"Behind [Mount Fuji's] beautiful landscape is the reality that the quiet lives of citizens are threatened. We have a strong sense of crisis. To protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens, we have decided to bring the curtain down on the 10-year-old festival, he added in his statement. Authorities cited repeated incidents of disruptive behaviour from tourists in the city, which lies to the west of Tokyo."
"In addition to opening private home doors without permission to use the restroom, officials reported trespassing, littering, and tourists defecating in private yards and raising a fuss when residents pointed this out, the city said. Parents have also raised concerns about children being pushed aside on school routes as tourists crowd sidewalks, city officials said, according to Kyodo News."
Fujiyoshida city cancelled the Arakurayama Sengen Park cherry blossom festival, a ten-year event that attracted about 200,000 tourists annually. Officials cited repeated disruptive tourist behaviour including entering private homes to use restrooms without permission, trespassing, littering, and defecating in private yards. Residents reported crowds pushing children on school routes and causing disturbances when confronted. The town receives more than 10,000 visitors a day during blossom season, driven by a weak yen and social media popularity. Despite the cancellation the park may still draw large April crowds; city plans include increased security, temporary parking and portable toilets to manage the influx.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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