywalking and illegally parking vehicles in the area The town decided to install the screen after stationing security guards and posting warnings in English to manage the crowds did little to improve the situation Holes found in black screen blocking viral Mt. Fuji photo spot Japanese town installs barrier to block viral Mt. Fuji photo spot The Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko has erected a giant black net to block views of Mount Fuji a reaction to the town’s huge popularity on Instagram and other social media platforms '+n.escapeExpression("function"==typeof(o=null!=(o=r(e,"eyebrowText")||(null!=l?r(l,"eyebrowText"):l))?o:n.hooks.helperMissing)?o.call(null!=l?l:n.nullContext||{},{name:"eyebrowText",hash:{},data:t,loc:{start:{line:28,column:63},end:{line:28,column:78}}}):o)+" \n '+(null!=(o=c(e,"if").call(r,null!=l?c(l,"cta2PreText"):l,{name:"if",hash:{},fn:n.program(32,t,0),inverse:n.noop,data:t,loc:{start:{line:63,column:20},end:{line:63,column:61}}}))?o:"")+"\n"+(null!=(o=(c(e,"ifAll")||l&&c(l,"ifAll")||n.hooks.helperMissing).call(r,null!=l?c(l,"cta2Text"):l,null!=l?c(l,"cta2Link"):l,{name:"ifAll",hash:{},fn:n.program(34,t,0),inverse:n.noop,data:t,loc:{start:{line:64,column:20},end:{line:70,column:30}}}))?o:"")+" As Japan sees record-breaking numbers of foreign visitors regional cities — in addition to major tourist destinations — are grappling with an unexpected surge in travelers Social media has fueled the boom drawing crowds to picturesque spots such as a convenience store with a perfect view of Mount Fuji and scenic film locations are struggling with the influx of tourists.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); long lines formed outside a convenience store in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture Holes have been found in a large black screen set up by a central Japan town to block a scenic view of Mt Fuji after criticism of tourists' behavior at the viral photo spot After setting up the screen on May 21 to prevent visitors from flocking to the site in front of a Lawson convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko the town confirmed the first hole the following day and the number has since increased to roughly 10 The town plans to repair the screen promptly while posting a notice asking visitors not to touch it The town initially stationed security guards and posted warnings in English after receiving complaints from locals over an uptick in tourists jaywalking and illegally parking vehicles in the area But after seeing the measures did little to improve the situation Town begins work to block Mt. Fuji photo spot due to unruly tourists FEATURE: "Tour of lies" stretches imagination in Tokyo's Asakusa Just days after a barrier went up to block tourists from a popular photo spot in Japan, holes could be seen in the screen. According to Time small enough that photo quality likely isn’t that good but still big enough to take a snapshot or two Mount Fuji is a beloved destination in Japan and visitors have been known to do everything in their power to get the perfect photo or selfie with the slopes looming in the background But when one location — a Lawson convenience store — became overcrowded with eager photographers local officials took matters into their own hands by erecting a screen barrier According to Japan Today the surplus of visitors in the area caused local complaints of jaywalking and other disturbances The screen barrier went up last Tuesday, according to The Associated Press in an effort to prevent the surplus of crowds around the convenience store Local residents “complained about visitors blocking the narrow sidewalk and walking into the busy road or onto neighboring properties to get their shots.” The installation of the barrier cost 1.3 million yen — roughly $8,285 — and stretches 2.5 meters high and 20 meters in length Officials discovered a hole in the screen just one day after it was installed The number of visitors to the town of Fujikawaguchiko — where the photo site is located — has increased substantially since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to CBS News “Record numbers of overseas tourists are now coming to Japan where monthly visitors exceeded three million for the first time in March and then again in April.” Mayor Hideyuki Watanabe of Fujikawaguchiko announced plans to build a new screen, according to Kyodo News Because the color black has a “negative image,” the new screen will likely be blue or green and will be built with a stronger material “It is disappointing to see a lack of morals,” Watanabe said of the ones making the holes the town put up a sign “requesting that visitors not touch the screen and mentions that it will be repaired as necessary.” Tourists reportedly rushed to Lawson convenience store for some final photos and glimpses of Mount Fuji before the original black screen went up, according to Time Some tourists are so intrigued by the barrier that they’re taking the time to visit it A town official told Agence France-Presse that despite the crowds “we have achieved the purpose of discouraging people from staying there.” The small Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko received worldwide attention when officials announced plans in late April to build a 2.5-meter (8.2 foot) high barrier in front of an unassuming convenience store Its purpose: to block a popular view of Mount Fuji According to The Guardian tourists commonly visited the Lawson store for a photo opportunity misbehaving crowds became too much for the locals sits in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji in the south of the Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan Per Travel Japan the town is less than a two-hour commute from Tokyo on public transit and is a popular destination for locals and foreigners Hundreds of thousands of hikers take to the slopes of Mount Fuji each year, according to National Geographic while other tourists visit the surrounding restaurants Despite the large — and sometimes overwhelming — influx of visitors “Kawaguchiko is a town built on tourism,” Michie Motomochi told The Associated Press She runs a sweet shop near the infamous photo site and many locals like her depend on customers from “out of town.” concerns arose when Lawson convenience store photos went viral Swarms of tourists flocked to the area, leaving garbage and litter behind. Illegal parking, jay-walking and traffic violations became uncontrollable, even when the town hired security guards as crowd control. According to Business Insider visitors even stood on roofs to get the perfect shot Last summer, a surge of accidents, pollution and environmental damage left officials lamenting the condition of sacred locations, including Mount Fuji itself. According to Time magazine “residents of Fujikawaguchiko are taking matters into their own hands.” Construction has already begun on the 20-meter long, black mesh net that will act as a barrier between Lawson convenience store and photo-hungry sightseers. Per Reuters While the decision to block the iconic view is supported by many suggested setting up road barriers instead of blocking views “Too big (of a) solution for subject not as big, even if tourists are making trouble,” Hok told The Associated Press Authorities in Japan aren’t happy with the barrier either, but they do find it necessary. “We don’t want to do this, but we’re desperate,” one official said, according to Business Insider This is not the first