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Fujiyoshida Cancels Cherry Blossom Festival Amid Tourism Surge

2/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Fujiyoshida canceled its Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival after Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi of Fujiyoshida cited the need to protect residents’ dignity and living conditions amid disruptive tourist behavior.
The festival attracted about 200,000 visitors annually and is unsustainable amid a tourism boom, with Japan welcoming over 39 million visitors in 2025.
Officials anticipate continued tourist influx during cherry blossom season and plan measures to manage crowds.

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Story summary

Fujiyoshida canceled its Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival after Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi of Fujiyoshida cited the need to protect residents’ dignity and living conditions amid disruptive tourist behavior.
The festival attracted about 200,000 visitors annually and is unsustainable amid a tourism boom, with Japan welcoming over 39 million visitors in 2025.
Officials anticipate continued tourist influx during cherry blossom season and plan measures to manage crowds.