Japanese authorities in a town close to Mount Fuji have scrapped this year’s cherry blossom festival after concluding that soaring visitor numbers have become too disruptive for residents. Fujiyoshida, a city that draws huge crowds each spring for its cherry trees set against Japan’s most famous mountain, has struggled to cope with the volume of tourists. Local authorities say the influx has caused severe traffic jams, mounting rubbish problems, and repeated incidents of visitors entering private property.&nbsp;Some residents have reported tourists opening their doors to use bathrooms without permission, wandering into private gardens, and even relieving themselves on residential land. City leaders say such behaviour has significantly damaged daily life in the area. Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said the decision to end the decade-old festival was made to protect the well-being of locals, describing the situation as a growing crisis that threatens the community’s dignity and peace. The cherry blossom event began in 2016 at Arakurayama Sengen Park, a popular viewpoint featuring a pagoda overlooking the city and Mount Fuji.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/55-000-ukrainian-soldiers-killed-in-four-years-of-war-with-russia-zelensky-1770304188136">55,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in four years of war with Russia: Zelensky</a>&nbsp;Authorities initially promoted the festival to boost tourism and create a vibrant atmosphere, especially as the location gained popularity on social media. In recent years, however, visitor numbers have surged beyond what the city can manage. Officials estimate that up to 10,000 people now arrive each day during peak blossom season, driven by factors including a weak yen and viral online images.&nbsp;Although the festival has been cancelled, Fujiyoshida expects heavy footfall throughout April and May and says it is preparing for continued tourist pressure. The move reflects a broader struggle in Japan to curb overtourism. Last year, officials in nearby Fujikawaguchiko installed a large black screen to block a famous photo spot after complaints about littering and illegal parking.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-latest-plan-for-white-house-makeover-1770312064256/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-latest-plan-for-white-house-makeover-1770312064256/embed</a>&nbsp;Other countries are also taking action. Rome has introduced a €2 entry fee for access to the Trevi Fountain viewing area, while Venice now charges day visitors between €5 and €10 depending on booking time.

Mount Fuji town cancels cherry blossom festival amid surge in tourist

Japanese authorities in a town close to Mount Fuji have scrapped this year’s cherry blossom festival after concluding that soaring visitor numbers have become too disruptive for residents. Fujiyoshida, a city that draws huge crowds each spring for its cherry trees set against Japan’s most famous mountain, has struggled to cope with the volume of tourists. Local authorities say the influx has caused severe traffic jams, mounting rubbish problems, and repeated incidents of visitors entering private property. Some residents have reported tourists opening their doors to use bathrooms without permission, wandering into private gardens, and even relieving themselves on residential land. City leaders say such behaviour has significantly damaged daily life in the area. Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said the decision to end the decade-old festival was made to protect the well-being of locals, describing the situation as a growing crisis that threatens the community’s dignity and peace. The cherry blossom event began in 2016 at Arakurayama Sengen Park, a popular viewpoint featuring a pagoda overlooking the city and Mount Fuji. Also Read: 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in four years of war with Russia: Zelensky Authorities initially promoted the festival to boost tourism and create a vibrant atmosphere, especially as the location gained popularity on social media. In recent years, however, visitor numbers have surged beyond what the city can manage. Officials estimate that up to 10,000 people now arrive each day during peak blossom season, driven by factors including a weak yen and viral online images. Although the festival has been cancelled, Fujiyoshida expects heavy footfall throughout April and May and says it is preparing for continued tourist pressure. The move reflects a broader struggle in Japan to curb overtourism. Last year, officials in nearby Fujikawaguchiko installed a large black screen to block a famous photo spot after complaints about littering and illegal parking. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-latest-plan-for-white-house-makeover-1770312064256/embed Other countries are also taking action. Rome has introduced a €2 entry fee for access to the Trevi Fountain viewing area, while Venice now charges day visitors between €5 and €10 depending on booking time.

A Mount Fuji town has cancelled its cherry blossom festival after tourist numbers surged, causing congestion, littering, and disruption to residents’ daily lives

The cherished Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing, known as "hanami," should ideally be a simple joy. Each year, during early spring, these delicate flowers grace the country&nbsp;for about 10 days, inviting a nationwide celebration of outdoor picnics and leisurely daytime revelry.

However, this annual celebration&nbsp;has been tinged with apprehension. Climate change has infused&nbsp;uncertainty into the once-predictable timing of cherry blossom blooms, as reported by The Times.

Amongst flowers worldwide, none are awaited with as much anticipation as the sakura, or flowering cherry. These blooms symbolise the advent of spring, and mark the beginning of the academic and fiscal year in Japan.

