Unruly crowds force cancellation of Mount Fuji cherry blossom festival
Fujiyoshida city cancelled the Arakurayama Sengen park cherry blossom festival near Mount Fuji this year due to rising disruptive tourist behaviour, including trespassing and littering, that threatens residents’ lives; the decade-long event drew about 200,000 visitors annually (more than 10,000 per day at peak), and officials will bolster security, add temporary parking and portable toilets at the venue, which may still attract crowds for its Mount Fuji views.