Go Tokyo Your Experience
Post-pandemic, a surge of tourists has flooded into Japan, leading to “overtourism” in certain attractions, placing pressure on local residents and the natural environment. One such site, the scenic Oshino Hakkai, formed by the meltwater of Mount Fuji, has drawn significant numbers of visitors. However, local residents have observed a troubling trend: the presence of numerous coins in the clear springs, raising concerns about potential impacts on water quality.
According to Japanese media reports, Oshino Hakkai is known for its picturesque views of Mount Fuji and its numerous springs, attracting both Japanese and international tourists. In May, a teenage Japanese girl visiting the site was disappointed to find a large number of coins in the pristine Yui Pond, worrying that this could affect the water quality. Despite signage in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean urging visitors not to throw coins, the problem persists.
Designated as a natural monument of Japan in 1934, Oshino Hakkai was selected as one of the “Top 100 Famous Waters” by the Environmental Agency in 1985 and was registered as a World Heritage Site along with Mount Fuji in 2013. A survey conducted by the Japanese tourism company Mov in January revealed that it is one of the most beloved attractions among foreign tourists. Among the eight ponds of Oshino Hakkai, Yui Pond has the largest water flow and the most beautiful scenery, making it particularly popular with visitors.
The head of the Oshino Village Education Committee, responsible for protecting the environment of Oshino Hakkai, stated that each year, volunteer divers are enlisted to retrieve coins from the ponds, with the number ranging from hundreds to thousands. In recent years, foreign coins have been notably prevalent. Despite the signage, visitors tend to imitate others when they see coins in the water. At the end of May, divers conducted a coin retrieval operation, and while the total is still being tallied, it appears the number of foreign coins is on the rise.
Oshino Village has not yet conducted an investigation into the impact on water quality, but they are concerned that additional signage could detract from the site’s visual appeal. The officials are currently discussing potential countermeasures but have yet to find a viable solution.
In a related effort to protect the environment, regulations for climbing Mount Fuji have been established from July 1 to September 10 this year, requiring each hiker to pay a 2,000 yen passage fee. While the increase in foreign tourists has brought economic benefits to Japan, various regions are beginning to implement measures to prevent environmental degradation.