Mount Fuji selfie ban foiled

Mount Fuji’s photo ban backfires! A Japanese town’s attempt to block tourists from snapping pics of the iconic mountain with a giant screen has been foiled by holes in the barrier. Get the latest update on this bizarre story!

Mount Fuji selfie ban, The screen setup that blocks tourists from clicking pictures of Mt. Fuji has some holes in it.

Holes have been found in a large black screen set up by a central Japanese town to block a scenic view of Mt. Fuji after criticism of tourists’ behavior at the viral photo spot. It plans to repair the screen promptly, posting a notice asking visitors not to touch it.

The story behind the black mesh net

The town spent 1.3 million yen ($8,285) to install the 2.5-meter (8.2-feet) -high black mesh net that stretches 20 meters (66 feet), and additional fences along the sidewalk.

Then, after this screen went up, officials found some 10 holes. They were all at eye level and all just the right size to slip a camera lens through.

Initially, the town stationed security guards and posted warnings in English following complaints. Locals caused a ruckus over an uptick in the number of jaywalking and illegally parked vehicles belonging to tourists in the area.

Measures taken by the authority

The town set up the screen, but after seeing measures did little to improve the situation.

Japan’s highest peak can be seen just above a convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture. Overseas tourists came to jam-pack the area around the store after photos of such a view went viral on social media.
According to town officials, a vertical rip about 13 centimetres long was found in the screen Monday morning.

Tourists are still protesting

The officials said that one hole found Saturday has been patched up. They suspect the holes were made intentionally.

The officials want a stronger screen there.

They are calling for the public not to vandalize the screen. They are saying it was set up to protect tourists and vehicles as well as residents’ quiet lives. Additionally, they are expecting people to visit other scenic spots in the town from which they can get views of Mt. Fuji.