time cities have taken somewhat drastic measures in response to overtourism Venice, for example, has taken strict countermeasures to combat overcrowding, including a day-trip fee of 5 euros. Per CNBC Venice’s Mayor Luigi Brugnaro explained in a press conference that the aim “is not to close the city Per Forbes increased crowds at New York’s Statue of Liberty led the National Park Service to restrict commercial private tours to relieve congestion A representative for the Statue of Liberty Park told CNN Travel “Commercial guided tours add to the congestion in these identified areas and prevent the free flow of visitor movement and impact public programs and the visitor experience.” After several delays a large mesh barrier was finally put up on Tuesday at a popular viewing spot for Mount Fuji — in front of a convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko Yamanashi Prefecture — to deter photo-taking by an ever-growing number of tourists While Japan's most famous sight can be seen for miles around streams of foreign visitors had thronged to this particular spot where the snow-capped mountain soars majestically into the sky from behind a Lawson convenience store.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Parking illegally and ignoring a smoking ban these visitors crammed onto a sidewalk to get the perfect shot inconveniencing local residents who became fed up with the resulting littering Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division. YAMANASHI — Someiyoshino cherry blossoms are at their best on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture. Due to the later-than-usual blooming of the trees, the Fujikawaguchiko Sakura Festival held there has been extended, with nighttime illumination and a crafts market being held until Sunday. To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page. This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies. Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. According to the town’s tourism division, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom around April 9 last year, but this year the blooming was delayed due to low temperatures with snow falling until April 1. The blossoms will be at their best until Sunday. As of Tuesday, about 300 Someiyoshino cherry trees along a lakeside promenade, by the main festival site, were said to be 80% in bloom, and many foreign tourists were taking photos with their smartphones. A 51-year-old tourist from Spain said the scenery was beautiful, with cherry blossoms, the blue lake, and Mt. Fuji, the symbol of Japan. Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting, readable fomat. © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun That's been good news for the economy with travellers spending a record 1.75 trillion yen ($11.2 billion) in the first three months of 2024 according to the tourist agency.The drastic decision to block the view of Mt Fuji symbolizes tensions across the country as Japan reckons with the consequences of its tourism boom The western metropolis of Osaka and the hot spring resort town Hakone are among municipalities considering new tourism taxes to deal with deluge of visitors.Cyril Malchand found out about the fence online and made a special trip to be among the last to take in the view He said he empathised with the locals."When I see that there could be problems with people crossing the road without watching cars I don't find it that bad that they're setting up that fence," he said.($1 = 156.4200 yen)Reporting by Tom Bateman Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab , opens new tab Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. , opens new tabScreen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. © 2025 Reuters. All rights reserved Yamanashi —The town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture has been promoting itself both domestically and internationally as a “town of hot springs.” please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent By Makoto Kimura / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer Many of the town’s accommodations still do not have a pipeline to bring in hot spring water but a new source was discovered there earlier this year for the first time in 20 years The town plans to supply the accommodations with hot water from the spring upon request as early as fiscal 2026 The town aims to further promote its hot springs along with Mt Fuji to enhance its appeal as an international tourist destination the town was never much thought of as a hot spring resort both the public and private sectors have been focusing on turning the town into an onsen resort like Hakone Fujikawaguchiko already has three hot spring sources which provide hot spring water to 34 facilities along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi through an underground pipe system But most of the town’s about 800 accommodations are not hot spring inns with only a limited number of them having access the town began drilling hot spring wells in the Kodachi district on the southern shore of the lake in November last year the town found a hot spring source 1,500 meters deep with waters measuring 38 C The town plans to install pumps and other equipment to transport water from the spring by tanker truck to accommodation facilities including those that already have pipelines to hot spring water “We want to provide a stable supply of hot spring water,” said an official from the town’s water supply division Visitor numbers to Fujikawaguchiko have recovered to the same level as before the COVID-19 pandemic as many glamping facilities and campgrounds have opened The town’s hot springs are being promoted by the public and private sectors was given the additional name of Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsenkyo Fuji are the strongest combination [for tourism],” an official of the town’s tourist federation said “Having attracted the attention of foreign tourists now is our chance to promote the town,” said Shigeru Yamashita who runs a hot spring hotel in Fujikawaguchiko “It is important to promote our hot springs and the view of Mt Fuji to increase the number of regular customers.” Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting known for a photo spot that offers Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji as if rising from atop a local convenience store has constructed a huge black screen on a stretch of a sidewalk to block the view of the mountain The town on Tuesday completed construction of the barricade near a Lawson convenience store which suddenly started attracting foreign tourists a couple of years ago as a popular photo spot apparently after a photo taken in a particular angle showing Mount Fuji in the background as if it the picturesque mountain sits atop the store roof became a social media sensation The town of Fujikawaguchiko has had enough of tourists Known for a number of scenic photo spots that offer a near-perfect shot of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji the town on Tuesday began to construct a large black screen on a stretch of sidewalk to block the view of the mountain Workers set up a huge black screen on a stretch of sidewalk at Fujikawaguchiko town the town began setting up a huge black screen to block a view of Mount Fuji because tourists were crowding into the area to take photos with the mountain as a backdrop to a convenience store a social media phenomenon known as “Mount Fuji Lawson” that has disrupted