Japan Axes Popular Cherry Blossom Festival Amid Record Tourist Surge
In a significant move highlighting the challenges of overtourism, Japanese authorities have cancelled one of the nation's most cherished spring traditions—the Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival. This decision comes as a direct response to escalating concerns that massive tourist crowds are severely disrupting the peaceful daily lives of local residents.
Mounting Frustration Leads to Festival Cancellation
City officials in Fujiyoshida, a small town located in Yamanashi Prefecture near the iconic Mount Fuji, announced this week that the festival will not proceed in 2026. This event, celebrated for the past decade, typically draws approximately 200,000 visitors annually during the brief but spectacular cherry blossom season.
Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi emphasized the rationale behind this unprecedented cancellation. "Behind Mount Fuji's beautiful landscape lies the harsh reality that the quiet lives of our citizens are being threatened. We face a strong sense of crisis," he stated. "To protect the dignity and living environment of our community, we have decided to bring the curtain down on this ten-year-old festival."
The Global Allure of Sakura and Mount Fuji
Traditionally held each spring to honor the peak bloom of sakura—Japan's beloved cherry blossoms—the festival at Arakurayama Sengen Park is world-renowned for its breathtaking postcard view. This iconic scene features the five-story Chureito Pagoda beautifully framed by delicate pink blossoms against the majestic, snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji.
The visual spectacle gained immense global popularity through extensive sharing on social media platforms and prominent features in international travel guides. This exposure encouraged millions of tourists from across Asia, Europe, and the Americas to specifically plan their visits to coincide with Japan's fleeting sakura season.
Tourism Boom and Its Consequences
Japan's tourism industry has experienced a dramatic surge in recent years. In 2025, the country welcomed approximately 42.7 million international tourists, setting a new record and surpassing the previous year's total of nearly 37 million visitors.
Experts attribute this growth to several factors, including a weak yen making travel to Japan more affordable and the viral spread of travel content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which prominently feature scenic locations such as Mount Fuji and its surrounding parks.
While many residents acknowledge the cultural significance and economic benefits brought by tourism, the overwhelming volume and inappropriate behavior of some visitors have raised serious alarms.
Reports of Unruly Tourist Behavior
Local authorities have documented numerous incidents during peak tourist seasons, including:
- Crowds blocking roads and pedestrian pathways, causing chronic traffic congestion.
- Tourists trespassing on private properties without permission to use restrooms.
- Instances of littering and even defecation in private gardens, which officials describe as deeply disrespectful and unsustainable.
Parents in Fujiyoshida have expressed heightened concerns for the safety of young children, as narrow pavements and streets become dangerously clogged with visitors. Local schools have reported situations where students were forced to step off sidewalks to allow large tourist groups to pass, creating potential hazards.
This decision to cancel the festival reflects a broader, growing frustration among local residents and officials regarding the negative impacts of overtourism. It underscores the delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving the quality of life for communities living in world-famous destinations.
