A Japanese city near Mount Fuji, Fujiyoshida, has cancelled this year’s cherry blossom festival after a sharp rise in visitor numbers. During peak season, up to 10,000 tourists arrive daily to photograph the blooming sakura with Mount Fuji in the background.
Officials report chronic traffic congestion, littering and repeated trespassing on private property. Some residents say tourists entered homes to use toilets and left waste in gardens. Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi warned the influx threatens the “quiet lives” and dignity of citizens. Although the 10-year-old event has been scrapped, authorities expect high visitor numbers to continue, driven by a weak yen and social media exposure.
So…:
What precautions can you take for future events to ensure a positive experience for visitors, the surrounding area, and the people who live their daily lives there?
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