In Japan, a fence will be built in front of this store near Mount Fuji, which has become a tourist attraction
Philip Fung/AFP
In Japan, a fence will be built in front of this small store near Mount Fuji, which has become a tourist attraction (Photo taken in front of the famous store overlooking Mount Fuji, in Fujikawaguchiko on January 1, 2024).
Japan – What shouldn't we do to get peace from tourists? Iconic Japanese store, breathtaking view On Mount FujiAnd hundreds of tourists doing as they please. A small Japanese town has decided to erect a high fence to stop the influx of foreign visitors, who sometimes display bad behaviour, at a place very popular for photographing the famous volcano.
The city of Fujikawaguchiko plans to begin construction of a mesh network 2.5 meters high and 20 meters long next week. “It is unfortunate that we have to do this, because some tourists do not respect the rules.”A city official told AFP on Friday, complaining in particular about waste left by tourists and violations of the highway law.
This decision will be made at the same time in Japan to reduce the surtourism effects, after the recent establishment of certain buildings in the quarter of the geisha in Kyoto (ouest), or the paid and unpaid bills at Mont Fuji on the other hand. this summer.
The place that became famous on social networks
More than three million foreign visitors entered Japan in March, an all-time monthly record for the country, which has long remained closed to international tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak (3,776 metres), can be photographed from many locations in Fujikawaguchiko and elsewhere. But the obstructed view is particularly sought after by some tourists because it appears in the background behind Lawson's Supermarket, a chain that is ubiquitous on the archipelago.
Because of this visual juxtaposition, “This place, which is very Japanese, has spread on social media, making it a popular photography location.”An official in the city interviewed by Agence France-Presse, who requested anonymity, explained.
Willing to do anything for the image
After the failure of prevention campaigns, with banners and even security personnel, the municipality decided to use the main means, as a last resort.
This decision is also intended to protect a neighboring dental clinic, whose parking lot was attacked and which found tourists climbing on its roof to take pictures, according to the city manager, who explained that this drastic measure will continue until the situation improves. .
The problem of overtourism and its damage to the environment recently led the city of Venice in Italy to charge a €5 fee to enter the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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