The picturesque Japanese town of Fujiyoshida, renowned for its stunning views of Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms, has taken the unprecedented step of canceling its annual cherry blossom festival due to overwhelming tourist numbers. Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi announced the cancellation on Tuesday, citing severe impacts on residents’ quality of life and declaring “a strong sense of crisis” regarding the situation.
The festival, which began a decade ago in April 2016 at Arakurayama Sengen Park, was originally designed to boost tourism by creating “a lively atmosphere in the area.” The park features a pagoda with panoramic views and multiple photogenic spots that became social media sensations. However, what began as a successful tourism initiative has transformed into what authorities now describe as “overtourism,” with daily visitor numbers reaching 10,000 during peak season.
Local officials report chronic problems including traffic congestion, littering, and more disturbing incidents of tourists trespassing on private property, attempting to use residential restrooms without permission, and even defecating in private gardens. The situation has been exacerbated by the weak yen and social media-driven popularity, creating unmanageable conditions that threaten “the quiet lives of citizens,” according to the mayor.
This represents the latest in a series of measures Japanese authorities have taken to address tourist behavior problems. In 2024, officials in Fujikawaguchiko installed large black barriers to block access to another iconic photo spot where tourists had been littering and parking illegally.
The phenomenon extends beyond Japan, with Italian authorities recently implementing a €2 fee to access Rome’s Trevi Fountain viewing area and Venice introducing charges of €5-10 for day trippers during peak periods between April and July. These measures reflect a growing global challenge of balancing tourism benefits with resident quality of life in popular destinations.