Written by Gill Princen

Fuji lawson monk — Courtesy of Sanzhar Nukassov

The view of Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic peak, is mesmerizing from any side. But one particular vantage point looking over Fuji san, in the town of Fujikawaguchiko, has attracted unprecedented attention, leading to a clash between tourism and local life.

Among Fujikawaguchiko’s many attractions like the beautiful lake Kawaguchiko, the sight of Mount Fuji framed behind a Lawson convenience store has gained international fame. Being caught in a social media frenzy, the konbini was propelled into viral stardom as “Mt. Fuji Lawson.”

However, the surge in popularity has brought with it a host of challenges for the town and its residents. Concerns over the behavior of tourists, particularly those from abroad, have escalated in recent years, with issues such as littering, obstructing pedestrian pathways, and trespassing onto private property.

Despite multilingual signs cautioning against dangerous behaviors and the deployment of security personnel, the rush of tourists continues to strain the town's resources and test the patience of the locals.

In response to mounting pressure, local authorities have taken drastic measures to reclaim control of the situation. Construction is underway for a towering mesh net, stretching 20 meters in length and standing 2.5 meters tall, to obscure the view of Mount Fuji from the notorious photo spot. This controversial move is seen as a necessary step to protect the town's infrastructure and preserve the peace of its residents.

The decision to place the barrier reflects a broader trend across Japan, where communities are grappling with the challenges of over-tourism. From the historic streets of Kyoto to the serene shores of Kamakura, municipalities are implementing strategies to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of local culture and quality of life.

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