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Festival cancelled after tourist surge disrupts local life
Officials in Fujiyoshida, a town near Mount Fuji, have called off this year's cherry blossom festival, citing unmanageable crowds that have overwhelmed residents. The decision follows years of escalating complaints about traffic jams, litter, and intrusive behavior by visitors.
Residents report trespassing and public defecation
Local authorities said the influx of tourists-peaking at 10,000 daily during cherry blossom season-has led to chronic congestion and sanitation issues. Residents have documented cases of visitors entering private properties without permission, using gardens as toilets, and even confronting homeowners who objected.
"The quiet lives of citizens are under threat," said Fujiyoshida Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi during Tuesday's announcement. "We have a strong sense of crisis."
A decade-long tradition ends
The festival, held annually for the past 10 years at Arakurayama Sengen Park, was designed to boost tourism by showcasing the town's iconic views of Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms. The park's pagoda and "Instagrammable" spots became a major draw, but officials now say the crowds have exceeded the town's capacity.
"To protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens, we have decided to bring the curtain down on this event,"
Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi
Weak yen and social media fuel surge
Fujiyoshida's tourism boom has been driven by a combination of factors, including the weak yen and viral social media posts. Authorities noted that the park's popularity exploded after it began welcoming visitors during sakura season in 2016, with numbers far outpacing expectations.
Despite the festival's cancellation, the town expects large crowds in April and May, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Officials have not yet announced additional measures to manage the influx.
Japan's broader battle with overtourism
Fujiyoshida is not the first Japanese destination to crack down on disruptive tourism. Last year, officials in Fujikawaguchiko installed a large black barrier to block access to a iconic photo spot after residents complained about littering and illegal parking by foreign tourists.
Japan is not alone in grappling with overtourism. Earlier this week, Rome introduced a €2 fee for visitors to the Trevi Fountain, while Venice now charges day-trippers up to €10 to enter the city on peak days. Both cities say the fees will help fund maintenance and crowd control.
