YAMANASHI, Aug 21 (News On Japan) - Lawson, the convenience store that became a popular spot for tourists due to its view of Mount Fuji, has removed the curtain that once obscured the iconic mountain.
The curtain was initially placed to block the view of Mount Fuji from the store’s sign, which had become an unexpected tourist attraction. However, the curtain was taken down temporarily on July 15 due to the approaching Typhoon No. 7, and it has not been reinstalled since.
Even without the curtain, tourists, including many foreigners, continue to flock to the location to capture photos of Mount Fuji. This has raised the question: is the curtain necessary?
Since the spring, the surge in tourists has left local residents perplexed. The curtain was originally installed to prevent tourists from taking pictures, but even after its installation, determined visitors found ways to capture the view from the sides.
Despite the curtain being removed, the area around the store remains busy with tourists attempting to photograph the mountain. A week after its initial installation, small holes had already appeared in the curtain, leading to its replacement with a sturdier version.
Five days after the curtain was removed as a precaution against the typhoon, a local resident remarked, "It feels like the scenery has returned to how it was before. Perhaps it’s better this way without the curtain."
Fujikawaguchiko Town officials have stated that they will continue to monitor the situation and may reconsider reinstalling the curtain depending on future developments.
Source: ANN