Fujiyoshida Cancels Festival Over Tourist Overcrowding
The town of Fujiyoshida, near Mount Fuji, has canceled this year’s cherry blossom festival. Officials say the number of tourists visiting the area has become unmanageable, causing serious problems for local residents.
Overcrowding and Misbehavior
This influx has led to traffic congestion, litter, and even trespassing. Some tourists have entered private gardens without permission, used residents’ restrooms, and in extreme cases, defecated on private property.
Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi explained that the festival, which has run for 10 years, was affecting “the quiet lives of citizens.” He added, “To protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens, we have decided to bring the curtain down on the festival.”
Instagram Culture and Tourism Growth
The cherry blossom festival was first held at Arakurayama Sengen Park in 2016. It offered panoramic city views from a pagoda and popular “Instagrammable” spots. The goal was to boost tourism and create a lively atmosphere. However, recent years have seen a dramatic rise in visitors due to social media exposure and a weaker yen. Authorities say this surge has caused overtourism and strained local resources.
Steps to Manage Tourism
Although the festival is canceled, Fujiyoshida is preparing for an increase in tourists during April and May. The city hopes to manage crowds better without the festival attracting excessive visitors.
Japan has faced similar challenges elsewhere. In 2024, officials in Fujikawaguchiko blocked a famous photo spot to prevent tourists from littering and parking illegally. Internationally, cities like Rome and Venice are introducing fees to limit overcrowding and fund site maintenance.
Protecting Residents and Tourist Experiences
Authorities stress that tourism should not come at the cost of residents’ quality of life. By canceling the festival, Fujiyoshida hopes to preserve local dignity while still welcoming responsible tourists to enjoy its cherry blossoms.
