Devendra Kumar
The picturesque town of Fujikawaguchiko in Japan is struggling to cope with an overwhelming influx of tourists, forcing local authorities to take drastic measures to curb the chaos. Since Japan reopened its borders after a two-year pandemic hiatus, the town has been flooded with visitors, with over 80% of customers at a local cafe consisting of foreign tourists. The surge in tourism has been fueled by the weakening of the yen, making Japan a more affordable destination.
Locals have been complaining about the chaos caused by the tourists, despite efforts to manage the crowd, such as signs and security guards. They have been venting their frustration about incidents such as littering, crossing the road with busy traffic, ignoring traffic lights, and trespassing into private properties. The Japanese government is eager to increase tourism, with over 32 million visitors expected this year, a record from 2019.
However, the booming tourism has also triggered complaints from residents in popular tourist destinations, such as Kyoto and Kamakura. The town of Fujikawaguchiko is uncertain about what to do, as locals are struggling to adapt to the massive influx of tourists. Chiyo Ogawa, who runs a rice shop in the area, said the overcrowding has worsened in recent months, with tourists gathering from around 4am and talking loudly. He expressed his uncertainty about the solution, saying “I suppose we all just need to get used to it.”
In a recent development, the town has decided to construct a large black screen on a stretch of pavement to control the flow of tourists and reduce chaos. The move is aimed at addressing the concerns raised by local residents. The screen, which is due to be completed in mid-May, will be 8.2ft high and 65.6ft long, blocking the view of Mount Fuji almost completely. The decision has sparked mixed reactions from tourists, with some, like Anthony Hok, a 26-year-old French tourist, thinking it is an overreaction, while others, such as Helen Pull, a 34-year-old British tourist, are sympathetic to the local concerns.
The town’s decision to block the view of Mount Fuji is a drastic measure, but it is clear that something needs to be done to address the concerns of the local residents. The move may not be popular with tourists, but it is a necessary step to maintain the quality of life for the town’s residents. The Japanese government needs to find a balance between encouraging tourism and respecting the concerns of local communities.