Japan Cancels Iconic Festival Due to Overtourism
Japan has canceled a famous Mount Fuji cherry blossom festival. The decision highlights a serious national issue with overtourism. Local residents’ quality of life is now the top priority.
A Breaking Point for a Historic Town
The festival was held at Arakurayama Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida. It typically attracted 200,000 visitors every spring. However, crowds grew too large in recent years.
Up to 10,000 tourists arrive daily during peak bloom. Residents reported severe problems as a result. Tourists trespassed, littered, and even used private gardens as toilets.
Parents feared for their children’s safety on crowded streets. Therefore, the city chose to cancel the beloved event for the first time.
A Global Trend Meets a Local Crisis
Social media and a weak yen drove the tourist boom. The park’s view became a viral online image. Visitors now wait up to three hours for a photo.
This case is part of a wider trend in Japan. Other towns have built barriers to block photo spots. Mount Fuji also introduced climbing fees and visitor caps last year.
Similar measures exist in European cities like Venice. The goal is always to balance tourism with local life.
What Happens Next for Travelers?
The park will remain open to visitors this April. However, the organized festival will not take place. City officials will increase security and add portable toilets instead.
They urge future visitors to use public transport. Please respect all private property and residential areas.
The mayor stated a clear principle. Mount Fuji is a home for residents, not just a photo backdrop. Protecting their quiet way of life is now the most important goal.
