Will Badly Behaved Tourists Cancel Japan's Cherry Blossom Festival?

The cancellation of the cherry blossom festival in Fujiyoshida, Japan, is a direct response to unmanageable tourist numbers impacting local residents. Authorities have cited chronic congestion, littering, and disruptive behaviour as major concerns, prompting the city's mayor to declare a halt to the popular 10-year-old event in order to protect the community's living environment.

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Fujiyoshida, a town near Mount Fuji, has officially cancelled its cherry blossom festival due to a surge in visitors that local authorities describe as "overtourism." The rise in tourist numbers has led to significant disruptions for residents, including traffic congestion, littering, and instances of trespassing. The mayor, Shigeru Horiuchi, expressed a strong sense of crisis regarding the situation, emphasising the need to protect the dignity and daily lives of the town’s citizens.

Key takeaways

• The cherry blossom festival in Fujiyoshida has been cancelled for 2023 due to excessive tourist numbers.
• Local residents report chronic traffic congestion and disruptive behaviour from visitors.
• The cancellation aims to preserve the living environment and dignity of Fujiyoshida's citizens.

Timeline: how we got here

Fujiyoshida's cherry blossom festival has been an annual event for ten years, initially introduced in April 2016. The festival was designed to attract tourists to the area and enhance its appeal, particularly during the cherry blossom season. However, as visitor numbers increased dramatically over the years, local authorities began to face serious challenges related to overtourism. Key dates include:

• April 2016: Festival introduced to enhance tourism.
• 2023: Festival cancelled due to unmanageable tourist influx.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The cancellation of the cherry blossom festival was announced on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in how Fujiyoshida will manage tourism and its impact on daily life. Authorities are preparing for increased visitors in the coming months, despite the festival's cancellation.

What was already established

Fujiyoshida has long been a popular destination for tourists, especially during the cherry blossom season, due to its picturesque views of Mount Fuji. However, the increase in tourism has led to ongoing issues such as littering and disruptive tourist behaviour, prompting discussions around managing visitor numbers more effectively.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the cancellation primarily impacts local residents in Japan, it reflects a growing trend worldwide regarding how destinations manage tourist behaviour and environmental sustainability. UK travellers may face similar restrictions in places they visit, as authorities become more vigilant in protecting local communities.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses in Fujiyoshida that rely on tourism may experience a temporary decline in visitors and revenue due to the festival's cancellation. However, this may also prompt a shift towards more sustainable tourism practices, which could benefit the local economy in the long run.

Policy and regulation

As seen in Fujiyoshida, local governments are increasingly implementing regulations to manage the impact of tourism. UK destinations could take cues from Japan's approach, potentially introducing similar measures to ensure a balance between tourism and local community needs.

Numbers that matter

• 10,000: Estimated daily visitors to Fujiyoshida during the peak cherry blossom season.
• 10: Years the cherry blossom festival was held before cancellation.
• 2: Euros fee introduced in Rome for access to the Trevi Fountain's viewing area, highlighting global efforts to manage tourist impact.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Overtourism: A situation where the number of visitors to a particular location exceeds its capacity, leading to negative impacts on the local community and environment.
• Sakura: The Japanese term for cherry blossoms, which are a significant cultural symbol in Japan.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Tourist numbers in Fujiyoshida are expected to remain high, even without the festival. Visitors should be mindful of local regulations and the impact of their presence on the community.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As local authorities reassess tourism strategies, there may be new guidelines introduced aimed at minimising disruption and promoting sustainable travel practices in Fujiyoshida and other tourist hotspots.

Signals to watch

• Changes in local laws regarding tourism management in Fujiyoshida.
• Responses from other regions in Japan and globally regarding similar challenges with tourism.

Practical guidance

Do

• Respect local customs and property while visiting tourist areas.
• Stay informed about changes in tourism regulations.
• Support local businesses by choosing to shop and eat locally.

Don’t

• Don’t litter or engage in disruptive behaviour while visiting.
• Don’t trespass on private property or disturb local residents.

Checklist

• Research local regulations before visiting a new destination.
• Plan your travel during off-peak times to reduce crowding.
• Be mindful of your environmental impact during your travels.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation in Fujiyoshida highlights the complexities of managing tourism in a way that respects local communities. While the cancellation of the festival may alleviate some immediate pressures, it raises questions about the long-term sustainability of tourism in the area. Additionally, the response from tourists and the effectiveness of new regulations remain uncertain.

Bottom line

The cancellation of the cherry blossom festival in Fujiyoshida serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of overtourism on local communities. As authorities seek to balance tourist influx with residents' quality of life, similar measures may be seen in other destinations. Responsible travel practices are increasingly essential for maintaining the integrity of popular tourist spots.

FAQs

Why was the cherry blossom festival cancelled in Fujiyoshida?

The festival was cancelled due to overwhelming tourist numbers that caused significant disruptions for local residents, including traffic congestion and littering.

How many visitors does Fujiyoshida receive during peak season?

During peak cherry blossom season, Fujiyoshida can host as many as 10,000 visitors daily, which has been deemed unsustainable for the local community.

What measures are being taken to manage tourism in Japan?

Local authorities in Japan are implementing various measures, including festival cancellations and increased regulation, to manage the impact of tourism on communities.