Mount Fuji's Overtourism Barriers

Japan is experiencing a massive surge in international visitors. Mount Fuji sits at the very center of this travel boom. To protect local communities from overwhelming crowds, officials in the town of Fujikawaguchiko installed physical barriers at a highly popular photo hotspot. This extreme measure highlights the growing friction between viral social media trends and the everyday lives of local residents.

The Viral Lawson Photo Spot

The controversy centers around a specific Lawson convenience store in the town of Fujikawaguchiko. Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, this normal chain store became incredibly famous on Instagram and TikTok. When viewed from across the street, Mount Fuji appears to rest perfectly on the flat roof of the blue and white Lawson shop. The contrast between a modern convenience store and the iconic, snow-capped volcano created a highly sought-after photo opportunity.

Before long, hundreds of tourists began gathering on the narrow sidewalk across from the store every single day. Fujikawaguchiko is a quiet residential town. It was not built to handle large crowds of people crowding its streets. Local authorities reported that visitors were constantly jaywalking, ignoring traffic signals, and stepping into the busy road to get the perfect angle.

Installing the Black Mesh Barrier

Local officials tried softer measures first. They hired English-speaking security guards and put up warning signs. When these efforts failed to stop the dangerous behavior, the town took drastic action in late May 2024. Workers installed a massive black mesh net across the street from the Lawson store.

The barrier measured 2.5 meters high (about 8 feet) and 20 meters long (about 65 feet). It was specifically designed to block the famous view of the mountain from that exact vantage point.

The breaking point for the town was the impact on a neighboring business. A local dental clinic located right next to the viewing spot suffered property damage and daily disruptions. Tourists were parking without permission in the clinic spaces, leaving trash on the ground, and even climbing on the roof of the clinic to get a better photo. The black net was installed directly in front of the clinic to protect the private property and deter the massive crowds.

Beyond the Net: New Climbing Restrictions

The overtourism problem at Mount Fuji extends far beyond a single convenience store. The mountain itself is facing severe environmental and safety challenges. Too many people are trying to hike to the summit during the short summer climbing season, which runs from early July to early September.

To combat “bullet climbing” (where hikers try to rush to the summit overnight without resting) and severe trail congestion, Yamanashi Prefecture introduced strict new rules for the popular Yoshida Trail in 2024.

These new rules include:

Daily Caps: Only 4,000 climbers are allowed on the Yoshida Trail per day.
Trail Fees: Climbers must pay a mandatory fee of 2,000 yen (about 13 USD). This is separate from the optional 1,000 yen conservation donation.
Gate Hours: A physical gate at the 5th Station closes between 4:00 PM and 3:00 AM to prevent hikers from starting dangerous overnight climbs without a mountain hut reservation.

The Current Status of the Barrier

The situation in Fujikawaguchiko remains fluid. In mid-August 2024, the town temporarily removed the black mesh net to protect it from high winds during a severe typhoon. Following the storm, officials noticed that the massive crowds did not immediately return.

Because tourist behavior showed some signs of improvement, the town decided to leave the net down temporarily. However, the metal poles holding the structure remain firmly in place. Local authorities have stated they are closely monitoring the area and will quickly reattach the black screen if the dangerous crowds and bad behavior return.

Better Alternatives for Mount Fuji Photography

You do not need to crowd a busy street to get a beautiful photo of Mount Fuji. Japan offers countless designated viewing spots that are safe, legal, and arguably much more scenic than a convenience store parking lot.

Here are a few excellent options:

Arakurayama Sengen Park: Famous for the Chureito Pagoda. This spot offers the classic view of a five-story red pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background. It is designed to handle tourists and offers plenty of walking space.
Oishi Park: Located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. This park provides stunning, unobstructed views of the mountain surrounded by seasonal flowers like lavender and kochia bushes.
Hakone Ropeway: A scenic aerial lift that offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the volcanic valley of Owakudani.
Gotemba Premium Outlets: If you want a modern setting, this massive outdoor shopping mall in Shizuoka Prefecture offers fantastic views of the mountain while you shop and eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Japan put a net in front of Mount Fuji? The town of Fujikawaguchiko installed a black mesh net to block a viral photo spot outside a Lawson convenience store. The barrier was erected because large crowds of tourists were jaywalking, littering, and trespassing on a nearby dental clinic to get photos for social media.

Is the Mount Fuji Lawson net still up? The net was taken down temporarily in August 2024 due to a typhoon. Officials left it down after noticing a drop in bad behavior, but the poles remain in place. The town will reinstall the net immediately if overcrowding becomes a problem again.

How much does it cost to climb Mount Fuji? As of 2024, hikers using the most popular path (the Yoshida Trail) must pay a 2,000 yen mandatory fee to access the mountain. You can also choose to pay an additional 1,000 yen voluntary conservation donation.