FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO, Japan (AP) — The town of Fujikawaguchiko has had enough of tourists.
Known for a number of scenic photo spots that offer a near-perfect shot of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, the town on Tuesday began constructing a large black screen on a stretch of a sidewalk to block the view of the mountain. The reason: misbehaving foreign tourists.
“Kawaguchiko is a town built on tourism, and I welcome many visitors, and the town welcomes them too, but there are many things about their manners that are worrying,” said Michie Motomochi, owner of a cafe serving Japanese sweets “ohagi,” near the soon-to-be-blocked photo spot.
Motomochi mentioned littering, crossing the road with busy traffic, ignoring traffic lights, trespassing into private properties. She isn’t unhappy though — 80% of her customers are foreign visitors whose numbers have surged after a pandemic hiatus that kept Japan closed for about two years.
What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky
Nation's rich cultural heritage continues to captivate
A technicolor twist on Yu the Great
England cricket great Derek Underwood dies at age 78
Cruise worker 'murders newborn son on board ship': Shocked co
Beijing 2022 flag bearer trains volunteers for 31st FISU University Games
Artist's creative products bring loved ones closer to the departed
Shanghai released 2024 events guide
OPEC chief stresses energy cooperation with China
Young Boys seals 6th Swiss soccer league title in 7 years after rallying from firing coach Wicky
UK's Princess of Wales says she is under cancer treatment