business A worker sets up a huge black screen on a stretch of sidewalk at Fujikawaguchiko town FILE - The shadow of Mount Fuji is casted on clouds hanging below the summit Those who want to climb one of the most popular trails of the iconic Japanese Mount Fuji will now have to reserve ahead and pay a fee as the picturesque stratovolcano struggles with overtourism littering and those who attempt rushed “bullet climbing,” putting lives at risk Japan’s highest peak at 3,776-meters tall (12,385 feet) the screen is now up — no more snapping cute photos of Mount Fuji from a popular sidewalk spot in the Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko A particularly popular photo location was outside a Lawson convenience store from where a photograph taken at a particular angle would make it seem as if Mount Fuji was sitting atop the store roof But the townspeople were unhappy — visitors would block the narrow sidewalk take photos on the busy road or walk into neighbors’ properties in pursuit of their shot construction of the 2.5 meter (8.2 feet) high black mesh net — stretching for 20 meters (66 feet) along the sidewalk — was completed there are other places tourists can find their sweet photo spot only up to 4,000 climbers will be allowed to enter the trail per day for a hiking fee of 2,000 yen (about $18) with an option of donating an additional 1,000 yen (about $9) for conservation during the climbing season Only those with reservation for an overnight stay at huts along the trail are allowed to hike beyond the 5th of the 10 stations between 4 p.m a measure to stop “bullet climbing,” or rushing to the summit without adequate rest Designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013 Mount Fuji used to be a place of pilgrimage it’s popular among hikers who climb the summit to watch the sunrise Over-tourism has also become a growing issue at other popular tourist destinations such as Kyoto and Kamakura and the figures in 2024 are expected to surpass nearly 32 million according to the Japan National Tourism Organization KOFU—There is still no sign of snow atop Mount Fuji here after two predicted observation days in October yielded nothing If snow is observed on the mountaintop on Oct this year will tie for the record of the latest snowcap on Mount Fuji Prior record-holding years were set in 1955 and 2016 Mamoru Matsumoto was at the office at 5 a.m the official at the Kofu branch of the Japan Meteorological Agency in Yamanashi Prefecture would ultimately be disappointed after observing no snow on the peak Meteorological officials are tasked with reporting each year's snowcap from the branch’s roof but its location about 40 kilometers from Mount Fuji means any cloudy weather in the city obscures the summit This limits them to checking when the temperature is forecast to drop below zero and snow is possible Matsumoto started looking for snowfall from the end of September The meteorological observatory began this practice in 1894 and Mount Fuji’s first snowcap of the year traditionally signifies the transition of the seasons also began observing the year’s first snowcap this came to an end in 2002 in Mishima and 2003 in Fujikawaguchiko due to automation of the facilities Kofu is the only observatory carrying on the tradition The very first observed snowcap in 1894 when the observation started was on Sept 22 and mostly occurred in September in the subsequent years “I believe one of the causes is global warming but I don’t know what the exact reason is,” Matsumoto said 26 to 28 as the next stretch of observation days a front is expected to move northward over the Japanese archipelago bringing with it the possibility of snowfall on Mount Fuji’s summit the local municipality of Fujiyoshida at the foot of the mountain has also declared the first snowcap of the season independently The municipal government’s Mount Fuji division visually confirms it from Fujiyoshida and began watching for this year’s first snowcap in September Even when the summit of the mountain is obscured from the meteorological office’s rooftop The Mount Fuji division’s latest recorded observation was Oct It initially started observing and sharing the first snowcap in 2006 said when a cold morning for the next day is forecast staff will wonder if it will be the day to see the first snowcap to check the mountain peak from his home and if there is snow on the ground of the mountain summit makes the announcement after arriving at the office he thought he would announce the year’s first snowcap on Oct Both Haneda and his colleagues were disappointed when that was not the case “The snowcap doesn’t affect the city residents’ lives but I’m waiting for the day when I can tell them about the changing of the seasons,” he said Fuji’s summit hits 3 days later than normal 1st snowcap of the season is spotted on Mount Fuji’s summit Feeling out of sorts in Tokyo as temps dive Copyright © The Asahi Shimbun Company. All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without written permission. Tokyo, May 21 (EFE).- A Japanese town that recently announced it would block an iconic view of Mount Fuji completed installing metal barriers and curtains on Tuesday to curb excessive tourist influx at the popular photo spot. A sidewalk in Fujikawaguchiko town in Yamanashi Prefecture became famous about two years ago for having good spots to photograph Mount Fuji, which lies about 60 kilometers (37.2 miles) away. A Lawson convenience store on this sidewalk shot to fame after an influencer posted it on social media in 2022, with visitors flocking to the spot ever since. However, the huge number of tourists at the spot caused traffic inconvenience to both pedestrians and vehicles. Fujikawaguchiko, which has a population of approximately 25,495, largely depends on tourists, drawn to the town due to its proximity to Mount Fuji. Despite this reliance on the stream of visitors, some locals have expressed concern about the behavior of tourists, especially foreigners, who crowd at this photo spot and cross the road recklessly to capture a perfect shot of the mountain. On Tuesday, a black fabric, two and a half meters high and 20 meters long, covered the popular viewpoint where the mountain appears to sit atop the roof of the Lawson store when viewed from outside its front door. In addition, six three-meter-wide iron bars prevent people from crossing the street to access the photo spot. Before completely blocking the view, Fujikawaguchiko officials took other measures, such as posting warnings in English, to control the crowd, but they proved to be ineffective. On Monday, Yamanashi officials opened an online reservation system for those climbing Mount Fuji via its most common route to the summit, the Yoshida Trail. In March, Japanese officials announced they would charge a fee of 2,000 yen ($12.8) to climb the mountain through the Yoshida route to ease congestion on the volcano. EFE Print TOKYO — A Japanese town that erected a huge black screen last week in an attempt to stop tourists from snapping photos of Mt Fuji and overcrowding the area has discovered holes in the screen and is working to repair them Fujikawaguchiko, a popular spot to view and photograph the iconic mountain, put up the screen May 21, but the next day officials discovered a hole in it. By Tuesday morning, officials had found around 10 similar holes, all at eye level, and all apparently just the right size to fit a camera lens through. One especially popular viewing location