New Fence to Block Mount Fuji View from Scenic Bridge
Scenic Bridge in Shizuoka The bridge on Route 139 in Shizuoka prefecture has a direct view of Mount Fuji. This view has made the bridge a popular spot on social media recently. Although it's just ...
Scenic Bridge in Shizuoka
The bridge on Route 139 in Shizuoka prefecture has a direct view of Mount Fuji. This view has made the bridge a popular spot on social media recently. Although it's just a regular bridge for locals, tourists love how Mount Fuji looks over the road and the stairs leading up to the roadside walkway.
Issues with Tourists
The town of Fuji City is planning to put up a 1.8-meter high metal mesh fence around 'The Fuji Dream Bridge.' This action aims to stop tourists from causing problems while trying to take pictures of Mount Fuji.
Local Complaints
Residents have complained about foreign visitors going onto the road on the Mount Fuji Dream Bridge to get the perfect shot of Japan's highest peak. Haruhito Yoshizaki, a tourism official in Fuji City, said people have been walking across the road to reach a vacant area between the two lanes of traffic where they pose for photos, twirl for videos, or just loiter.
Rising Visitor Numbers
City officials estimate that over 100 visitors come to the bridge on an average weekend day. Despite signs telling people to stay away from the stretch of tarmac, many tourists have been straying into the road. This influx has caused problems in the community, such as illegal parking, litter, loud noise, and even tourists defecating in public.
Instagram Influence
The trouble started in December last year when a foreign influencer posted images on Instagram. The photo quickly spread, and now, almost all the people who visit the bridge are foreigners, not Japanese, according to Miyu Toyama from the city government's Exchange Tourism Division.
Previous Measures in Fujikawaguchiko
Last month, the town of Fujikawaguchiko put up a large black mesh barrier to block the iconic view of Mount Fuji from a popular photo spot. Despite welcoming visitors, the town had issues with people crossing the street non-stop, ignoring red lights, parking illegally, and smoking outside designated areas. However, just one week after the black mesh screen was installed, tourists eager to see the volcano started poking holes through it. Fujikawaguchiko plans to rebuild the barrier with stronger material.
Increasing Tourist Numbers
Record numbers of overseas tourists are coming to Japan, with monthly visitors exceeding three million for the first time in March and then again in April. This influx has led to more problems managing tourist hotspots like the scenic bridge in Shizuoka.
-Prisha Jaiswal