A SCENIC bridge in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture — promoted as the ideal location for the ‘perfect’ photo of Mt Fuji — is drawing fierce criticism from local residents, who say the influx of tourists has led to noise, illegal parking, and trespassing.
Dubbed the “Mt Fuji Dream Bridge”, the spot went viral after being hailed online as offering a staircase view that appears to lead directly to the iconic 3,776-metre mountain. The city government initially encouraged visitors to share their photos on social media, hoping the site would serve as a local tourism boost.
However, the plan has backfired. “It’s really troublesome because travellers speak loudly from early in the morning,” said one resident. Another remarked, “I wonder if there is a single resident who thinks the tourist attraction is worth the trouble.”
Despite signage in multiple languages urging quiet and providing information about designated parking, issues persist. Illegal parking and encroachment on private property in surrounding residential areas remain common, prompting residents to erect warning signs of their own.
On clear days, up to 1,000 people reportedly flock to the site, with lines forming to take the now-iconic photo. “I hope to capture some beautiful and unique photos,” said Zhu Yihao, a tourist from Shanghai.
The bridge, constructed in 2016 to connect two major roads, was not initially designed as a tourist attraction but has since become one of the latest examples of a viral location overwhelming its host community.
A similar incident in Yamanashi Prefecture — where crowds gathered outside a convenience store to capture Mt Fuji framed above the roofline — forced local authorities to install temporary fencing to deter jaywalking.
Tourism professor Yoshihiro Sataki of Josai International University criticised the city’s management of the situation as inadequate. “It is the role of a local government to prioritise the lives of residents and urge tourists to show restraint,” he said.
Sataki also called on the central government to provide greater support to municipalities facing over-tourism, warning that such pressures are becoming a serious challenge for communities near popular sites. - May 18, 2025