is outside a Lawson convenience store, from where photos taken at a certain angle would make it look as if Mt. Fuji was sitting atop the store roof. World & Nation Known for a number of spots that offer a near-perfect shot of Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji, the town is trying to reduce the number of visitors. Local residents have complained about visitors blocking the narrow sidewalk and walking into the busy road or onto neighboring properties to get their shots, officials said. The town spent 1.3 million yen ($8,285) to install the 8.2-feet-high black mesh net that stretches 66 feet, and additional fences along the sidewalk. The screen has helped ease congestion in the area, officials said. Overtourism has also become a growing issue at other popular tourist destinations in Japan such as Kyoto and Kamakura. Yamaguchi writes for the Associated Press. Hollywood Inc. World & Nation Subscribe for unlimited accessSite Map You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed The tiny Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko has erected a screen blocking a popular view of the iconic Mount Fuji international news outlets reported yesterday Fujikawaguchiko is situated just 100km from Tokyo at the base of one of the most popular trails up the mountain. As a result, CNN reports the town is often swamped by visitors who spend their tourism dollars in the megacity instead of the town — a situation exacerbated by Japan’s post-pandemic tourism boom But the tendency of phone-wielding gawkers to stand in the middle of the road snapping photos of the UNESCO World Heritage site led to the screen’s placement The spot is directly in front of a shopping center that contains a convenience store Tourists seeking once-in-a-lifetime TikTok vistas and other modern digital flotsam are causing traffic jams and litter — all issues the town of 10,000 residents is struggling to handle A large black screen now blocks this all-too-popular view of the mountain “There was a series of nuisance illegal activities such as leaving garbage which often resulted in a call to the police,” the Ibishi Dental Clinic one of the businesses in the shopping center “It became not uncommon for people to shout insults at us or to throw away their cigarettes while they were still lit when we asked them to move their cars.” the convenience store next door announced it would hire private security guards and put up signs in multiple languages The screen isn’t the only new measure in the area Japan expects to welcome over 32 million visitors in 2024 blowing past a tourism record set in pre-pandemic 2019 Many of those visitors will journey to Mount Fuji Officials halfway up the mountain will also turn away visitors climbing after 4:00 pm who have not booked an overnight hut They expect this will reduce injuries and search-and-rescue operations on the mountain Sign up to receive ExplorersWeb content direct to your inbox once a week Yamanashi Prefecture—Local authorities have removed a screen blocking an iconic view of Mount Fuji hovering over a convenience store here just three months after installing it The barrier was erected to deter tourists whose unruly behavior They have no immediate plans to reinstall the barrier but have indicated they may do so if tourist behavior worsens was installed across the street from the front of the Lawson Kawaguchiko Ekimae outlet on May 21 the site had become a popular photo spot among foreign tourists The unique view of Mount Fuji—seemingly rising from the roof of a ubiquitous Japanese convenience store—had drawn many visitors apparently caused by tourists attempting to take photos through them officials reinforced the barrier on July 25 with stronger material They also changed the screen’s color from black to brown to better blend with the scenery The combination of the screen installation and local efforts to educate tourists appears to have had a positive impact Officials report that the area has remained orderly since the barrier was removed Yamanashi city weighs entrance fee to park famed for Mt Japan imposes new fees on Mount Fuji climbers to limit tourists The prefectural government of Yamanashi plans to raise the entry fee for Mount Fuji climbers from the current ¥2,000 to between ¥3,000 and ¥5,000 The prefecture aims to merge this fee with a separate charge collected on a voluntary basis for conservation cooperation for the highest mountain in the country.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Local communities have complained that the voluntary payments are complicated and confusing With Mount Fuji straddling Yamanashi and the neighboring prefecture of Shizuoka the Shizuoka Prefectural Government is considering starting to collect an entry fee of ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per climber from next summer after ending the existing voluntary conservation cooperation payment The Yamanashi government has shown to local communities three plans for raising the entry fee Entry fees will be used for security personnel expenses and other purposes The Yamanashi government introduced the entry fee for climbing Mount Fuji and a daily climber limit of 4,000 in summer this year A makeshift gate was installed at the fifth station of the most popular Yoshida Trail with people prohibited from passing through it from 4 p.m In this year's summer hiking season from July 1 to Sept some 204,000 people climbed Mount Fuji from the two prefectures the Yamanashi side saw a great reduction in nighttime climbing Rowdy crowds at Fujikawaguchiko have frustrated locals for years with people littering the roads and breaking traffic rules to get the best photo for social media Ignoring parking rules and smoking bans, touristsoften crammed into a particular spot in the town for a picture of the sacred snow-capped mountain The AFP news agency reported the net measures eight feet (2.5 meters) high and 65 feet across (20 meters) Fujikawaguchiko is in Yamanashi prefecture about 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Tokyo Officials have expressed regret at taking the measure and said the mesh barrier was the final resort after tourists ignored warnings from security the Yamanashi prefecture said in a statement that it introduced new rules for the climbing season starting July 1 to September 10 for those hiking the Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi side of the 3776 meter-high mountain.  those who want to climb one of the most popular trails of Mount Fuji will now have to reserve ahead and pay a fee as the location struggles with too many visitors littering and many who attempt rushed "bullet climbing," putting lives at risk Authorities have set the daily limit of climbers allowed on the mountain to 4,000.  