Arya News - The Mount Fuji cherry blossom festival has been axed over reports of unruly tourist behaviour that “threatens the dignity” of locals.
The Mount Fuji cherry blossom festival has been axed over reports of unruly tourist behaviour that “threatens the dignity” of locals.
The annual event draws as many as 200,000 visitors to Fujiyoshida City, Japan, but residents say the influx has become overwhelming and difficult to manage.
They claim tourists visiting Arakurayama Sengen Park have gone as far as to enter private homes to use the toilet without permission and have defecated in residents’ gardens.
Shigeru Horiuchi, the mayor of Fujiyoshida, said: “For Fujiyoshida City, Mount Fuji is not just a tourist attraction ; it is our very way of life.
“However, I feel a strong sense of crisis about the reality that, behind the beautiful scenery, the quiet lives and dignity of our residents are being threatened.”
The event has been held at Arakurayama Sengen Park in the shadow of Mount Fuji for more than a decade.
The Mount Fuji cherry blossom festival is typically held in Arakurayama Sengen Park - Melissa Tse
During cherry blossom season, crowds descend on the park’s observation deck for a view of Mount Fuji framed by pink flowers, with the Chureito Pagoda in the foreground.
Organisers fear this year’s event could draw in even more tourists than usual, as the weak yen is expected to lure more overseas visitors to the typically expensive destination.
The local council said problems, including traffic congestion, disruption to residents and littering, have intensified in recent years.
There have also been reports of children being pushed into the road on streets around the park by crowds.
Despite the festival’s cancellation, local authorities are still preparing for an influx of visitors in cherry blossom season.
Authorities have rolled out safety and hygiene measures, including security patrols and portable toilets, and have urged visitors to use public transport and respect private property and residential areas.
Long queues are still expected at the observation deck, with waiting times of up to three hours.
Crowds can be waiting up to three hours to visit the park’s observation deck for a view of Mount Fuji - Melissa Tse
Japan’s highest mountain has been grappling with over-tourism in recent years, with a significant increase in visitors raising pollution and safety concerns.
The nearby town of Fujikawaguchiko went as far as to erect a fence to block the main view of Mount Fuji to prevent visitors from taking photos with it in the background.
The 20m-long, 2.5m-high fence , covered in black mesh, was built after repeated incidents of littering, dangerous road crossings and trespassing on private property.
In 2025, a charge was brought in for anyone using one of Mount Fuji’s main hiking trails , with an entry fee of ¥4,000 (£18.74) for peak season.
Officials had already moved to limit numbers by capping daily visitors at 4,000 on the Yoshida Trail, the most popular route.
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