NEW DELHI: Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko has decided to block Mount Fuji‘s view in an effort to counter over-tourism and protect the site from those who can’t “respect rules”, the authorities informed.
“It’s regrettable we have to do this, because of some tourists who can’t respect rules,” leaving litter behind and ignoring traffic regulations, Fujikawaguchiko town official told AFP.
The construction of the mesh net, which will be 2.5 metres (8 feet) high and 20 metres long, will begin as early as next week, according to the official.
It is Japan‘s second direct step against over-tourism, following a restriction on visitors to small private passageways in Kyoto’s geisha area earlier this year.
Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, can be captured from various locations but this site is popular as the volcano emerges behind a Lawson convenience store, which are quite common in the country.
Talking about this, the town official said that “a reputation has spread on social media that this spot is very Japanese, making it a popular photo location.”
He said that the largely non-Japanese tourists are swarming the pavement next to the Lawson shop.
The decision has not been uniformly accepted, particularly in Kyoto, where locals have complained about tourists harassing the city’s elegantly dressed geisha.
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