Japanese authorities in a town near Mount Fuji have cancelled this year's cherry blossom festival, stating that a surge in tourist numbers has become unmanageable for locals.
The influx of tourists to the town of Fujiyoshida has led to chronic traffic congestion and litter, while some residents report incidents of tourists trespassing or defecating in private gardens.
This area is a popular destination during spring as Japan's renowned cherry trees bloom, providing stunning views with Mount Fuji as a backdrop.
However, the mayor of Fujiyoshida has expressed concerns, stating that the picturesque scenery is threatening the quiet lives of citizens and emphasized a strong sense of crisis.
To protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens, we have decided to bring the curtain down on the 10-year-old festival, mayor Shigeru Horiuchi explained upon the announcement.
Originally, in April 2016, officials began facilitating visits at Arakurayama Sengen Park, hoping to increase the area's appeal. Unfortunately, recent years have seen a dramatic rise in visitors, exacerbating the issues of overtourism.
Currently, as many as 10,000 tourists flock to the town daily during the peak blossom season, influenced by factors such as a weak yen and social media popularity.
In addition to littering and trespassing, authorities reported that tourists have opened private home doors without permission and caused disturbances when reminded of local norms.
Despite the cancellation of the festival, the city prepares for an ongoing influx of visitors in April and May, hoping to manage the challenges posed by this continued tourist wave while prioritizing residents' living conditions.
