A screen erected to block tourist snapshots of Mount Fuji has several holes in it
TOKYO — A Japanese town that erected a huge black screen last week in an attempt to stop tourists from snapping photos of Mt. Fuji and overcrowding the area has discovered holes in the screen and is working to repair them, officials said Tuesday.
Fujikawaguchiko, a popular spot to view and photograph the iconic mountain, put up the screen May 21, but the next day officials discovered a hole in it. By Tuesday morning, officials had found around 10 similar holes, all at eye level, and all apparently just the right size to fit a camera lens through.
One especially popular viewing location is outside a Lawson convenience store, from where photos taken at a certain angle would make it look as if Mt. Fuji was sitting atop the store roof.
Known for a number of spots that offer a near-perfect shot of Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji, the town is trying to reduce the number of visitors.
Local residents have complained about visitors blocking the narrow sidewalk and walking into the busy road or onto neighboring properties to get their shots, officials said.
The town spent 1.3 million yen ($8,285) to install the 8.2-feet-high black mesh net that stretches 66 feet, and additional fences along the sidewalk.
The screen has helped ease congestion in the area, officials said.
Overtourism has also become a growing issue at other popular tourist destinations in Japan such as Kyoto and Kamakura.
Yamaguchi writes for the Associated Press.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
