In an effort to curb disruptive tourist behavior, the
town of Fujikawaguchiko installed a large black cloth measuring 2.5m by
20m in front of a Lawson convenience store on 21 May 2024. This was a popular photo spot for visitors hoping to capture Mount Fuji in the background.
Mayor Hideyuki Watanabe explained at a news conference that while he
was concerned about potentially deterring tourists, ensuring the safety
of residents and visitors was the top priority. Town officials
acknowledged it was a difficult decision to make.
However, tourists have already identified an alternate location about
1km away – in front of another Lawson store called Machiyakubamae.
According to the town's tourism division, on clear days up to 60 people
could be seen taking pictures there at any given time.
Tourists on social media have even been sharing about the new photo location that features the other Lawson with a Mt Fuji view.
An Instagram user with the handle @nvstpexploring captioned a photo:
"Don't go to the Lawson directly next to Kawaguchiko station, that got
famous through social media, because of the great Fuji view in the
background. It is completely flooded by tourists and nearly impossible
to take a photo without any other people on it. Besides, the authorities
just finished building a fence to prevent the tourists from taking the
iconic photos and thereby leaving all the trash at the parking lot and
standing on the streets, blocking the traffic. You can just walk a
couple of minutes to the Lawson Fujikawaguchiko Town hall - it's far
less crowded and the parking lot is bigger, so that the view of Mount
Fuji is even better."
The Asahi Shimbun described a scene on 16 May when around 60 tourists
congregated on the sidewalk and in the parking lot as tour buses
arrived at the Machiyakubamae Lawson.
While there are no current plans for an additional cloth barrier, the
mayor said he hopes to remove the original one soon if tourist conduct
improves. A QR code will be added to guide people to approved photo
locations.
The head of tourism, Masakazu Togawa, urged visitors to "behave properly" to avoid needing a second barrier installed.
Due to safety concerns, Lawson is considering asking travel agencies
to remove its stores from tour itineraries. Some local residents have
put up "Private Property. Keep Out!" signs across from the new photo
spot.