Fujiyoshida City, Japan Cancels Cherry Blossom Festival in 2026 Due to Overtourism Crisis – Here’s What You Need to Know!

In a historic and unprecedented move, Fujiyoshida City in Japan has officially canceled the 2026 Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival, originally scheduled for April 2026. The decision was made after the city government, led by Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi, expressed a deep sense of crisis concerning the negative impacts of overtourism. This marks a significant change for the 10-year-old tradition, one that has become a hallmark of cherry blossom viewing in Japan, drawing visitors from around the globe.
The official statement released by the Fujiyoshida municipal government cites a range of unmanageable behaviors and logistical issues that have overwhelmed the city. The cancellation of the festival comes after increasing complaints from local residents about the severe effects of mass tourism on their daily lives.
What Led to the Cancellation?
Fujiyoshida City, nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, has long been a popular destination for cherry blossom enthusiasts, particularly those visiting Arakurayama Sengen Park to view the stunning cherry blossoms with a panoramic view of the iconic pagoda and Mount Fuji in the background. However, the influx of tourists has led to significant disruptions. Key reasons for the cancellation include:
- Invasive Behavior: Tourists have been reported opening private homes to use residents’ bathrooms without permission, a troubling invasion of privacy.
- Property Trespassing: Visitors have increasingly entered private yards and gardens to take photographs, often in direct conflict with residents’ requests to leave the premises.
- Hygiene Issues: The city has received numerous complaints about littering, including cigarette butts, and, in some extreme cases, tourists defecating in private gardens.
- Safety Concerns for Children: Narrow sidewalks, often blocked by large crowds of tourists, have created dangerous conditions, with schoolchildren being physically pushed aside while trying to walk to school.
- Strain on Local Infrastructure: Heavy traffic congestion has rendered local roads impassable, hindering emergency vehicles and further impacting daily life.
As a result, the city government decided that the safety, dignity, and quality of life for residents must come before the benefits of tourism. The cancellation of the festival, a major event in the region, is seen as a drastic yet necessary step.
What’s Next for the 2026 Cherry Blossom Viewing Season?
While the 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival is canceled, the park itself will remain open, and visitors are expected to continue arriving. However, the atmosphere will be significantly different from previous years. To mitigate the potential impact, the city will implement several temporary measures from April 1 to April 17, 2026, aimed at managing the ongoing tourism situation. These measures include:
- Increased Security Presence: The city will deploy additional security personnel to manage crowds and prevent trespassing in private areas.
- Traffic Control Measures: Temporary traffic regulations will be enacted, and additional parking spaces will be designated to help ease congestion.
- Public Facilities: To address hygiene concerns, portable toilets will be installed around the park to prevent unauthorized access to private homes.
- Encouragement of Public Transport: Visitors are urged to use public transportation, such as the Fujikyuko Line, to reach the park, reducing the strain on local roads.
- New Laws for Cyclists: Beginning April 1, 2026, Japan’s new “Blue Ticket” system will come into effect, allowing authorities to issue on-the-spot fines to cyclists who violate traffic laws, including using mobile phones while riding.
When Will the Cherry Blossoms Peak?
For those planning a trip to Fujiyoshida this spring, the cherry blossoms are still expected to bloom, albeit without the usual festival celebrations. The forecast for the peak bloom in 2026 is as follows:
- Kofu (Yamanashi): Full bloom expected from March 29 to April 5.
- Fujiyoshida (Mt. Fuji Area): Full bloom expected between April 8 and April 15.
Given that Fujiyoshida lies at a higher altitude compared to other areas like Tokyo or Kofu, the cherry blossoms typically bloom later in the season.
A Shift from Festival to Peaceful Viewing
Though the festival itself is canceled, Arakurayama Sengen Park remains open to visitors, and the public is still invited to enjoy the cherry blossoms. However, the city emphasizes that it is no longer a festival setting. Tourists are encouraged to engage in respectful, quiet viewing, avoiding the areas marked as private property.
As visitors plan their trips, they should be prepared for longer wait times, especially at the popular “Chureito Pagoda” viewing deck, where wait times could reach up to three hours during peak bloom. The city hopes that by focusing on managing the visitor experience rather than promoting mass tourism, the peaceful lives of local residents will be better protected.
The Ongoing Struggles of Overtourism in Japan
Fujiyoshida’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the increasing challenges posed by overtourism in Japan. As the country’s most popular tourist destinations, particularly those surrounding Mount Fuji, continue to see rising visitor numbers, other regions may soon face similar dilemmas. Fujiyoshida’s bold action reflects a growing awareness of the need to balance the benefits of tourism with the well-being of local communities.
For those still planning to visit, Fujiyoshida remains a must-see destination, but the city urges visitors to respect local norms, avoid overcrowding, and embrace the tranquil beauty of its springtime landscape without the traditional festival experience.
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