Home » Japan Travel News » Japan Grapples with a Tourism Crisis as Fujiyoshida’s Visitor Influx Strains Local Infrastructure and Triggers 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival Cancellation Published on
February 14, 2026Japan is facing a tourism crisis as Fujiyoshida, located near Mount Fuji, experiences an unprecedented surge in visitors. This overwhelming influx has put immense pressure on the city’s infrastructure, causing severe overcrowding and disruptions to daily life. As a result, authorities have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival, citing safety concerns and the city’s inability to manage the growing crowds.Over the past decade, Fujiyoshida’s cherry blossom festival has become one of Japan’s most popular events, attracting around 200,000 visitors annually, with peak days drawing up to 10,000 tourists. The rise in attendance has been driven by viral photo trends and a favorable exchange rate, making Japan more accessible to international travelers. However, the rapid growth in tourist numbers has led to a range of issues, from overcrowded sidewalks and blocked driveways to tourists entering private homes for restrooms and using yards as toilets. Local residents have voiced their frustration as these disruptions, along with heavy traffic, make everyday life increasingly difficult. Safety concerns have also escalated, with children being pushed aside on school routes due to the large crowds snapping photos.Festival Cancellation Stuns TouristsThe city’s authorities made the unexpected decision to cancel the 2026 Arakurayama Sengen Park cherry blossom festival, citing the extreme strain on local infrastructure and residents’ quality of life. This event, which had been running for nearly a decade, became particularly famous for its breathtaking views of cherry blossoms framing Mount Fuji and the iconic Chureito Pagoda. The cancellation shocked many tourists who had planned their trips around the event.AdvertisementOfficials emphasized that the decision was made to preserve the dignity and comfort of local residents. Despite the festival’s cancellation, authorities anticipate a large number of visitors in the coming months, particularly during the cherry blossom season in April and May. The park remains one of the most popular spots for Mount Fuji-related photos, with visitors still lining up for hours during peak bloom, with wait times sometimes reaching up to three hours.To handle the growing crowds, the city is taking steps to manage the situation. Plans include increasing security personnel, adding temporary parking areas, and installing portable toilets to ease some of the pressure on the city’s infrastructur …
