The authorities in Fujiyoshida, Japan have canceled the cherry blossom festival due to overcrowding and the disruptive behavior of tourists, affecting the local community.

The authorities in the Japanese city of Fujiyoshida have decided to cancel the annual cherry blossom festival at Arakurayama Sengen Park due to residents' concerns about overcrowding and disruptive behavior from tourists. The festival, which attracted approximately 200,000 visitors annually, had been organized for a decade, but the number of tourists has significantly increased in recent years, reaching nearly 10,000 people per day during the blooming season.

Residents have complained about hygiene issues, including visitors entering private homes to use the restrooms and aggressive behaviors. Additionally, parents have expressed concerns about the safety of their children, who were pushed by crowds on the school roads. Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi emphasized that the decision reflects the growing anxiety of residents regarding the balance between tourism and community life. Although the festival will no longer take place officially, authorities are preparing for a large number of visitors in April, planning security measures and temporary facilities to alleviate pressure on the community.