Also watch |&nbsp;Japanese PM Fumio Kishida makes landmark US visit, first for Japan in nine years

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japanese-pm-fumio-kishida-makes-landmark-us-visit-first-for-japan-in-nine-years-709167/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Dominance of Somei-Yoshino</h2>

In previous centuries, a diverse array of cherry blossom species flourished.

However, over the past century, one variety has come to dominate: the Somei-Yoshino. These cloned trees, with their fluffy pink-white blossoms, bloom simultaneously but fleetingly, lasting barely a week.

While Somei-Yoshino trees are popular, they are susceptible to a disease called witches' broom, which mars their appearance and inhibits flowering. Recognising this threat, the Flower Association of Japan has ceased distributing Somei-Yoshino in favour of a heartier alternative known as Jindai Akebono.

<h2>The impact of climate change</h2>

Climate change has introduced new uncertainties into the timing and duration of cherry blossom blooms.

Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns have disrupted the once-definite schedule of sakura blossoms, leading to challenges for tourism operators and local businesses that depend on the annual influx of visitors during peak bloom season.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the average date of cherry blossom blooming has been advancing by approximately 1.2 days every decade since 1963, creating logistical challenges for organisers of hanami events and tours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/critical-situation-japans-number-of-births-fell-to-record-low-in-2023-marriages-down-by-59-694545">Also read |&nbsp;'Critical situation': Japan's number of births fell to record low in 2023, marriages down by 5.9%</a>

In response to the challenges facing cherry blossom viewing, efforts are underway to diversify tree varieties and promote more resilient species. The Flower Association of Japan has discontinued the distribution of Somei-Yoshino trees in favour of hardier alternatives such as Jindai Akebono. Additionally, conservation initiatives aim to protect cherry blossom trees from diseases and environmental threats, ensuring their continued presence for future generations to enjoy.

(With inputs from agencies)

The cherished Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing, known as "hanami," should ideally be a simple joy. Each year, during early spring, these delicate flowers grace the country for about 10 days, inviting a nationwide celebration of outdoor picnics and leisurely daytime revelry.

The cherished Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing, known as "hanami," should ideally be a simple joy. Each year, during early spring, these delicate flowers grace the country for about 10 days, inviting a nationwide celebration of outdoor picnics and leisurely daytime revelry. However, this annual celebration has been tinged with apprehension. Climate change has infused uncertainty into the once-predictable timing of cherry blossom blooms, as reported by The Times. Amongst flowers worldwide, none are awaited with as much anticipation as the sakura, or flowering cherry. These blooms symbolise the advent of spring, and mark the beginning of the academic and fiscal year in Japan. Also watch | Japanese PM Fumio Kishida makes landmark US visit, first for Japan in nine years Dominance of Somei-Yoshino In previous centuries, a diverse array of cherry blossom species flourished. However, over the past century, one variety has come to dominate: the Somei-Yoshino. These cloned trees, with their fluffy pink-white blossoms, bloom simultaneously but fleetingly, lasting barely a week. While Somei-Yoshino trees are popular, they are susceptible to a disease called witches' broom, which mars their appearance and inhibits flowering. Recognising this threat, the Flower Association of Japan has ceased distributing Somei-Yoshino in favour of a heartier alternative known as Jindai Akebono. The impact of climate change Climate change has introduced new uncertainties into the timing and duration of cherry blossom blooms. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns have disrupted the once-definite schedule of sakura blossoms, leading to challenges for tourism operators and local businesses that depend on the annual influx of visitors during peak bloom season. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the average date of cherry blossom blooming has been advancing by approximately 1.2 days every decade since 1963, creating logistical challenges for organisers of hanami events and tours. Also read | 'Critical situation': Japan's number of births fell to record low in 2023, marriages down by 5.9% In response to the challenges facing cherry blossom viewing, efforts are underway to diversify tree varieties and promote more resilient species. The Flower Association of Japan has discontinued the distribution of Somei-Yoshino trees in favour of hardier alternatives such as Jindai Akebono. Additionally, conservation initiatives aim to protect cherry blossom trees from diseases and environmental threats, ensuring their continued presence for future generations to enjoy. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms are feeling the impact of severe climate change. Here’s how

The cherry blossoms alongside the Potomac in Washington DC are usually a tourist draw but this year, because of the coronavirus numbers of people venturing out to see the natural phenomenon are slim.

Washington DC's cherry blossoms not the tourist pull amid coronavirus pandemic

Japan's iconic cherry blossom season has bloomed in Tokyo, but this year, streets and parks were empty as people shunned "viewing parties" to stay indoors amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Japanese shun cherry blossom viewing parties due to coronavirus