Dozens of Holes Puncture Privacy Screens... Mt. Fuji Photo Spot Still Struggling

A convenience store near Mount Fuji, known as a popular spot for so-called 'proof shots,' erected a screen to prevent overtourism, but it has been revealed that some tourists are even making holes in the screen to take photos of Mount Fuji. As the screen alone was not enough, authorities are now spending administrative efforts to cover the holes as well.

A tourist is posing for a photo in front of the Lawson convenience store, famous as the 'Mount Fuji Convenience Store' in Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.
[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

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On the 27th, Yomiuri Shimbun reported that several 1 cm-sized holes were found in a black screen set up in front of a Lawson convenience store located in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. The curtain, measuring 2.5 meters in height and 20 meters in width, had about 10 holes and some dented areas. Some tourists were inserting their smartphone lenses through the holes to photograph Mount Fuji.

This location is famous among tourists as a 'proof shot spot' because the Lawson convenience store and Mount Fuji can be seen together, creating a unique scene where Mount Fuji appears to be sitting on the store's roof. However, the influx of tourists has continuously caused problems such as littering, smoking, traffic congestion, and safety accidents. Complaints from residents have also increased.

A hole is visible in the barrier installed in front of the convenience store near Mount Fuji. [Image source=Yomiuri Shimbun]

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A barrier installed in front of a convenience store near Mount Fuji had holes punched in it, so it was covered again with a warning sign instructing not to touch it. [Image source=Yomiuri Shimbun]

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Eventually, on the 21st, authorities erected a large black screen across from the convenience store to prevent tourists from taking proof shots, but holes appeared from the day after the construction was completed. Authorities are also considering installing screens made of other materials that cannot be punctured.

Inconvenient behaviors have emerged in other ways as well. Earlier, local media reported that after the screen was installed, tourists were spotted taking photos in the convenience store parking lot and next to the screen. Additionally, about 1 km away from the convenience store with the screen, another convenience store has been crowded with foreigners and large buses, with people taking photos on sidewalks and roadways.

The person in charge of managing the screen appealed, "Please observe proper conduct." He added, "I hope they stop making holes," and requested, "Beautiful photos can be taken at other locations in the town, so I hope visitors will move on." The town plans to continue patrols and install flyers on the screen stating 'Security cameras in operation.' They also plan to attach QR codes to provide access to a website introducing other 'photo spots' within the town.

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