Mount Fuji view to be blocked amid tourist overcrowding

Japanese authorities, fed up with the disruptive behaviour of poorly behaved foreign tourists at a popular photo spot with views of Mount Fuji, are taking action. 

They plan to install a massive barrier to block the view, aiming to deter crowds from gathering in the area.

The barrier will be a 2.5-meter (8ft) high mesh net, stretching the length of a cricket pitch at 20 metres.

Construction is set to begin as early as next week, as confirmed by an official from Fujikawaguchiko town.

The decision to implement this measure reflects the regrettable necessity brought about by the actions of some tourists who consistently fail to respect rules, resulting in littering and disregard for traffic regulations. It represents the latest step taken to address the issue of over-tourism in Japan. 

Earlier this year, residents of Kyoto's geisha district took similar action by banning visitors from accessing small private alleys in an effort to preserve their community.

Record numbers of overseas tourists are travelling to Japan, where the number of monthly visitors exceeded 3 million in March for the first time.

Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, can be photographed from many spots in the resort town of Fujikawaguchiko. 

This viewpoint is particularly popular because the majestic and active volcano appears behind a Lawson convenience store, which are ubiquitous in Japan.