Japanese authorities in a town near Mount Fuji have cancelled this year's cherry blossom festival, saying a surge in tourist numbers is unmanageable for locals.
The influx of tourists to the town of Fujiyoshida has led to chronic traffic congestion and litter, while some residents say they've experienced tourists trespassing or defecating in private gardens.
The area is a popular destination during spring because Japan's world-renowned cherry trees are in full bloom, offering breathtaking views with Mount Fuji in the background.
However, Fujiyoshida's picturesque scenery threatens the quiet lives of citizens, the city's mayor explained, adding: We have a strong sense of crisis.
Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi stated, To protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens, we have decided to bring the curtain down on the 10-year-old festival. The park, known for its renowned panorama of the city and the iconic pagoda, has seen a dramatic increase in visitor numbers in recent years, with some days hosting up to 10,000 tourists.
This surge in tourism is attributed to factors like the weak yen and social media, leading to behaviors such as opening private home doors without permission to use restrooms, trespassing, and littering in residential areas.
While the festival is cancelled, the city remains prepared for a continued influx of tourists during the spring months.
Fujiyoshida is not alone in grappling with the chorus of overtourism; similar measures have been seen in other global tourist hotspots struggling to balance visitor attraction with community preservation.
