Japanese town plans to block Mount Fuji view due to tourist misbehaviour

Japanese authorities, frustrated by the unruly behaviour of foreign tourists, are planning to set upa large black barrier to obstruct the view of Mount Fuji at a well-known photo spot. Construction of the mesh net, which will be 2.5 metres(8 feet) high and approximately 20 metreslong (equivalent to the length of a cricket pitch), is scheduled to start as early as next week, according to an official from Fujikawaguchiko town.

"It's regrettable we have to do this, because of some tourists who can't respect rules,leaving litter behind and ignoring traffic regulations," said the official to AFP.

In Japan, some tourist spots are facing overcrowding issues.

In Fujikawaguchiko, a town known for its view of Mount Fuji, tourists flock to photograph the iconic volcano behind a Lawson convenience store.

This location gained popularity on social media, attracting many visitors, especially from other countries.

However, the influx of tourists has led to overcrowding, with some even trespassing onto nearby properties for better views. Despite attempts to manage the situation through signage and warnings, the overcrowding persist.

To address this, authorities plan to install a large screen to block the view of Mount Fuji from the Lawson store, hoping to deter tourists from overcrowding the area and protect nearby properties, like a dental clinic.

This issue isn't unique to Japan, as other popular destinations, such as Venice, also grapple with the challenges of overtourism.

By implementing measures like entry fees and crowd control, these destinations are trying tostrike a balance between welcoming tourists and preserving the local environment and community.

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Touristsan issue in Venice too

Venice in Italy, has introduced a new pilot program to tackle overtourism. Day-trippers will now be charged a €5 entry fee (approximately $5.35). This move will tryto reduce visitor numbers on busy days and make the city more enjoyable for its residents, who are becoming fewer in number.

Signs have been posted outside Venice's main train station and other key entry points to inform visitors about a new test phase lasting 29 days in July. Additionally, about 200 stewards have been trained to politely guide those unaware of the fees and the process of downloading a QR code.

(With inputs from agencies)