'Don't Take Photos' Tired of Rude Tourists... Convenience Store to Install Privacy Screens

Installation of Large Barrier 20m Long and 2.5m High
Authorities Say "Regrettable Due to Some Rude Tourists"

A large screen blocking the view of Mount Fuji, Japan's representative tourist attraction, will be installed at a photo spot where visitors can capture the entire mountain. This measure comes as Japanese authorities respond to the continued inappropriate behavior of tourists.

[Image source=Guardian site capture]

On the 26th (local time), the British daily The Guardian reported, "Japanese authorities, angered by the rude behavior of tourists, plan to install a huge screen blocking Mount Fuji at a famous photo zone."

[Image source=Guardian site capture]

Fujikawaguchiko, located in Yamanashi Prefecture, is a place where visitors can photograph the iconic Mount Fuji from various locations. In particular, the view of Mount Fuji behind the Lawson convenience store in this area is very popular among tourists.

However, as tourists flock to the area, various side effects have emerged. Some ignore traffic signs while driving, disobey security guards' instructions, and even leave trash behind. Nearby dental clinics have also suffered. Tourists have parked without permission and even climbed onto building roofs to take photos.

In response, Japanese authorities have finally taken decisive action. They plan to install a large screen measuring 20 meters in length and 2.5 meters in height to block the view of Mount Fuji and prevent photo-taking altogether.

An official from the Fujikawaguchiko authorities explained, "It is unfortunate that we have to take such measures because of some tourists who do not follow the rules," adding, "The screen will remain in place until the situation improves."

Japan's iconic mountain and tourist destination, Mount Fuji [Image source=Pixabay]

Fujikawaguchiko is not the only place suffering from the so-called 'Overtourism' phenomenon, where the influx of tourists causes negative side effects. The Swiss Alps and Venice, Italy, are also showing movements to impose various taxes to limit tourists.

In South Korea, Jeju Island, Bukchon Hanok Village and Itaewon in Seoul, and Jeonju Hanok Village are representative places experiencing overtourism. Jeju Island faced controversy after proposing an environmental conservation fee called the 'entry tax' due to a significant increase in waste disposal costs caused by tourists.

Last month, the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan exceeded 3 million for the first time. To cope with the increased number of tourists, Japanese authorities plan to charge fees to climbers using popular routes on Mount Fuji.