A Japanese town on Tuesday set up a large black screen to block a scenic view of Mt. Fuji in response to what it calls unruly behavior from tourists after the photo spot went viral online.

The 2.5-meter high, 20-meter wide screen now blocks the sight of Japan's highest mountain towering over a Lawson convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, which could previously be photographed from across a road, making the area a popular destination for foreign tourists.

The surge in visitors drew complaints from local residents due to an uptick in people jaywalking and illegally parking vehicles in the area.

Workers begin setting up a large black screen to block the view of Mt. Fuji at a popular photo spot in the Yamanashi Prefecture town of Fujikawaguchiko on May 21, 2024. The town took the step amid an increase in unruly tourists after the scenic view of Japan's highest mountain towering over a Lawson convenience store went viral online, especially among foreign tourists. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

The town began stationing security guards and posting warnings in English to manage the crowds, but the measures did little to improve the situation.

Judy Lee, a 60-year-old tourist from Taiwan, lamented the installation, saying that other ways of preventing people from crossing the road should have been considered.

"It's unavoidable," said a 74-year-old resident. "It was frightening because many tourists would jump out onto the road," she said.


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