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Japan Cancels Cherry Blossom Festival Amid Tourist Behavior Concerns

This stunning image captures the iconic Mount Fuji towering over a sea of delicate cherry blossoms at Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan. The juxtaposition of the majestic mountain and the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms conveys themes of tranquility, harmony, and the fleeting nature of life. (Photo: Tuong Le@Dreamstime.com)

By Linda Wang

February 6, 2026
7:43 pm
Los Angeles, CA

Authorities in Japan have cancelled a popular cherry blossom festival near Mount Fuji after a surge in disruptive and inappropriate behaviour by tourists raised alarm among local residents. Officials in the central Japanese city of Fujiyoshida announced on Tuesday that the Arakurayama Sengen Park cherry blossom festival would not be held this year. The event, launched a decade ago to promote tourism, has grown into a major draw during sakura season, attracting around 200,000 visitors at its peak. The park is home to one of Japan’s most iconic views: a five-storey pagoda framed by cherry blossoms with snow-capped Mount Fuji rising in the distance. Propelled by social media, the image has become a global symbol of spring in Japan — and a magnet for visitors far beyond what the

Authorities in Japan have cancelled a popular cherry blossom festival near Mount Fuji after a surge in disruptive and inappropriate behaviour by tourists raised alarm among local residents.

Officials in the central Japanese city of Fujiyoshida announced on Tuesday that the Arakurayama Sengen Park cherry blossom festival would not be held this year. The event, launched a decade ago to promote tourism, has grown into a major draw during sakura season, attracting around 200,000 visitors at its peak.

The park is home to one of Japan’s most iconic views: a five-storey pagoda framed by cherry blossoms with snow-capped Mount Fuji rising in the distance. Propelled by social media, the image has become a global symbol of spring in Japan — and a magnet for visitors far beyond what the surrounding neighbourhoods can absorb.

Fujiyoshida mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said the decision to cancel the festival was taken to protect residents’ quality of life. “Behind the beautiful scenery of Mount Fuji lies the reality that the peaceful lives of our citizens are being threatened,” he said. “We feel a strong sense of crisis. To safeguard the dignity and living environment of residents, we have decided to bring this 10-year-old festival to an end.”

City officials cited repeated incidents involving tourists, including trespassing, littering and entering private homes without permission to use bathrooms. Authorities also reported cases of visitors defecating in private yards and arguing with residents when confronted. Parents have raised concerns that children are being pushed aside on school routes as crowds spill onto narrow pavements, according to Kyodo News.

During peak blossom season, Fujiyoshida receives more than 10,000 visitors a day — a dramatic influx for a city of roughly 45,000 residents. Officials attributed the surge to a combination of factors, including the weak yen and the viral popularity of Mount Fuji imagery on social media platforms.

Although the festival has been cancelled, Arakurayama Sengen Park will remain open, and large crowds are still expected in April. Visitors often queue for hours to access the viewing deck, and the city plans to respond by increasing security, adding temporary parking facilities and installing portable toilets to manage the flow.

Cherry blossom season, known as hanami, is one of Japan’s busiest travel periods, drawing both domestic and international tourists to parks, temples and scenic landmarks nationwide. In recent years, tourism has surged amid favourable exchange rates and online exposure, with destinations such as Mount Fuji and Kyoto among the most heavily visited.

For Fujiyoshida, the festival’s cancellation signals a broader reckoning with overtourism. While officials have not ruled out the event’s return in the future, the decision underscores a growing message from communities across Japan: iconic views may invite the world in, but respect for local residents is essential if these traditions are to endure.