Cherry Blossom Festival Near Mount Fuji Cancelled as Tourist Surge Strains Local Life

A town near Mount Fuji has cancelled its cherry blossom festival this year, citing unmanageable tourist numbers and growing impact on residents’ daily lives.

Japanese authorities in the town of Fujiyoshida, near Mount Fuji, have cancelled this year’s cherry blossom festival, saying the growing number of tourists has become difficult for local residents to manage. The decision was announced as officials expressed concern over daily life being disrupted during the peak spring season.

Fujiyoshida is a popular spring destination, known for its cherry blossoms set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. Every year, large numbers of visitors arrive to enjoy the scenery, especially around Arakurayama Sengen Park, which offers panoramic views from its pagoda and has become widely shared on social media.

According to city officials, the number of visitors has risen sharply in recent years. During peak blossom season, as many as 10,000 people now visit the town each day. Authorities say this has led to chronic traffic congestion, increased litter, and pressure on public facilities.

Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said the situation poses a serious challenge for the community. He explained that the festival, which has been held for around 10 years, was originally started to create a lively atmosphere and boost local appeal. However, the scale of tourism has now exceeded the town’s capacity.

Residents have reported a range of issues, including tourists trespassing on private property, entering homes without permission to use restrooms, and improper waste disposal. Officials said such incidents have raised concerns about maintaining the dignity and living environment of local citizens.

The town first opened Arakurayama Sengen Park to host visitors during the cherry blossom season in 2016. Over time, the combination of a weaker yen and the growing influence of social media has made the area increasingly popular with both domestic and international tourists.

While the cherry blossom festival will not be held this year, Fujiyoshida authorities expect large numbers of visitors to continue arriving during April and May. The city says it is preparing measures to manage crowds and reduce disruption, even without the formal event.

Officials stress that the decision was made to protect residents’ quality of life while still welcoming visitors responsibly. The situation highlights broader challenges faced by popular destinations across Japan as tourism continues to grow.