Japan Cancels Cherry Blossom Festival Near Mount Fuji as Overtourism Hits a Breaking Point

Why Japan Cancelled the Festival

City officials say the situation has reached a breaking point.

According to statements from Fujiyoshida’s government, residents have repeatedly reported tourists trespassing onto private property, opening doors to use home bathrooms without permission, littering, and even defecating in private gardens.

Parents have also raised safety concerns, saying children walking to school have been pushed off sidewalks as crowds swell during peak blossom season.

Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi described the decision as necessary to protect residents, saying that behind Mount Fuji’s beautiful scenery lies “a strong sense of crisis” about how daily life in the town has been affected.

“To protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens, we have decided to bring the curtain down on the festival,” he said.

Social Media, the Weak Yen, and a Tourism Surge

The cancellation comes amid a broader tourism boom in Japan. In 2025, more than 42 million tourists visited the country, an all-time record. A weak yen has made travel more affordable, while viral social media images have pushed once-quiet locations into the global spotlight.

Fujiyoshida officials say the town now sees up to 10,000 visitors per day during cherry blossom season, far beyond what local infrastructure was designed to handle.

The festival itself may be gone, but the park is still expected to draw large April crowds, as travelers continue chasing the postcard-perfect Mount Fuji view.

What Happens Now at Arakurayama Sengen Park

Even without the official festival, authorities expect heavy foot traffic and are preparing accordingly.

The city plans to:

• Increase security patrols

• Add temporary parking areas

• Install portable toilets

• Encourage visitors to use public transportation

• Restrict access to residential streets


Officials have also warned that wait times at the park’s observation deck could still reach several hours during peak bloom.

This Is Not Just a Mount Fuji Problem

Japan is not alone in grappling with overtourism.

Across the country and beyond, authorities are introducing new measures to manage crowds:

• Mount Fuji hiking routes now require entry fees and daily visitor caps

• Kyoto has cracked down on tourist harassment of geisha performers

• Venice charges day-trippers an entry fee on peak days

• Rome recently introduced a fee to access the Trevi Fountain viewing area


The cancellation of the Fujiyoshida festival is one of the clearest signals yet that some destinations are choosing residents over record-breaking visitor numbers.

What This Means for Travelers Planning a Japan Trip

Cherry blossom season is still happening. The festival is not.

Travelers can still visit parks, temples, and scenic areas across Japan during hanami season, but local authorities are increasingly asking visitors to slow down, respect boundaries, and travel more thoughtfully.

For those hoping to see Mount Fuji framed by blossoms, officials strongly recommend:

• Visiting early in the morning

• Avoiding peak weekends

• Using public transport

• Respecting private property and local signage

The cancellation of the Arakurayama Sengen Park festival marks a turning point, not just for Fujiyoshida, but for how destinations around the world are rethinking tourism. Japan is making it clear that access comes with responsibility, and that even the most iconic views are not worth sacrificing daily life for the people who live there.

For travelers, the message is simple. The beauty is still there. The blossoms will still bloom. But how we show up matters more than ever.

FAQ: Cherry Blossom Festival Canceled

Is the cherry blossom festival near Mount Fuji completely cancelled?

Yes. Fujiyoshida officials have cancelled the Arakurayama Sengen Park cherry blossom festival for 2026.

Can I still visit the park?

Yes. The park itself remains open, but there will be no official festival programming.

Why was the festival cancelled?

Officials cited overcrowding, trespassing, littering, unsafe behavior, and repeated disruption to residents’ daily lives.

Will cherry blossoms still bloom in the area?

Yes. Cherry blossom season will still occur naturally across Japan, including around Mount Fuji.

Is Japan limiting tourism overall?

No, but many destinations are introducing fees, caps, and crowd-control measures to manage overtourism.

Is Mount Fuji still accessible?

Yes, though hiking routes and popular viewpoints may have restrictions, fees, or long wait times during peak seasons.