In an unprecedented transfer to fight the surge of misbehaving international vacationers, the Japanese city of Fujikawaguchiko has introduced plans to put in a huge black mesh web, measuring 2.5 meters excessive and 20 meters lengthy, to hinder the picturesque view of Mount Fuji from a well-liked picture spot.
The building of this barrier, set to start as early as subsequent week, comes as a final resort after the city’s efforts to curb the inflow of disrespectful guests via visitors indicators and safety guard warnings proved ineffective.
The viewpoint in query, situated close to a Lawson comfort retailer, has gained immense recognition on social media as a result of distinctive juxtaposition of Japan’s highest mountain in opposition to the backdrop of the ever present retail chain.
However, the city official, who wished to stay nameless, acknowledged that the principally non-Japanese vacationers have been overcrowding the pavement, leaving litter behind, and disregarding visitors rules.
The state of affairs has escalated to the purpose the place vacationers have been caught parking with out permission and even climbing on the roof of a close-by dental clinic to seize the proper shot. The city’s determination to put in the barrier isn’t solely geared toward managing the unruly crowds but additionally to guard the clinic from additional disturbances.
Fujikawaguchiko’s predicament isn’t an remoted incident, as Japan has been grappling with the challenges of overtourism because the lifting of pandemic-era border restrictions. In March 2024, the nation recorded a staggering 3 million month-to-month guests, the best ever. While the federal government has been actively selling tourism, some locals have expressed issues concerning the influence on their communities.
In Kyoto, for instance, residents of the geisha district have taken issues into their very own fingers by banning guests from small non-public alleys in 2024 to stop harassment of the immaculately dressed geisha by snap-happy vacationers. Similarly, hikers utilizing the most well-liked path to climb Mount Fuji can be charged a charge of US$13 (S$17.70) every beginning this summer season, with numbers capped to ease congestion.
As Japan continues to draw document numbers of vacationers, the nation faces the problem of balancing financial advantages with the preservation of its cultural heritage and the well-being of its residents. The set up of the barrier in Fujikawaguchiko serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for accountable tourism and the significance of respecting native customs and rules.
Here are some feedback from customers on the subject:
- “I was there a few weeks ago and between people nearly being hit by cars and buses (completely ignoring the police) and those a bit further along standing on the middle of a railway line to take a photo while the train was coming it was madness. Meanwhile the cafe with the perfect view of Fuji was empty.”
- “Went on vacation within Japan recently and the area was flooded with Chinese tourists. They were in areas they weren’t supposed to be, getting into historical foot baths that are off limits, damn near shoulder checking me at the Ryokan, etc. They may show up in tour groups, but they diverge from those pretty quickly.”
- “A lot of this has to do with the weak yen and strong dollar. It’s regrettable that quite often the sh*tty white tourists are just assumed to be Americans.”
- “On my recent trip (first time) I observed and interacted with many tourists. Without fail, the Europeans were rude as hell. Glaring at us, making no effort to follow the local customs (like not talking loudly on trains) etc..”
- “As a westerner, I am not sure that we truly have a grasp for how serious the Asian community is about taking pictures, with proper camera equipment, the poses, the angles and the sheer quantity of them. I applaud their enthusiasm, but unfortunately, they didn’t seem to care when they were inconveniencing others.”
It is crucial to concentrate on the challenges confronted by standard vacationer locations and the significance of being a accountable customer. By respecting native customs, rules, and the setting, expatriates can contribute to the preservation of Japan’s cultural heritage and keep constructive relationships with their host communities.
Source: Straits Times