Why does this Japanese town want to build a wall to block Mount Fuji?

A town in Japan has been making headlines because the residents want to build a wall to cover the view of Mount Fuji. Why would anyone want to block out a fabulous view?

Fujikawaguchiko town is taking drastic actions to deal with over-tourism by building an 8-foot-high wall to block the view of iconic Mount Fuji from a convenience store.

Town officials told France Press that foreign tourists did not respect the rules, littered, ignored traffic regulations, and cluttered the space to snap a photo.

According to The Guardian, who spoke to the town officials, the wall was the last resource after placing traffic signs and issuing warnings from security guards.

The mesh net wall will cover the mountain view behind a Lawson convenience store, an ordinary staple in Japanese cities. According to The Guardian, combining both made it a viral photo spot.

"A reputation has spread on social media that this spot is very Japanese, making it a popular photo location," an official told the British newspaper.

The overflow of tourists troubled traffic in the area and became an issue for a dentist's office in front of the store, with cars cluttering its parking spaces and visitors climbing to the roof to take photos.

The mesh wall is just the latest in a series of tourism restrictions that local officials have placed all over Japan to deal with the overflow of tourists.

According to The Guardian, starting this summer, the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji will be charged. Tourists will pay around 15 dollars to access it, with capped passes to avoid clutter.

Kyoto has also placed restrictions to avoid issues caused by overtourism. The city has blocked tourists from accessing some small private allies in its Geisha District.

The Guardian said locals have complained about tourists treating the neighborhood like a "theme park," harassing and disturbing the traditional performers.

According to the British newspaper, tourism has boomed on the island since it lifted its COVID-19 restrictions. The government has promoted this resurgence.

March was a record month for tourism: over 3 million visitors entered Japan.

Never miss a story! Click here to follow The Daily Digest.