Home » Japan Travel News » Fujiyoshida Cancels Famous Cherry Blossom Festival in Response to Overcrowding, Environmental Concerns and Residents’ Struggles with Mass Tourism Published on
February 5, 2026Fujiyoshida, a picturesque town famed for its views of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms, has decided to cancel its annual cherry blossom festival in 2026. The move comes after local authorities expressed concerns about the overwhelming number of tourists, which has disrupted the daily life of residents and put undue strain on the town’s infrastructure.Tourism Surge Strains Local Resources and Community LifeSince its introduction in 2016, the cherry blossom festival at Arakurayama Sengen Park has attracted thousands of visitors each spring, drawn to the stunning combination of the park’s iconic pagoda and Mount Fuji in the background. Known as a highly Instagrammable location, the park has become a must-see spot for photographers and social media influencers.However, the rapid increase in visitor numbers has brought unintended consequences. Local authorities have reported consistent traffic jams, overflowing public spaces, and rising littering problems. Some residents have raised alarms about tourists trespassing on private property, entering homes to use bathrooms, and in extreme cases, leaving waste in gardens. These issues have led local officials to conclude that the festival, which was originally intended to boost tourism, was no longer viable without further compromising the residents’ quality of life.Protecting Local Residents and EnvironmentThe cancellation of the cherry blossom festival is seen as a necessary step to protect the peace and well-being of the local community. While tourism has brought financial benefits to Fujiyoshida, the influx of visitors has far surpassed the town’s capacity to accommodate them. Local officials emphasized that the disruptive behavior of some tourists and the growing environmental concerns left them with little choice but to suspend the event.Advertisement AdvertisementThe festival was originally designed to create a lively atmosphere, celebrating the arrival of spring while promoting the town as a key tourist destination. However, the infrastructure—roads, public facilities, and waste management—has proven inadequate to handle such a massive influx, and the town now faces the challenge of balancing tourism with the everyday lives of its residents.The Influence of Social Media and Changing Travel PatternsThe boom in tourism can be partially attributed to the power of social media, where stunning images of Fujiyoshida’s cherry blossoms framed by Mount Fuji have sparked widespread interest. Additionally, the weakening of the yen has made Japan an attractive destination for international tour …
