Fujiyoshida, a city in Japan, has decided to cancel its yearly cherry blossom festival due to disrespectful behavior from some tourists. Reports include issues like littering, trespassing on private property, and public urination/defecation on residential lawns.
Every spring in Japan, the country comes alive with the beautiful blossoms of its cherry trees, known as Sakura. For a short time, these trees cover the landscape in delicate pink, creating stunning scenery perfect for picnics and photos.
Cherry blossom season is incredibly popular, often causing flight prices to Japan to increase dramatically in March and April as people travel to see the blooms. However, one Japanese city is now frustrated with the disrespectful behavior of some tourists.
Cherry blossom festival canceled over tourism “crisis”
On February 3rd, Fujiyoshida city announced the cancellation of its yearly cherry blossom festival. The festival is normally held in a park known for its beautiful views of Mount Fuji.
This beautiful spot has become incredibly popular online, leading to large crowds and overtourism that is seriously affecting the quality of life for people who live nearby.
The park expected over 10,000 visitors daily at the height of blossom season. Unfortunately, this led to some unacceptable behavior from tourists, including trespassing on private property to use restrooms and, in some cases, even public urination on residents’ lawns.
According to a recent press release, the area has been experiencing problems with heavy traffic, people trespassing to use restrooms, and an increase in litter, such as discarded cigarette butts.
Reports have been made of tourists inappropriately using private property and causing problems when local residents object. Additionally, traffic congestion is creating safety concerns for students walking to and from school.
Unfortunately, the festival has been canceled. It started in 2016 and ran for almost ten years, but officials decided to intervene due to the large crowds and disruption it caused each year. Even though the festival is off, the city still anticipates many visitors and is preparing by increasing security and traffic management.
Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi expressed serious concern about the current situation, stating that the safety and well-being of city residents are at risk despite the area’s beauty.
Recent incidents involving foreign tourists in Japan have sparked criticism, with several influencers facing backlash for their actions. For example, streamer Johnny Somali was arrested and fined approximately $1,400 for disrupting a restaurant by broadcasting from inside without permission.
In September 2025, a YouTuber from Ukraine and his companions were arrested for entering the restricted Fukushima Exclusion Zone to create videos, even though authorities had clearly warned against it.
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2026-02-05 22:49