Japanese city cancels cherry blossom festival over badly behaved tourists

A town near Mount Fuji in Japan has canceled its annual cherry blossom festival because there are too many tourists. Fujiyoshida, a popular spring destination, attracts visitors who want to see cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji in the background. However, local officials say the large crowds have caused serious problems for residents.

In recent years, up to 10,000 tourists have visited the town each day during peak blossom season. This has led to heavy traffic, littering, and tourists entering private property without permission. Some residents even reported tourists using private gardens as restrooms. City leaders say this situation has harmed the quality of life for local people.

The mayor explained that the town decided to cancel the 10-year-old festival to protect residents and their living environment. While the festival will not take place, officials expect many tourists to continue visiting in April and May. The case highlights growing concerns in Japan about overtourism and how to balance tourism with community well-being.

Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1wzrlndzjro

Comprehension

Why did Fujiyoshida cancel its cherry blossom festival?
What problems did tourists cause in the town?
How many visitors come to the town each day during peak season?
What made Fujiyoshida popular during spring?
Will tourists completely stop coming even though the festival is canceled?

Discussion

Why do you think cherry blossom season attracts so many tourists?
How can tourism affect the daily lives of local residents?
Do you think canceling the festival was the right decision? Why or why not?
What rules should tourists follow when visiting local communities?
How can towns welcome tourists but still protect residents?

Vocabulary

Festival – A special event or celebration
Tourists – People who travel for pleasure
Congestion – Too many people or vehicles in one place
Trespassing – Entering private property without permission
Overtourism – When too many tourists cause problems for a place