Mt Fuji Dream Bridge | Image credit: Tien Nguyen/Pexels
Even government-approved initiatives to boost tourism around Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji are facing pushback due to the growing pains of overtourism. The ‘Mt Fuji Dream Bridge’ (officially known as Fujisan Yume No Ōhashi Bridge) in Fuji, Shizuoka prefecture, was specifically designed as a picture-perfect spot to attract visitors and stimulate the local economy. However, the influx of tourists seeking the perfect Mount Fuji photograph has triggered opposition from locals grappling with the consequences.
While the Dream Bridge has become the latest flashpoint in Japan’s struggle with overtourism, our guide to the best places to view Mount Fuji lists several other locations offering stunning vistas.
Locals resist tourist invasion at Mt Fuji ‘Dream Bridge’
Constructed in 2016 to connect two major public roads, the ‘Mt Fuji Dream Bridge’ now attracts approximately 1,000 tourists on peak days, drawn by the Fuji city government’s active promotion of the location on official channels for social media sharing.
However, this visitor surge has led to many complaints from locals, primarily concerning illegal parking that clogs narrow residential streets and excessive noise disrupting their peace. Despite the Fuji city government’s attempts to mitigate these issues, including multilingual warning signs urging quiet photography and the establishment of a free parking area, these measures have proven ineffective.
Frustrated residents report continued illegal parking and trespassing onto private property, forcing them to erect their own warning signs in a desperate attempt to regain control of their neighbourhoods.
Other Mount Fuji view spots that faced backlash
The situation at the Mt Fuji Dream Bridge echoes similar problems encountered at other popular Mount Fuji viewing locations. Authorities were recently forced to put up temporary fences around the Lawson Convenience Store in Fujikawaguchiko to manage overwhelming crowds of tourists attempting to photograph the iconic view.
(Feature image credit: Tien Nguyen/Pexels)
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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read Moreat Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. As a former Food Writer at NDTV, she can help you find the best places to eat in Delhi! Read Less
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