Mount Fuji, one of the most iconic sights in Japan, is visible for miles. But the people of Fujikawaguchiko are tired of the constant stream of foreign tourists who trash, trespass, and disobey traffic laws in an attempt to get a picture of the sight from behind a convenience store.
According to an AFP reporter, workers have installed black netting to block the view in a bid to deter tourists from visiting.
The netting measures 2.5 by 20 metres (eight by 65 feet).
The screen is an act of desperation and a symbol of Japan's effort to handle this volume of tourists while preserving its streets, landmarks, and unique way of life.
Resident Michie Motomochi, 41, who runs a traditional Japanese sweet shop, told AFP: "I hope that the net will prevent dangerous activities.”
Japanese officials previously said that they would be installing a screen in late April, but this only increased awareness of this remote area in central Japan.
Cameras swarmed around the workmen as they secured poles and ran wires to support the screen. Travellers also came, eager to photograph the commotion.
The 65-year-old Kazuhiko Iwama, who has spent his entire life in Fuji Kawaguchiko, finds this dedication astonishing. His home is directly across from the well-known convenience shop with its fluorescent lighting and iconic Lawson blue sign.
He told AFP: “I see it every day from my window, so I really don’t have much to say about it. I guess I take it for granted.”
Iwama isn't sure if the screen would discourage even the most tenacious travellers. He worries that now that the pavement is gone, more of them may walk out into the street to take photos.He claims that this is the exact issue; if visitors abided by the regulations, he wouldn't mind.He added: “They cross the street and they don’t seem to care about the cars at all, it is dangerous. And they leave trash and cigarette butts everywhere."