The Japanese National Tourism Organization is expecting a record number of tourists Fujikawaguchiko town official says choice to erect huge barrier is ‘regrettable’ and last resort A huge barrier to block views of Mount Fuji will be installed at a popular photo spot by Japanese authorities exasperated by crowds of badly behaved foreign tourists. Construction of the mesh net – 2.5 metres (8ft) high and the length of a cricket pitch at 20 metres – will begin as early as next week, an official from Fujikawaguchiko town said on Friday. Read more“It’s regrettable we have to do this because of some tourists who can’t respect rules,” leaving litter behind and ignoring traffic regulations It is the latest direct action in Japan against over-tourism after residents of Kyoto’s geisha district banned visitors from small private alleys this year Record numbers of overseas tourists are travelling to Japan where the number of monthly visitors exceeded 3 million in March for the first time can be photographed from many spots in the resort town of Fujikawaguchiko This viewpoint is particularly popular because the majestic – and active – volcano appears behind a Lawson convenience store A tourist poses in front of the Lawson convenience store with Mount Fuji in the background Photograph: Philip Fong/AFP/GettyDue to this visual juxtaposition “a reputation has spread on social media that this spot is very Japanese The mostly non-Japanese tourists are overcrowding a stretch of pavement next to the Lawson shop After traffic signs and repeated warnings from security guards were ignored the town in Yamanashi region decided on the huge screen as a last resort The measure is also meant to protect a nearby dental clinic against tourists who sometimes park there without permission and have even been seen climbing on to the roof of the clinic to get the perfect shot The town wished it had not been forced to take action adding that the current plan was for the screen to stay up until the situation improves and the government has been working hard to boost visitor numbers But this has not been universally welcomed where people have complained of snap-happy tourists harassing the city’s immaculately dressed geisha This summer, hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji will be charged ¥2,000 each (£10.50 A town will replace a barrier mounted to deter unruly tourists from taking photos of Mount Fuji after holes were poked in the mesh screen The barrier was put up last week in a popular viewing spot in the town of Fujikawaguchiko where residents had complained about streams of mostly foreign visitors littering trespassing and breaking traffic rules.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); But at least 10 small holes have already been spotted in the black netting hung outside a convenience store behind which the mountain can be seen rising in the distance The new barrier will be made of stronger material and possibly changed to a lighter color such as blue or green Mayor Hideyuki Watanabe told reporters he "hopes to change the barrier as soon as possible" before the summer holiday season Record numbers of overseas tourists are coming to Japan where monthly visitors exceeded 3 million for the first time in March and then again in April which recently launched a trial of entry fees for day visitors the influx has not been universally welcomed locals have complained of tourists harassing the city's famed geisha And hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji this summer will be charged ¥2,000 ($13) each with entries capped at 4,000 to ease congestion Fuji is seen through a hole on a black screen installed across from a convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko town The town that erected the huge black screen last week in an attempt to stop tourists from snapping photos of Mount Fuji and overcrowding the area has discovered holes in the screen and is working to repair them A visitor tries to take a photo through a hole on a black screen installed across from a convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko town TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese town that erected a huge black screen last week in an attempt to stop tourists from snapping photos of Mount Fuji and overcrowding the area has discovered holes in the screen and is working to repair them One especially popular viewing location is outside a Lawson convenience store from where photos taken at a certain angle would make it look as if Mount Fuji was sitting atop the store roof Local residents have complained about visitors blocking the narrow sidewalk and walking into the busy road or onto neighboring properties to get their shots The town spent 1.3 million yen ($8,285) to install the 2.5-meter (8.2-feet) -high black mesh net that stretches 20 meters (66 feet) The screen has helped ease congestion in the area Fujikawaguchiko Town in Yamanashi Prefecture installed a large black screen to block the view of Mount Fuji on May 21 The screen was erected at a popular photo spot where the famous mountain appears to sit atop the roof of a Lawson convenience store It aims to address repeated incidents of misbehavior among inbound tourists The screen was installed on the sidewalk across from the convenience store near Kawaguchiko Station construction workers began attaching the 2.5-meter-high 20-meter-wide screen to wires strung between poles Its construction was completed shortly after 11 am Tourists were seen taking photos of Mount Fuji right up until construction began "We heard they were putting up the screen due to various issues We're glad we got to take a photo of the 'Mount Fuji Lawson' before the construction started." The mountain is still faintly visible through the screen "Mount Fuji Lawson" became a popular spot for inbound tourists about two years ago after photos of it spread on social media The most popular angle was from the sidewalk in front of a dental clinic across the street the area has since faced numerous issues related to overtourism Dangerous behavior like jaywalking also became common Fujikawaguchiko Town had tried various measures including putting up signs in four languages and employing security personnel which an urban planning department official described as a "painful decision." (Read the article in Japanese.)Author: Takashi Hirao You must be logged in to post a comment ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " Holidaymakers were behaving appallingly around a convenience store that offers an Instagrammable view of the mountain – until residents blocked the cameras It’s actually pointy, like a volcano. Not from this angle. What are you talking about? I’ve seen Mount Fuji. No, you haven’t. And if anybody asks, neither have I. But you can’t miss it! It’s 3,776 metres tall – Japan’s highest peak – and a landmark. Well, you certainly can’t see from here. Where is here, exactly? Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi prefecture, a small town nestled in the foothills of … oh, never mind. I’m guessing you probably can see it from there? Nope. And specifically not from the pavement across the road from a Lawson convenience store. That is quite specific. I’ll grant you that once upon a time, the view of the snow-covered peak rising behind the humble convenience store may have been considered very Instagrammable. But not now? Residents got fed up with tourists crowding the pavement, parking illegally and littering. That’s the price you pay for being photogenic, I guess. Visitors were also straying into the busy road, oblivious. The town has finally decided to take action. What are they gonna do? Pull down the mountain? They did the next best thing. They built a 3,776 metre addition on top of the store? No, they put up a black mesh screen, 2.5 metres high and 20 metres wide, to spoil the view. That seems a bit churlish. It’s not the first thing the town tried. Signs were put up and security guards stationed to prevent accidents. But nothing else worked. Will this work? It’s early days. For the moment, the tourists seem quite intrigued by the view of the mesh screen. Stupid tourists. Their numbers have certainly become a challenge. In a continuing