TOKYO, Aug 23 (News On Japan) –
In Okutama, Tokyo, a well-liked pure vacation spot, disturbing habits comparable to littering, noise, and unauthorized barbecues have escalated, notably amongst international guests, turning elements of the nationwide park right into a ‘lawless zone.’
Located in western Tokyo, Okutama is a well-liked vacation spot for these in search of to get pleasure from nature with out leaving the town. On the ultimate day of the Obon vacation, the gorge close to the station was bustling with folks having fun with barbecues within the nice outside. However, a disturbing scene unfolded alongside the riverside.
One group was barbecuing instantly on the bottom, with smoke billowing up. Despite a ban on organising tents, the world was crammed with them.
This area is designated as a nationwide park, and to protect the panorama and setting, ‘barbecuing instantly on the bottom’ and ‘organising tents’ are prohibited.
Yasunobu Yahagi, from the Okutama Tourism Association, who patrols the world as a part of efforts to fight over-tourism, was surprised by the state of affairs, saying, “I was at a loss for words. It’s become a lawless zone.”
He approached the barbecue attendees to tell them of their violations.
Yahagi: “This area prohibits barbecuing directly on the ground. Please use a grill.”
Barbecue Attendee: “Yes, understood!”
Yahagi: “Tents are not allowed either. Next time, please use a campsite.”
Barbecue Attendee: “Oh, that’s bad. We shouldn’t be doing this.”
Many of these participating in these violations are international nationals.
Yahagi: “We mostly see foreign visitors, many of whom live in Japan.”
According to the city, details about ‘free and open recreation’ in Okutama has unfold quickly amongst international residents by way of social media.
A Japanese barbecue attendee shared their considerations:
Japanese Barbecue Attendee: “I hope people will protect the nature here in Okutama. If they come, they should follow the rules.”
In one incident, a person in a tank high climbed a slope, snapping off branches and tossing them down beneath. He then collected over ten branches to make use of as firewood and even burned plastic alongside them.
When approached for remark:
Foreign Barbecue Attendee: “I knew barbecuing directly on the ground was prohibited. I saw it on TV!”
Despite realizing the principles, the international attendee expressed remorse:
Foreign Barbecue Attendee: “I’m sorry.”
He later extinguished the fireplace and promised to take his trash with him.
Persistent Littering
Rule violations have led to critical incidents. A 25-year-old Indonesian man drowned after being swept away in a river the place swimming is prohibited. Though a buddy tried to rescue him, he was present in cardiac arrest and later pronounced lifeless on the hospital.
Despite this tragedy, folks had been nonetheless seen swimming within the river.
When city officers warned a person about swimming within the river, he responded by floating on an inflatable tube, defying the prohibition.
There had been additionally teams enjoying loud music and dancing, disturbing close by residents.
Nearby Resident: “It’s really bothersome. They play music in some language I don’t understand, and it’s been going on since morning. Even while lying down, I can hear it clearly.”
Moreover:
Nearby Resident: “The area near the bridge has turned into a trash heap. If we don’t plant shrubs, trash is dumped there every morning.”
Photos taken final July present piles of trash below an indication that reads “No Littering.” The littering continues unabated.
Trash, together with unconsumed roasted candy potatoes, cardboard bins crammed with charcoal, fuel cans, and tongs, was scattered close to the river. Over 15 empty alcohol cans had been additionally discovered close to residential houses.
As the afternoon progressed, the variety of barbecue attendees alongside the river elevated even additional.
Officer: “No tents allowed!”
Foreign Barbecue Attendee: “Yes…”
With extra rule violators than ever, the state of affairs turned unmanageable. The patrol staff, initially composed of 1 individual, elevated to 6, they usually set out on one other spherical of patrols.
Officer: “Are you packing up now?”
Foreign Barbecue Attendee: “Yes…”
A couple of minutes later, the officer returned to the identical spot.
Officer: “I warned you about direct barbecuing earlier. This is also prohibited.”
Foreign Barbecue Attendee: “Is it okay if I put this on top?”
Officer: “No, it’s not okay! The act of barbecuing directly on the ground is prohibited.”
Foreign Barbecue Attendee: “I bought a grill but forgot to bring it.”
Officer: “If you forgot it, you might consider not barbecuing or just going home.”
Foreign Barbecue Attendee: “I’ll clean up after I’m done.”
Officer: “Please make sure to clean up properly!”
Despite the officer’s efforts, the barbecue attendees paid little consideration. Furthermore:
Officer: “It’s problematic when you leave things like this.”
The remnants of a latest barbecue, together with scorching, charred stones and coals, had been left unattended, with smoke nonetheless rising.
Officer: “You need to pour water on it and make sure the fire is completely out before you leave.”
Some folks had been even seen washing their barbecue grills instantly within the river.
As there aren’t any penalties for such nuisance habits at this web site, the city is struggling to handle the difficulty.
Okutama Town Official: “Although people seem to listen when we tell them the rules, they just come and go. It seems that enforcing rules isn’t enough.”
Regulations and Improvement Efforts
Meanwhile, different areas are transferring to manage nuisance barbecue actions by way of native ordinances.
In Tochigi Prefecture’s Kanuma City, the emerald inexperienced waters of the Oashi River, often known as the clearest stream within the Kanto area, draw many guests. However, this space has additionally seen its share of nuisance behaviors.
In response, Kanuma City launched laws this 12 months, banning barbecues in sure areas. Violators face fines of as much as 50,000 yen per individual.
Announcement: “Barbecuing, fireworks, and noise are prohibited.”
During the busy summer season trip interval, metropolis officers patrol the world day by day. On one such patrol:
Kanuma City Official: “May we check inside?”
Barbecue Attendee: “It’s not open yet.”
Kanuma City Official: “I see you haven’t used it.”
Barbecue Attendee: “Yes, last year it was allowed.”
Kanuma City Official: “What will you do next?”
Barbecue Attendee: “We’ll head to a place where it’s permitted.”
Thanks to those patrols, prohibited actions had been prevented that day, and no violations had been reported.
Local Resident: “Things seem to be improving, which is good news for us locals.”
However:
Misako Kamiyama of Sesaragi Soba Shop in Kanuma: “People probably started fires over there. There are stones piled up.”
Despite a ban on nighttime barbecues, Kamiyama, who works at a soba store alongside the Oashi River, mentioned:
Kamiyama: “Foreign visitors often have barbecues at night and play loud music. Although enforcement is generally effective, there are still spots where issues persist. They may find a new hidden spot to use next time.”
Paid Zones and Safety for Children
In Okutama Town’s Hikawa Gorge, there are at present no penalties for rule-breaking barbecue attendees.
An Okutama Town official mentioned, “We are constantly reminding people of the rules, but we feel penalties should be introduced to ensure people understand them fully.”
In distinction, Kanuma City in Tochigi Prefecture launched an ordinance in April this 12 months. The regulation imposes fines of as much as 50,000 yen per individual for prohibited actions like barbecuing in protected areas.
This transfer has led to constructive modifications, in accordance with a metropolis consultant: “There is noticeably less trash this year compared to last year. The ordinance seems to be effective.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2021, the variety of violators surged. During Golden Week in 2021, the town obtained as much as 100 experiences a day.
In response, the town established a paid barbecue zone in 2022, charging 1,000 yen per grownup. The official famous, “We’ve seen a reduction in rule-breaking visitors, and it’s become a safer environment for children.”
Source: YOMIURI