Mount Fuji Cherry Blossom Festival Cancelled Amid Overtourism Concerns
Fujiyoshida cancelled the 2026 Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival following serious concerns about congestion and disruptive visitor behaviour. The park itself was not closed, and large spring crowds were still expected.
Fujiyoshida City announced that it would not hold the 2026 Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival. The event had been held for about ten years and normally attracted approximately 200,000 visitors.
The decision followed complaints about severe crowding, traffic congestion, littering, trespassing and visitors entering private property. Residents also raised concerns about crowded pavements affecting children travelling to school.
Cancelling the festival does not mean that Arakurayama Sengen Park is closed. Visitors may still be able to enter the park and see the well-known view of Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms and the five-storey Chureito Pagoda. Large crowds and long queues should still be expected during the blossom period.
The city planned additional crowd-management measures, including more security personnel, temporary parking and portable toilets. Access restrictions may change depending on conditions.
Travellers should use public transport where possible, follow local signs, remain on public paths and never enter residential land or private buildings. Checking Fujiyoshida City information shortly before travelling is strongly recommended.
The decision followed complaints about severe crowding, traffic congestion, littering, trespassing and visitors entering private property. Residents also raised concerns about crowded pavements affecting children travelling to school.
Cancelling the festival does not mean that Arakurayama Sengen Park is closed. Visitors may still be able to enter the park and see the well-known view of Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms and the five-storey Chureito Pagoda. Large crowds and long queues should still be expected during the blossom period.
The city planned additional crowd-management measures, including more security personnel, temporary parking and portable toilets. Access restrictions may change depending on conditions.
Travellers should use public transport where possible, follow local signs, remain on public paths and never enter residential land or private buildings. Checking Fujiyoshida City information shortly before travelling is strongly recommended.
Reference:
The Guardian
Back to latest news