A Japanese town began mounting a large mesh barrier at a popular viewing spot for Mount Fuji on Tuesday, in an attempt to deter photo-taking by an ever-growing number of tourists.
Locals in Fujikawaguchiko say they are fed up with unending streams of mostly foreign visitors littering, trespassing and breaking traffic rules in their hunt for a photo of Japan‘s most famous sight to share on social media.
Workers began attaching black netting measuring 2.5 by 20 metres (eight by 65 feet) to metal poles on Tuesday morning along a pavement opposite a convenience store, an AFP reporter at the scene said.
Before, visitors would cram the pavement to shoot the snow-capped mountain, which soars majestically into the sky from behind the shop, making for a photogenic juxtaposition.
Local officials and residents have said the town welcomes tourists, but complain that those who cross the street non-stop, ignore red lights, park illegally and smoke outside of designated areas have proved a nuisance.
“It’s regrettable we have to do this, because of some tourists who can’t respect rules,” a town official told AFP in April, saying that traffic signs and warnings from security guards had failed to improve the situation.
The measure is also meant to help a nearby dental clinic where tourists sometimes park without permission and have even been seen climbing on the roof to take pictures.
Record numbers of overseas tourists are coming to Japan, where monthly visitors exceeded three million for the first time in March and then again in April.
(AFP)
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Source Agencies
