Against selfies: View of Mount Fuji begins to be blocked in Japan

Authorities in the city of Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, have begun erecting an 8-foot-tall barrier to block the view of Mount Fuji and obstruct a photo spot that has attracted so many visitors that it has become a nuisance for residents.

Until then, tourists had as their favorite spot the spot right next to a convenience store, which became famous because of so many photos. Next door is a beautiful view of Mount Fuji, about 50 kilometers from Tokyo.

Residents complain that the Crowds bring a lot of trash, accidents and environmental damage to the city.

When ready at the end of this month, the 20 meter wide black barrier will completely cover the mountain.

The barrier is the latest sign of Japan's struggle to accommodate an unprecedented surge in visitors to the country amid a plunge in the country's currency to a 34-year low.

With the weak yen, Japan has become cheap for some travelers. Is good news for the economy, but the cost has been irritation with local residents and concerns about mass tourism in major cities.

While there is time, visitors rushed into the streetwalking and climbing poles to get a better view. At one point, a convenience store worker came out of the store yelling at the tourists to throw them out.

“I've seen people walking on the streets without following the traffic rules, who ended up getting into accidents. There have been many accidents involving foreign tourists recently,” said resident Haruhito Tsuchiya.

Mount Fuji, a 3,776-meter volcanic mountain considered sacred by the Japanese, has been a popular tourist spot for domestic and foreign visitors.

In addition to the wall, the city announced a series of restrictions, including higher fees for hiking. Hotels and resorts across the country are also struggling to keep up with demand after many workers left the sector during the Covid-19 pandemic.