Holes Poked in Mount Fuji Barrier, Japan Town Says 

A worker sets up a huge black screen on a stretch of sidewalk at Fujikawaguchiko town, Yamanashi prefecture, central Japan Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)
A worker sets up a huge black screen on a stretch of sidewalk at Fujikawaguchiko town, Yamanashi prefecture, central Japan Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)
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Holes Poked in Mount Fuji Barrier, Japan Town Says 

A worker sets up a huge black screen on a stretch of sidewalk at Fujikawaguchiko town, Yamanashi prefecture, central Japan Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)
A worker sets up a huge black screen on a stretch of sidewalk at Fujikawaguchiko town, Yamanashi prefecture, central Japan Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

A Japanese town that mounted a huge barrier to deter unruly tourists from taking photos of Mount Fuji said Tuesday that around 10 small holes have already been poked in the mesh screen.

The barrier was put up a week ago in a popular photo spot in Fujikawaguchiko town, where residents had complained about streams of mostly foreign visitors littering, trespassing and breaking traffic rules.

A town official told AFP that the screen made of black netting had achieved its goal of dispersing crowds on a narrow pavement across the road from a convenience store.

Although a security guard is there between 10:00 am and 04:00 pm, the small holes appear to have been created in the morning or evening while no one was watching, he said.

"It's about manners. It's a shame," he said of the holes, big enough to fit a finger through but perhaps too small to capture the Instagram-friendly juxtaposition of the snow-capped volcano emerging from behind the store.

"I tried to put a camera up to one of the holes. Did I take a good picture? In fact, I think the net came into the frame," the official said.

Since the netting measuring 2.5 by 20 meters (eight by 65 feet) was installed on Tuesday, "there have been some people who came to see the screen itself," he added.

"But we have achieved the purpose of discouraging people from staying there."

The town, beside a scenic volcanic lake, now plans to place QR codes on the barrier to introduce the area's other tourist attractions, including alternative places to take photos of Mount Fuji.

When the spot in front of the convenience store becomes less popular online then the town may take down the screen, the official said.

Record numbers of overseas tourists are coming to Japan, where monthly visitors exceeded three million for the first time in March and then again in April.

But as in other tourist hotspots, such as Venice which recently launched a trial of entry fees for day visitors, the influx has not been universally welcomed.

In Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto, locals have complained of tourists harassing the city's famed geisha.

And hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji this summer will be charged 2,000 yen ($13) each plus an optional 1,000 yen donation, with entries capped at 4,000 to ease congestion.



Riyadh Season 2025 Breaks Record with 20 Million Visitors

Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination. (Riyadh Season)
Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination. (Riyadh Season)
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Riyadh Season 2025 Breaks Record with 20 Million Visitors

Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination. (Riyadh Season)
Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination. (Riyadh Season)

Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chairman of the board of directors Advisor Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Al-Sheikh announced that the fifth annual Riyadh Season has received a record-breaking 20 million visitors, marking an unprecedented milestone since the event’s inception in 2019, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

Riyadh Season has solidified its reputation as a global entertainment hub, drawing visitors from across the Kingdom and beyond. Popular destinations such as Boulevard World, Boulevard City, and Boulevard Runway have seen particularly high foot traffic, offering a diverse range of artistic performances, international games, fine-dining experiences, and immersive cultural exhibits.

The mild winter weather and public holidays have further fueled attendance, with adventure seekers flocking to the Dunes of Arabia for camping and outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams" exhibition at the Saudi National Museum has captivated fashion and art enthusiasts. The Groves has also emerged as a prime attraction, featuring international cuisine, live music, and a unique ambiance.

Additionally, major sporting events—including boxing matches, martial arts competitions, and padel tournaments—have drawn significant crowds, alongside concerts featuring renowned artists from around the world.

Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination.