Japan's Fujiyoshida Cancels Cherry Blossom Festival Amid Overtourism Crisis
The city of Fujiyoshida, located in central Japan's Yamanashi region, has made a significant decision to cancel its annual cherry blossom festival. This event, which typically draws approximately 200,000 visitors over several weeks, has been called off for this year due to mounting concerns from local residents about overtourism.
Residents' Lives Disrupted by Tourist Influx
City officials announced on Tuesday that the festival's cancellation stems from serious disruptions to community life. The quiet existence of local citizens is being threatened by the overwhelming number of tourists, according to official statements. Fujiyoshida Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi expressed a strong sense of crisis about the situation, noting that behind Mount Fuji's beautiful landscape lies a troubling reality for residents.
The city has reported numerous issues caused by the tourist surge:
- Chronic traffic congestion that hampers daily movement
- Littering problems, particularly with cigarette butts
- Trespassing incidents on private properties
- Even cases of defecation in private gardens
Record Tourist Numbers Fueled by Weak Yen
Japan experienced unprecedented tourism growth in 2025, with about 42.7 million visitors setting a new record. This surpassed 2024's previous high of nearly 37 million tourists. The weak yen has made Japan an increasingly attractive bucket list destination for international travelers, but this economic advantage has come with significant social costs.
Similar overtourism problems have emerged in other Japanese hotspots:
- Kyoto has faced issues with disrespectful tourists harassing kimono-clad geisha performers
- Multiple locations have reported overcrowding that strains local infrastructure
- Cultural sites struggle to balance preservation with accessibility
End of a Decade-Long Tradition
The cherry blossom festival in Fujiyoshida has been running for ten years, making its cancellation particularly significant. Mayor Horiuchi emphasized that protecting the dignity and living environment of citizens necessitated this difficult decision. The festival's picturesque venue—a park offering stunning views of Mount Fuji, cherry blossom trees, and a five-story pagoda—has become a victim of its own popularity.
Despite the festival's cancellation, city officials acknowledge that the location may still experience increased visitor numbers as spring approaches. Mount Fuji remains a perennial attraction that draws tourists regardless of organized events.
Broader Tourism Management Efforts
Japanese authorities have implemented various measures to address overtourism challenges:
- Nearby towns have erected view-blocking barriers to discourage photo-hungry tourists
- Entry fees have been introduced for hikers attempting Mount Fuji climbs
- Daily visitor caps have been established at certain locations
- Local communities are increasingly vocal about protecting their quality of life
This cancellation represents a growing trend where popular destinations must balance economic benefits from tourism with the preservation of local community wellbeing. As Japan continues to attract record numbers of visitors, finding sustainable solutions to overtourism remains a critical challenge for policymakers and residents alike.
