Japanese authorities in a town near Mount Fuji have cancelled this year's cherry blossom festival, citing a surge in tourist numbers that has become unmanageable for locals.
The influx of tourists to the town of Fujiyoshida has led to chronic traffic congestion and litter, with some residents reporting incidents of trespassing and even defecation in private gardens.
The area's stunning landscape, featuring world-famous cherry trees in full bloom against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, has traditionally attracted large crowds during spring. However, according to Fujiyoshida's mayor, Shigeru Horiuchi, this picturesque scenery has begun to threaten the quiet lives of citizens, leading to a strong sense of crisis among residents.
To preserve the dignity and living conditions of the community, Horiuchi announced the discontinuation of the 10-year-old cherry blossom festival during a press briefing.
Authorities had previously opened the gates of Arakurayama Sengen Park to attract tourists in 2016, hoping to create a vibrant atmosphere. However, the dramatic increase in visitors, now reaching up to 10,000 each day during peak blossom season, has overwhelmed the city. Contributing factors include a weak yen and viral social media content highlighting the site's beauty.
Residents expressed frustration, detailing incidents of tourists using their private restrooms, littering, and being disruptive when questioned by locals. Although the festival is canceled, the city is preparing for an expected influx of visitors during the upcoming cherry blossom season.
Fujiyoshida is not alone in addressing the challenges posed by overtourism. Similar issues have prompted international measures, including Italy's recent €2 fee for accessing the Trevi Fountain and Venice's introduction of a booking fee for day-trippers during peak seasons.
