Because of the photo on the roof. The Japanese build a barrier to prevent tourists from taking photos of Fuji

Japan’s highest and most famous mountain can be photographed from many places. The most popular, however, is located in the resort of Fujikawaguchiko. This view is especially prized by thousands of tourists as the majestic volcano appears behind the Lawson convenience store that is ubiquitous in Japan. Construction of the 2.5-meter-high and 20-meter-long barrier will begin as early as next week, a Fujikawaguchiko city official said Friday. The information was brought by The Guardian newspaper.

“It is regrettable that we have to take action because of some tourists who fail to respect the rules, leave litter and ignore not only traffic regulations,” a spokesman for the authority told Agence France-Presse.

Up to the roof for a photo

Of course, social networks are behind the popularity of a particular prospect. “It was there that the rumor spread that this place was very Japanese and therefore the best for photography,” said a city official who did not want to be named. According to him, mainly non-Japanese tourists are crowding the stretch of sidewalk next to the Lawson store and complicating traffic. “It also happens that they even climb onto the roof of the adjacent dental clinic to get the perfect shot,” the official added.

The authorities have already installed traffic signs and other warnings here in the past, but because visitors did not respect them, they had to take a drastic solution as a last resort.

Tourists are not allowed to enter

Japan is a very popular tourist destination after the lifting of the covid restrictions from the pandemic. The number of visitors in March exceeded 3 million people per month for the first time. The government is trying its best to increase the number, but this does not meet with the general enthusiasm of the locals.

Starting this year, tourists using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji will pay ¥2,000 (CZK 350), with their number limited to ease traffic congestion.

In Kyoto’s Gion district, which is one of the city’s most visited monuments and is famous mainly for its traditional geisha, tourists will be banned from entering completely.

Other countries are also struggling with excessive tourism. On Thursday, Venice began collecting fees to enter the city from day-trippers, and last week tens of thousands of Canary Islanders demanded a freeze on the number of visitors, The Guardian concludes.