Japan’s cherry blossom festival has been cancelled due to tourists’ behavior.

Authorities in the Japanese city of Fuji-Yoshida have canceled the cherry blossom festival held annually at the Mount Fuji observation deck. The decision was prompted by inappropriate behavior by tourists.

Kyodo News writes about this.

The festival traditionally took place in Arakurayama Sengen Park, one of the most popular spots for viewing Mount Fuji, especially in the spring during cherry blossom season. At the height of the season, visitors had to wait in lines for up to three hours to get into the area.

The event had been held for the past ten years, attracting approximately 200,000 people annually. However, city authorities decided to cancel it due to a sharp increase in tourist traffic.

Fuji-Yoshida explained that due to the weakening yen and the location’s popularity on social media, the city is unable to handle the influx of over 10,000 visitors per day during peak periods. Instances of inappropriate behavior by tourists, which officials say have become commonplace, have become a threat to local residents.

Among the main problems is the deteriorating sanitary situation. There have been cases of tourists entering private homes to use restrooms or relieving themselves in courtyards. Residents have also expressed concern about the safety of children, who are pushed off the sidewalks by crowds of visitors.

Fuji-Yoshida Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi emphasized that Mount Fuji is more than just a tourist attraction. He said the beautiful photographs conceal a threat to the peaceful life of the local community.

Despite the cancellation of the official festival, the city is preparing for the influx of tourists during cherry blossom season. Specifically, temporary parking lots and portable toilets are planned.

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