On 4/2, the Fujiyoshida city government, located near Mount Fuji in central Japan, announced the cancellation of its 2026 cherry blossom festival at Arakurayama Sengen Park. This decision stems from concerns about tourists causing disruptions and impacting residents' lives.

"Behind the beautiful scenery of Mount Fuji and the cherry blossom season is a threat to the peaceful daily lives of our residents. To protect our living environment, we have decided not to hold the festival, which has taken place for the past 10 years," stated Shigeru Horiuchi, Mayor of Fujiyoshida city.

Popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Fujiyoshida city. Photo: *Kyoto News*

The popularity of Fujiyoshida, particularly the view of Mount Fuji from Arakurayama Sengen Park and its five-story pagoda, has surged due to images and videos circulated on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This has transformed the area into a dream check-in spot for international visitors, leading to an influx of people far exceeding the small city's capacity.

For a decade, the multi-week event occurred every spring, attracting around 10,000 visitors daily and nearly 200,000 people annually. The festival was a key tourism highlight, promoting the local image and generating significant revenue.

However, Japan's tourism wave has grown unprecedentedly in recent years. In 2025, Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors, far surpassing the nearly 37 million in 2024. This boom, partly amplified by social media, has turned many once-peaceful places into "hotspots."

Local residents have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the consequences of overtourism, reporting congested streets, increased waste, prolonged noise, and disrupted daily routines. Some tourists are even accused of harassment, invading private spaces, and disrespecting local rules and customs.

Specifically in Fujiyoshida city, authorities noted that the sudden surge in tourists has led to a range of problems. The city frequently experiences traffic jams. On streets and in residential areas, cigarette butts are littered, many visitors enter private residential areas, causing noise and arguments when reminded by homeowners. Parents also voiced concerns about children's safety on their way to school, as sidewalks are packed with tourists taking photos and moving carelessly.

Nevertheless, the city government acknowledges that even with the cherry blossom festival canceled, Arakurayama Sengen Park, with its famous view of Mount Fuji, is still likely to attract a large number of visitors in the spring.

To mitigate future issues, the city plans to increase security personnel and guides in crowded areas to maintain order and prevent inconsiderate behavior. Additionally, temporary parking lots will be arranged to reduce widespread parking that causes traffic congestion.

By Tam Anh (The Japan Times, Kyoto News)