NEW DELHI: In the stunning city of Fujikawaguchiko, a common location for capturing Mount Fuji behind the current wall of a Lawson’s comfort business has led to unforeseen consequences. Local authorities have taken drastic steps as a result of the influx of tourists who want to get the best picture. In an effort to deter increased hospitality that has hampered the local neighborhood, the town is constructing an eight-foot-high challenge to hinder the view of Mount Fuji from the store, according to a CNN statement.
The decision comes as the little community struggles with overtourism, which is located in Yamanashi Prefecture near the start of one of the most popular hiking routes up Mount Fuji. This trend has reached the point where, during the off-peak time, the number of guests can trip up, causing significant disruptions to residents ‘ daily lives. Local officials and business owners near the Lawson’s business have raised concerns about the behaviour of tourists, who usually leave debris, stop traffic, and restrict local movements.
Lawson’s apologized for the inconvenience caused by the store’s popularity as a location for photography in a statement released on May 5. The company expressed regret to the locals, customers of these stores, and others for inflicting inconvenience and concern as a result of the Lawson Kawaguchiko Station Branch’s popularity, according to the company. According to the CNN report, Lawson’s also has committed to installing multilingual signs warning against littering and disruptive behavior and is considering hiring private security to guard the area.
This problem is a part of a larger overtourism issue that Japan is facing, particularly now that it has fully recovered from a pandemic. Overcrowded crowds have been observed in destinations like Kyoto and Mount Fuji, which has prompted local governments to take more aggressive measures to control the flow of tourists. In Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood, for example, signs and brochures have been distributed to educate tourists on respectful behaviors towards geishas, though challenges persist.
Fujikawaguchiko is only one of many in Japan dealing with the double-edged sword of popular tourism and local quality of life as it works to complete the barrier ‘ installation by the end of the month.
