Fujiyoshida Cancels Cherry Blossom Festival Amid Mount Fuji Overtourism Crisis

Fujiyoshida became a flashpoint for overtourism after a viral social media photo.

“Japanese town sours on the crowds coming to see cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji FUJIYOSHIDA, Japan (AP) — The trouble started with a beautiful photo”

Associated Press

The sudden influx overwhelmed the peaceful residential neighborhood.

Associated Press

Officials canceled the annual cherry blossom festival.

Foreign tourists exceeded 10,000 per day in the area.

Security measures included restricting tour buses and requiring visitors to reach the park on foot.

The overtourism has opened divisions between residents who want quiet and those who have started businesses.

Ninety-three-year-old resident Hitoshi Mori said having many visitors is good but annoying.

Daily Sabah

Security guard Hiroaki Nagayama said he is struggling to communicate with tourists.

Tourists seemed delighted by the spectacular views despite hours-long lines.

The sudden flood of visitors was a huge change for people used to a quiet suburban lifestyle.

Fujiyoshida's experience reflects a broader problem for Japan.

“Japanese town sours on the crowds coming to see cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji A viral photo of snow-capped Mount Fuji, a red pagoda, and cherry blossoms has brought many tourists to a peaceful Japanese town”

Inquirer

Overtourism has also been seen in Kyoto and Kamakura.

Japan confronts a rapidly growing population of foreign workers.

The government wants to boost tourists from 40 million to 60 million by 2030.

The tension between economic goals and local realities is playing out in Fujiyoshida.