Takashi Hirao 
A line of people waiting to take photos. December 20, 2024, Kawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture. (©Sankei by Takashi Hirao)
The iconic Lawson in Kawaguchiko Town became a magnet for tourists eager to capture a photo of Mt Fuji seemingly floating above the store's roof. However, the influx brought challenges for the local community, including trespassing on private property, littering, and jaywalking outside designated crosswalks.
In May 2024, the town addressed these issues by installing a black screen along the sidewalk opposite the store and erecting fences to deter jaywalking. The fences, standing 80 centimeters tall and spanning 25 meters, were placed along the sidewalk across from the convenience store.
However, the black screen was removed in August due to an approaching typhoon.
Kawaguchiko's Mayor Hideyuki Watanabe explained, "There were concerns that installing the screen might make inbound tourists feel unwelcome. However, at the time, it was a necessary step to prioritize the safety of our residents."
Lines Form Naturally
After a period of calm, the number of foreign tourists began to rise again in November 2024, coinciding with the appearance of Mt Fuji's snow-capped peak. This time, however, the atmosphere had noticeably changed. Without formal instructions, tourists began forming orderly lines several meters behind those posing in front of the store.
Across the street, visitors queued patiently on the sidewalk, waiting their turn to take photos. Instances of trespassing and littering, once common, had significantly decreased.
Photos of the Lawson store shared on Chinese social media often included a note encouraging visitors to follow proper etiquette. Tourists appeared to adopt the rules without the need for enforcement.
"I heard there were issues with bad behavior here, but I still want a photo of the view all to myself. I think others feel the same way," said a tourist from Thailand, who expressed understanding about waiting her turn.
Poles Left in Place
Despite these improvements, jaywalking remains a safety concern. In December 2024, the town installed a 6-meter-long fence on the side of the road nearest to the store. To further encourage safe crossings, a nearby crosswalk was repainted in a green-and-white pattern.
Additionally, while the town has no immediate plans to reinstall the screen, the poles remain in place should the need arise.
The situation at the Mt Fuji convenience store reflects Japan's broader challenge of balancing residents' quality of life with the increasing demands of inbound tourism.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: Takashi Hirao, The Sankei Shimbun