post-pandemic boom, monthly visitors to Japan topped 3million for the first time in March and April. That does sound a lot. Japan had sought to break the pre-pandemic record of 31.9 million visitors annually by 2025, but it now looks as if that could happen this year. How will they cope? A £10 charge to climb Mount Fuji is one measure being introduced to relieve congestion. Along with the screening off of picturesque car parks. Apparently there are other, as yet unspoiled, convenience store/mountain juxtapositions in Fujikawaguchiko. Do say: “Honestly, I’m just here to buy intriguing Japanese snacks.” Don’t say: “Hey, local motorist! I’ll give you 10,000 yen if you let me take a picture from the roof of your car.” Black mesh blocking the Mount Fuji view has already been pierced with holes one week after its installation – though none are big enough for social media photos I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tourists eager to see Japan’s Mount Fuji have already started poking holes in a new barrier designed to prevent bad behaviour at a popular panoramic spot The installation of a black mesh screen in Fujikawaguchiko was only completed one week ago, and was carried out by officials in Yamanashi prefecture after locals became increasingly frustrated with the influx of foreign visitors who were littering trespassing and breaking traffic rules in a bid to capture social media worthy perfect photos stationed at the Lawson’s convenience store where the viewing spot has been blocked off said he noticed small holes started appearing in the morning or evening while no one was watching It’s a shame,” the security guard told the AFP news agency He said the holes were big enough for fingers to go through but still not for a camera to capture an Instagram-worthy shot showing Fuji’s snow-capped volcano A town official said he tried to put a camera against one of the holes but did not manage to get a perfect shot I think the net came into the frame,” the official said officials in the Japanese resort town last week installed netting measuring 20m by 2.5m “There have been some people who came to see the screen itself But we have achieved the purpose of discouraging people from staying there,” the town official said The narrow street in question offers a view of the perennially snow capped mountain soaring above a branch of the Lawson’s convenience store chain Local residents say the large numbers who flock to the spot often park illegally or block other pedestrians from using the pavement Once the photo booth-like spot in front of the convenience store loses popularity they are now planning to install QR codes on the netting screen linking to information on other tourist spots for visits including alternative places from which to take photos of Mount Fuji Travellers have returned in huge numbers to Japan since it reopened to foreign tourists following the pandemic lockdown, with more than three million per month visiting in March and April 2024 – a new record, and part of a trend that seems likely to continue. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies A worker installs a barrier to block the sight of Japan’s Mount Fuji emerging from behind a convenience store to deter badly behaved tourists, in the town of Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi prefecture Residents and businesses in Fujikawaguchiko have been frustrated for years because of tourists who litter and break traffic rules to take a perfect photo for social media Authorities in a Japanese town completed the installation of a large mesh barrier on Tuesday that blocks off the view of Mount Fuji, a deliberate move to discourage badly behaved tourists from taking photos at the spot The spot in question offers a view of the perennially snowcapped mountain soaring above a Lawson’s convenience store Residents say the large numbers who flock to the spot often park illegally or block other pedestrians from using the pavement The black netting used to cover the view measures 20m by 2.5m “I hope that the net will prevent dangerous activities,” resident Michie Motomochi who runs a traditional Japanese sweet shop in Fujikawaguchiko “I think it’s disappointing that they are putting it up It’s obviously an iconic shot,” said Christina Roys managing to get the last shot before they were putting up the wall The netting is also intended to provide some respite for the nearby Ibishi Dental Clinic, where tourists would park without permission and even climb onto the roof for photos, reported The Japan Times “It became not uncommon for people to shout insults at us or to throw away their cigarettes while they were still lit when we asked them to move their cars,” the clinic told CNN in a statement Fujikawaguchiko is a Japanese resort town in the Yamanashi prefecture Travellers have returned in huge numbers to Japan since it reopened to foreign tourists following the pandemic lockdown with more than three million per month visiting in March and April 2024 – a new record and part of a trend that seems likely to continue “I’ve seen people walk into roads, people using electronic [scooters] without following traffic rules and getting into accidents. There have been many accidents involving foreign tourists recently,” Haruhito Tsuchiya, a 49-year-old local who works in the tourism industry, told Reuters. The town decided to put up the mesh in April, after signs and security guards failed to deter tourists. “It is regrettable that we had to take such measures,” an official had said at the time. “Overtourism – and all the subsequent consequences like rubbish, rising CO2 emissions and reckless hikers – is the biggest problem facing Mount Fuji,” Masatake Izumi, a Yamanashi prefectural government official, had said to CNN last year. Authorities have also started a new online booking system for the Yoshida trail on Mount Fuji, capping daily hiker entries to 4,000 and imposing a mandatory fee of 2,000 yen. Ten small holes have been poked into the mesh screen of a huge barrier set up to deter unruly tourists from taking photos of Mount Fuji with a convenience store in the forefront The barrier was put up a week ago in a popular photo spot in Fujikawaguchiko The screen made of black netting had achieved its goal of dispersing crowds on a narrow pavement across the road from a convenience store Summer means fireworks in Japan, and there are plenty of spectacular displays to enjoy in and around Tokyo One of the most impressive fireworks festivals is at Kawaguchiko The Kawaguchiko Kojo Matsuri summer festival takes place on Monday August 5 from 7.45pm with fireworks launched from the middle of the lake between the eastern shore and Kawaguchiko Bridge Gigantic starmines and musical starmines will not only be reflected on the water’s surface but also synchronised to music The whole show will be 55 minutes long.  head to Oike Park or either one of these two shores – Funatsuhama and Hirahama Between Oike Park and the Komagari Tunnel lakeside dozens of food stalls will line the street make a beeline for the other side of the lake Here you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the fireworks with the towering silhouette of Mt Fuji in the background The summer festivals around Lake Kawaguchiko continue on August 15 and 16 with the Okukawaguchiko Furusato Matsuri and Fujikawaguchiko Lantern Matsuri The festival site at Oike Park will be hosting stage performances You can reach Kawaguchiko in about one hour and 45 minutes