The cherry blossom festival that enjoys a highly Instagrammed view of Japan’s Mount Fuji has been canceled after residents complained of overtourism due to the weak yen. The city of Fujiyoshida, in the Yamanashi region of central Japan, said on Tuesday that the weeklong event that attracts about 200,000 people will be called off this year because “the quiet life of local residents is threatened”. About 42.

7 million tourists visited Japan in 2025. The weak yen boosted the appeal of the “bucket list” destination, hitting an all-time high, nearly 37 million by 2024. But complaints of overcrowding have increased in hotspots such as Kyoto, where disrespectful tourists have been accused of harassing kimono-clad geisha performers in their frenzy for photos.

In Fujiyoshida, the influx of foreign tourists has caused frequent traffic jams and thrown cigarette butts. The city said, “The reality behind (Mount Fuji’s) beautiful landscape is that the peaceful lives of citizens are being threatened.

Fujiyoshida Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said in a statement, “To protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens, we have decided to draw the curtain on the 10-year-old festival. ” However, the city acknowledged that even if the festival were canceled, its location – Mount Fuji, the cherry blossom trees and five A park overlooking the storied pagoda – still sees a surge in visitors as spring approaches. To manage the influx of visitors, nearby towns have in the past erected a view-blocking barrier to discourage hikers and limit their daily numbers.