A popular cherry blossom festival near Mount Fuji has been cancelled after authorities raised serious concerns over disruptive and unruly tourist behaviour. Officials in the city of Fujiyoshida announced that the annual Arakurayama Sengen Park cherry blossom festival will not be held this year, ending a decade-long tradition that typically attracted around 200,000 visitors each season.
The decision was confirmed by Fujiyoshida mayor Shigeru Horiuchi, who said that the daily lives of local residents were being threatened. He noted that while the area’s scenic beauty draws global attention, the impact on citizens had reached a crisis point, prompting the city to prioritise residents’ dignity and living environment.
City authorities cited repeated incidents involving tourists, including trespassing on private property, littering, opening residents’ doors without permission to use restrooms, and even defecating in private yards. Officials said some visitors became confrontational when residents objected to such behaviour.
Concerns were also raised about public safety, particularly for children. According to local officials, parents complained that school routes were becoming unsafe as tourists crowded sidewalks and pushed past pedestrians during peak cherry blossom season.
Fujiyoshida reportedly receives more than 10,000 visitors per day during the bloom period, driven by a weak yen and the explosive influence of social media. While the festival has been cancelled, authorities expect large crowds to continue visiting the park for its iconic Mount Fuji views.
To manage visitor pressure, the city plans to step up security, introduce temporary parking facilities, and install portable toilets during the peak season. The move highlights Japan’s growing struggle with overtourism, as record visitor numbers continue to place strain on popular destinations across the country.
AloJapan.com