Mount Fuji's majestic views are back in sight! A barrier installed in Japan to block a popular view of Mount Fuji has been removed temporarily, after it successfully reduced the disruption caused by tourists.
In May, Fujikawaguchiko set up a large screen in response to local complaints about the chaos caused by large crowds of international tourists trying to photograph the iconic volcano.
The town decided to lower the screen on August 15 in anticipation of an approaching typhoon and has opted not to reinstall it for now. "We wanted to observe the effects of its removal," the town official told AFP.
"While there are still some visitors at the site, we no longer see many people abruptly darting into traffic to cross the road," the official added.
Photos taken from the narrow sidewalk outside a dentist's office became popular online, showcasing the snow-covered peak of Mount Fuji dramatically visible behind a convenience store.
The town's attempt to handle the surge of disruptive tourists drew global attention as record numbers of visitors arrived in Japan over the summer, leading to some local frustration. A Fujikawaguchiko official noted that the barrier might be put back up if the influx of tourists returns and starts causing more problems.
Apparently, back in May, Authorities in Japan had erected a barrier in front of a popular photo spot due to issues with tourism and littering. Visitors had traveled there to take pictures of a Japanese store, Lawson, with Mount Fuji visible in the background. Locals reported that litter was being left at the site, and tourists were overcrowding the pavement and even climbing on nearby buildings to get photos. This was not the first location to install a fence to curb the excessive photo-taking by tourists.
Mount Fuji, Japan's emblematic volcano, is celebrated for its stunning beauty and cultural importance. At 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), it is the highest peak in Japan and a major national landmark. Its nearly symmetrical, snow-covered cone has become a symbol of Japan, prominently appearing in art, literature, and folklore.
Source : https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visit/japan-lifts-mount-fuji-barrier-after-tackling-tourist-overcrowding/articleshow/112699132.cms