by highway bus from Shinjuku Station take the JR Chuo Line Limited Express from Shinjuku to Otsuki Station and change to the Fujikyuko line for Kawaguchiko Note that both festivals will be cancelled in case of stormy weather This article was originally published on July 29 2022 and updated on June 27 2024 Two Japanese carriers are in the world’s top 10 airlines of 2024 Universal Studios Japan Osaka is getting a Chainsaw Man pop-up attraction The life-size Gundam from Yokohama is moving to Osaka Expo 2025 This underground art installation near Tokyo is also a steam sauna Shibuya is looking to ban public drinking on streets at night Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan. snowless for the longest since records began 130 years ago is expected to finally get its famous white cap back next week Snow on average begins forming on Japan’s highest mountain on October 2 and the latest it had been detected before this year was in 1955 and 2016 “Rain is likely to fall temporarily near Mount Fuji on November 6,“ forecasting website tenki.jp “Cold air will move in and change from rain to snow near the summit,“ it said and the first snow on the mountain may be observed on the morning of the 7th.” Another company Weather News also said Wednesday that “the first snowfall is likely to be pushed back to November” French visitor Hugo Koide told AFP it was “quite shocking to see at this time of year there’s no snow.” who used to visit the area in autumn in his childhood said he remembered how Fuji “was always covered by snow.” It kind of doesn’t feel the same,“ said Australian traveller Jason Le “I think that across the globe it is kind of affecting everybody We’re from Australia and what you are seeing is it is getting hotter in the summer months and it’s getting colder earlier,“ he told AFP Last year snow was first detected on Fuji on October 5 a forecaster in the town of Kofu’s meteorological office told AFP on Monday climate change may play a role in delaying snowfall with this year being the latest since comparative data became available in 1894 and these high temperatures continued into September deterring cold air (bringing snow),“ Katsuta told AFP Japan’s summer this year was the joint hottest on record -- equalling the level seen in 2023 -- as extreme heatwaves fuelled by climate change engulfed many parts of the globe Warm weather has been affecting other snowy regions across the globe with many ski resorts increasingly being forced to confront the realities of a warming climate In Japan the city of Sapporo in the normally chilly northern island of Hokkaido has begun discussing scaling down its famous snow festival due to a shortage Tel: +603-7784 6688      Fax: +603-7785 2625 A tall metal fence will be built to control unruly tourists who have annoyed locals at a popular Mount Fuji photo spot It follows the construction last month of a black screen in another nearby town to block an Instagram-famous view of the snow-capped volcano rising from behind a convenience store.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); residents have complained about mostly foreign visitors venturing into the road on the Mount Fuji Dream Bridge in search of the perfect shot of Japan's highest peak Fuji from outside a convenience store was blocked on Tuesday when a black curtain was installed in front of the store in Fuji-Kawaguchiko The location had become popular as a photo hotspot When seen from the sidewalk across the street Fuji appears to be perched atop the convenience store’s roof Crowds of tourist had flocked to the Kawaguchiko-ekimae Lawson store to soak up the unique sight The area’s popularity as a tourist spot exploded when it was posted on social media the location has seen a series of problems with tourists crossing the street to take photos and littering among them Even dispatching security guards did little to discourage the craze The result was the view-blocking curtain and a fence to keep tourists from crossing the street “a reluctant decision” the town was forced to make 20-meter-wide blackout net was hung along a sidewalk opposite the store Fuji is a little sad,” a 73-year-old local said “This wouldn’t have happened if the tourists had better manners.” said that at this point it was a good solution as the tourists’ bad manners were annoying residents Local Officials Boost Further Measures After Screen Blocking View of ‘Convenience Store Mt. Fuji’ is Vandalized Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version you can also send your beloved toy to a shrine to be blessed before it gets returned to you Soft toy cleaning services in Japan are nothing new But a man working at a laundry service for soft toys is getting netizens tickled with his serious face as he carefully cleans the soiled plushies A quick check online shows that his colleagues look nowhere as grim but all meticulously work on their projects On The Internet Washing.com’s ‘craftsman’ — as they are described by the company — is said to handle one soft toy at a time to ensure the best care their business has expanded to three factories since they started each plushie is first washed by hand using a gentle ‘skin-friendly’ detergent before being treated for stains The final touch is where the toy is steamed with its signature Mt Is it just us or is every name given by the Japanese a vibe itself you can also send your beloved toys to a shrine to be blessed before it returns to you it also provides cleaning services for items such as baby strollers Todayonline.com and Today Online domains and apps are now part of 'Channelnewsasia.com' domain We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with TODAY to be fast Upgraded but still having issues? Contact us Yamanashi Pref.: The town government of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture has removed a huge black screen that had been blocking an iconic view of Mount Fuji since late May The screen was removed on Thursday to avoid being damaged by Typhoon Ampil the area in front of the store became swamped by travelers Following local residents’ complaints about visitors’ bad manners the town government erected the screen on May 21 to dissuade tourists from flocking to the spot The screen will not be put up again as long as visitors’ behavior improves and some local officials are starting to take measures to stop it This week, a large mesh barrier was erected in Fujikawaguchiko a town in Japan with a view of Mount Fuji that has become a popular spot to snap the country's largest peak The plans were drawn up as locals began complaining of hoards of badly behaved tourists coming to the area "It's regrettable we have to do this, because of some tourists who can't respect rules," a town official told Agence France-Presse The official told the outlet that tourists had caused disruption to the local area Tourists are flocking to a specific spot near a Lawson convenience store The spot was seen as "very Japanese," the official explained as the convenience store is unique to Japan and has a view of Mount Fuji right behind it "Social media has a big part to play in this restriction and we're seeing an increase in this kind of social-driven cofounder of tailor-made holiday platform TravelLocal said in a statement shared with Business Insider "This is essentially where tourists flock to a specific location to get the perfect shot for their social channels and act irresponsibly and without respect for the local community and environment," he added But