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.
Two top Penguin Random House editors are leaving as publisher transforms
Flying Tigers veteran visits Great Wall in Beijing
Interview: Racism, abuse of weapons fuel gun violence in U.S. society, says Egyptian expert
Judge dismisses felony convictions of 5 retired military officers in US Navy bribery case
Interview: Expert says U.S. interest rate hikes causing ripple effects in developing countries
Chinese investment in Africa hits $1.8b in 1st half of 2023
China's industrial recovery gaining steam despite profits dip
NFL increases its commitment to flag football, creating a new VP position to help grow the sport
China urges U.S. to stop harassing Chinese students