Japan’s town blocks iconic Mount Fuji view with giant mesh to ward off tourists

The 3,776 metre peak has been a favourite selfie point for Instagram and other social media platform users. However, pictures of the gigantic view of Mount Fuji blocked by a large black mesh have recently started doing rounds online.

The number of tourists arriving in the town of Fuji Kawaguchiko in a post pandemic tourism boom and amid a weak yen (Japanese currency) has gone past three million in March and April.

The administration has also changed certain rules regarding the climbing of Mount Fuji wherein those who want to climb will have to book a slot and pay a fee accordingly. The new rules, which will come into effect from the upcoming climbing season, starting July 1 to September 10, have been brought in due to climbers rushing too fast to the summit causing safety and conservation concern.

According to the AP, Japan had more than 25 million visitors in 2023, and the figures in 2024 are expected to surpass nearly 32 million, a record set in 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation. According to the Environment ministry of Japan, around 2,21,322 climbers were part of the season in 2023 which was close to the pre-pandemic level.