Fujikawaguchiko isn't the only place that's putting measures in place to combat overtourism a controversial tourist fee has been implemented Officials in the Italian city launched a trial 5 euro fee — about $5.40 — for day-trippers during its peak travel season The fee will apply on 29 peak days between April and July Locals and people staying overnight in hotels don't need to pay the fee to enter the ticketed area Even though the fee is meant to make the city more liveable for residents Some locals protested, holding banners saying: "No to ticket, yes to houses and services for all," and others even clashed with police, CNN reported Some said that the fee is too small to deter the crowds and that it violated the principle of freedom of movement a picturesque mountain town in the Swiss Alps the mayor is considering introducing a fee of between 5 and 10 Swiss Franc ($5.50 to $11) for visitors arriving by car "The exception would be guests who have booked an offer such as a hotel or an excursion or who arrive by public transport," the mayor, Karl Näpflin said, per Swiss Info with tourists sharing videos of the packed trains heading to the lake One TikTok has racked up 3.3 million views showing a packed train heading to Lake Como While the person who posted the video said in that caption that it was "totally worth it," people in the comments had other ideas taking that train everyday to go to uni and come back home it's a NIGHTMARE," one user commented Another TikTok with 5.3 million views showed a similar phenomenon people are seen spilling off the train platform and sitting on the side of the train tracks while waiting for the train from Varenna (Lake Como) to Milan The city's mayor, Alessandro Rapinese, told The Times that on busy summer days He said that it's led to them considering a Venice-style tourist tax on visitors and he plans to start charging €50 ($54) for each private coach that arrives "You have no idea how difficult it is to be mayor when you are fighting tourism," he told the outlet central Japan town plans to put up new fences along a road in front of a Lawson convenience store offering scenic views of Mount Fuji aiming to prevent people from stepping into traffic at the spot popular among foreign tourists has been inundated with visitors looking to photograph the famous mountain as if perched above the store The development has prompted the town's government to take preventative measures will be the first on the convenience store side of the road Their introduction is due to a significant increase in jaywalking Each measuring around 3 meters long and 80 centimeters high the two fences are intended to encourage pedestrians to cross the road via a designated crosswalk The town office is considering painting the crosswalk green and white to make it more noticeable A similar barrier to prevent entries into the road was expanded to span 25 meters of roadside opposite the convenience store in October amid concerns of misbehavior and loitering at the site local authorities temporarily installed a black screen on the opposite side of the road to block the view It was removed in August as a safety precaution ahead of an approaching typhoon Mayor Hideyuki Watanabe said on Friday there are currently no plans to reinstall the black screen Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click Customize your reading experience by adjusting the text size to small or large—find what’s most comfortable for you Japan — A Japanese town mounted a large mesh barrier at a popular viewing spot for Mount Fuji on Tuesday in an attempt to deter photo-taking by an ever-growing number of tourists Japan's most famous sight can be seen for kilometers around but Fujikawaguchiko locals are fed up with streams of mostly foreign visitors littering trespassing and breaking traffic rules in their hunt for a photo to share on social media they would cram a pavement to shoot the snowcapped mountain which soars photogenically into the sky from behind a convenience store "I'm really happy that foreigners are coming to our town," said Kikue Katsumata "But when it comes to taking pictures from Lawson the road is a bit narrow and it can be dangerous when people dash across without using a crosswalk." Workers began putting the black netting measuring 2.5 by 20 meters in place on Tuesday and they were already done by late morning an Agence France-Presse reporter at the scene said "I think it's disappointing that they are putting it up It's obviously an iconic shot," said Christina Roys March and April set all-time records for visitor arrivals which have been driven by pent-up demand after the pandemic and the yen's slide to a 34-year low has made Japan an irresistible bargain with travelers spending a record $11.2 billion in the first three months of this year which recently launched an entry fee trial for day visitors locals have complained of tourists harassing the city's famed geisha And hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji this summer will be charged 2,000 yen ($13) each Mount Fuji is covered in snow most of the year But during the July-September hiking season more than 220,000 visitors trudge up its steep Many climb through the night to see the sunrise and some attempt to reach the 3,776-meter summit without breaks Regional officials have raised safety and environmental concerns linked to overcrowding on the active volcano a symbol of Japan and a once-peaceful pilgrimage site Residents near other popular photo spots in the region have also reportedly complained about overtourism in recent weeks One tour operator that offers day trips from Tokyo to the Mount Fuji area told AFP they are taking visitors to another Lawson store nearby where a similar view can be seen It's been about a week since a Japanese resort town erected an eight-foot-tall mesh to block a scenic view of Mount Fuji that had tourists crowding nearby businesses He added that about 10 finger-sized holes have been found so far He said a security guard is stationed at the curtain between 10 a.m and that the holes must have been created when the mesh wasn't manned the official told the outlet that the barrier is fulfilling its role in dispersing photo-hungry tourists last week as local residents and businesses complained of misbehaving tourists flocking to a Lawson convenience store Mount Fuji's snow-capped peak looms over the store's roof when seen from across the street — a view that's been made famous on social media But people living and working in Fujikawaguchiko said the visitors often litter and trespass in pursuit of the perfect shot A nearby dental clinic released a statement on May 1 saying that tourists would park in spaces meant for patients The clinic said the curtain would obscure its entrance from the road and block an important car exit but added that the mesh was an "unavoidable measure" to deal with the tourist disruption "The lives of local residents have been disrupted," a town official told Japanese newspaper the Mainichi "We've been pushed beyond our limit by the increase in foreign tourists over the past few months." That's still lower than Japan's record high of 31 million arrivals in 2019 and March this year have jumped about 70 to 88% compared to the same periods in 2023 — putting the country on pace to match its pre-pandemic totals Visitors spent about $11.2 billion in those three months, and Japan's national government hopes to eventually bolster tourism arrivals to 60 million per year by 2030.