Authorities in Japan’s Fujiyoshida have cancelled this year’s cherry blossom festival, citing concerns over overtourism and its impact on local residents. The weeks-long event, known for offering a highly photographed view of Mount Fuji, typically attracts around 200,000 visitors.
The city administration announced on Tuesday that the festival would not be held this year, stating that the growing influx of tourists has begun to threaten the daily lives and living environment of residents. Officials pointed to chronic traffic congestion, littering, trespassing on private property and other disruptive behaviour reported by citizens.
Japan recorded approximately 42.7 million international visitors in 2025, an all-time high and a significant increase over 2024, as a weak yen continued to boost inbound tourism. While the surge has benefited the wider tourism economy, it has also intensified overcrowding in several popular destinations, including Kyoto, where residents have previously raised concerns over inappropriate tourist conduct.
In a statement, Fujiyoshida Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said that despite the scenic appeal of the area, the situation had reached a critical point. He noted that the decision was taken to protect the dignity and quality of life of local residents, bringing an end to the festival, which has been held for the past decade.
The city acknowledged that cancelling the festival may not entirely prevent visitor numbers from rising, as the park overlooking Mount Fuji, cherry blossom trees and a nearby pagoda remains a popular attraction during the spring season.
Local authorities across the Mount Fuji region have previously introduced measures to manage visitor pressure, including installing view-blocking barriers to discourage excessive photography, introducing entry fees for hikers and placing caps on daily visitor numbers. Fujiyoshida officials said they would continue to assess additional steps to balance tourism with community well-being.
AloJapan.com