Standing at 3,776 meters Mount Fuji, the tallest peak in Japan is the result of volcanic activity that occurred 100,000 years ago. Today, Mount Fuji is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and relaxation. It is one of Japan’s most popular tourist sites that travelers from all across the world come to see. Rich with history, Mount Fuji has become an object of worship, with the Japanese forging a spiritual bond with the mountain. Lately, residents of Fujikawaguchiko accuse foreign tourists of littering and parking illegally as they search for the perfect photo of the mountain. To deter tourists, Japanese authorities are set to block the mountain with a “big black barrier”. Construction of the barrier which is reportedly a mesh net that will stand at 2.5m (8ft) and 20m (65.5ft) will begin construction as early as next week, an official told AFP. Japan is currently in a tourism boom following the lift of the pandemic travel restrictions. For the first time ever since March, visitor numbers surpassed 3 million. But alongside the benefits of the tourism boom, it also brings about several problems.
(Pedro Szekely)
Japan has made a big push to bring in more international visitors, the country is currently aiming to bring 60 million visitors a year by 2030. The issue that many can see is the crowds of people that some areas in Japan bring in. Overcrowding, price increases, littering, and property damage are just some of the problems that areas in Japan face due to over-tourism. An example where this seems to be a problem is in Kyoto City, a popular tourist destination, with its historical sites and temples. Locals are often being disrupted from their daily lives because of tourists packing local buses and stores. Cultural differences also are a key factor in the problems Japanese locals face. Things like loud phone conversations in public and eating while walking are frowned upon. In general, over-tourism is a problem that many countries face. Promoting off-season travel, limiting numbers, and encouraging more suitable travel solutions are ways to combat over-tourism.
