Authorities in a Japanese city are erecting a 2.5-meter-high barrier to block views of Mt.Fuji and prevent people from taking photos from a place that attracts so many visitors that it has become a problem for local residents, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
Tourists flock to the town of Fuji-Kawaguchiko, about 50 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, to catch the juxtaposition of two symbols of Japan: the majestic, sloping slopes of Mount Fuji and the nightclub, a sight that has become popular on social media.< /p>
The ever-increasing crowds have led to complaints of litter, road hazards and illegal parking. The 20-meter-wide black barrier, which will hide the view of the mountain, should be completed by the middle of this month.
The barrier is another sign of Japan's efforts to cope with an unprecedented surge in visitors to the country amid the collapse of the national currency to a 34-year low.
The weak yen has made Japan an irresistible destination for tourists, which is good news for the economy, but the price has been outbreaks of conflict with locals and fears of "overtourism" in big cities and popular places.
At the photo location in question today, there were people running through the streets, disrupting traffic, and climbing poles to get a better view, Reuters noted. At one point, an employee ran out of the store, yelling at the tourists to chase them away.
"I have seen people walking on the roads, people using electronic kickboards, not obeying traffic rules and causing accidents. Recently, there have been many incidents involving foreign tourists," said 49-year-old local resident Haruhito Tsuchiya.
Fuji, the 3,776 meter high volcanic mountain revered as sacred by the Japanese, is a popular destination for local and foreign visitors. However, local residents and authorities have condemned increasing pollution, accidents and environmental damage during last summer's overcrowded climbing season.
To deal with the situation, authorities this year announced a series of restrictions on hiking around Mount Fuji and a new 2,000 yen ($12.83) tour fee.
Hotels and resorts are also struggling to meet demand due to reduced staff after many employees left the sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.