Makeshift BBQs Overwhelm National Park near Tokyo

Located in western Tokyo, Okutama is a popular destination for those seeking to enjoy nature without leaving the city. On the final day of the Obon holiday, the gorge near the station was bustling with people enjoying barbecues in the great outdoors. However, a disturbing scene unfolded along the riverside.

One group was barbecuing directly on the ground, with smoke billowing up. Despite a ban on setting up tents, the area was filled with them.

This region is designated as a national park, and to preserve the landscape and environment, 'barbecuing directly on the ground' and 'setting up tents' are prohibited.

Yasunobu Yahagi, from the Okutama Tourism Association, who patrols the area as part of efforts to combat over-tourism, was stunned by the situation, saying, "I was at a loss for words. It’s become a lawless zone."

He approached the barbecue attendees to inform them of their violations.

Yahagi: "This area prohibits barbecuing directly on the ground. Please use a grill."

Barbecue Attendee: "Yes, understood!"

Yahagi: "Tents are not allowed either. Next time, please use a campsite."

Barbecue Attendee: "Oh, that’s bad. We shouldn’t be doing this."

Many of those engaging in these violations are foreign nationals.

Yahagi: "We mostly see foreign visitors, many of whom live in Japan."

According to the town, information about 'free and open recreation' in Okutama has spread rapidly among foreign residents via social media.

A Japanese barbecue attendee shared their concerns:

Japanese Barbecue Attendee: "I hope people will protect the nature here in Okutama. If they come, they should follow the rules."

In one incident, a man in a tank top climbed a slope, snapping off branches and tossing them down below. He then collected over ten branches to use as firewood and even burned plastic alongside them.

When approached for comment:

Foreign Barbecue Attendee: "I knew barbecuing directly on the ground was prohibited. I saw it on TV!"

Despite knowing the rules, the foreign attendee expressed regret:

Foreign Barbecue Attendee: "I’m sorry."

He later extinguished the fire and promised to take his trash with him.

Persistent Littering

Rule violations have led to serious incidents. A 25-year-old Indonesian man drowned after being swept away in a river where swimming is prohibited. Though a friend attempted to rescue him, he was found in cardiac arrest and later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Despite this tragedy, people were still seen swimming in the river.

When town officials warned a man about swimming in the river, he responded by floating on an inflatable tube, defying the prohibition.

There were also groups playing loud music and dancing, disturbing nearby residents.

Nearby Resident: "It’s really bothersome. They play music in some language I don’t understand, and it’s been going on since morning. Even while lying down, I can hear it clearly."

Moreover:

Nearby Resident: "The area near the bridge has turned into a trash heap. If we don’t plant shrubs, trash is dumped there every morning."

Photos taken last July show piles of trash under a sign that reads "No Littering." The littering continues unabated.

Trash, including unconsumed roasted sweet potatoes, cardboard boxes filled with charcoal, gas cans, and tongs, was scattered near the river. Over 15 empty alcohol cans were also found near residential homes.

As the afternoon progressed, the number of barbecue attendees along the river increased even further.

Officer: "No tents allowed!"

Foreign Barbecue Attendee: "Yes…"

With more rule violators than ever, the situation became unmanageable. The patrol team, initially composed of one person, increased to six, and they set out on another round of patrols.

Officer: "Are you packing up now?"

Foreign Barbecue Attendee: "Yes…"

A few minutes later, the officer returned to the same spot.

Officer: "I warned you about direct barbecuing earlier. This is also prohibited."

Foreign Barbecue Attendee: "Is it okay if I put this on top?"

Officer: "No, it’s not okay! The act of barbecuing directly on the ground is prohibited."

Foreign Barbecue Attendee: "I bought a grill but forgot to bring it."

Officer: "If you forgot it, you might consider not barbecuing or just going home."

Foreign Barbecue Attendee: "I’ll clean up after I’m done."

Officer: "Please make sure to clean up properly!"

Despite the officer’s efforts, the barbecue attendees paid little attention. Furthermore:

Officer: "It’s problematic when you leave things like this."

The remnants of a recent barbecue, including hot, charred stones and coals, were left unattended, with smoke still rising.

Officer: "You need to pour water on it and make sure the fire is completely out before you leave."

Some people were even seen washing their barbecue grills directly in the river.

As there are no penalties for such nuisance behavior at this site, the town is struggling to address the issue.

Okutama Town Official: "Although people seem to listen when we tell them the rules, they just come and go. It seems that enforcing rules isn’t enough."

Regulations and Improvement Efforts

Meanwhile, other regions are moving to regulate nuisance barbecue activities through local ordinances.

In Tochigi Prefecture's Kanuma City, the emerald green waters of the Oashi River, known as the clearest stream in the Kanto region, draw many visitors. However, this area has also seen its share of nuisance behaviors.

In response, Kanuma City introduced regulations this year, banning barbecues in certain areas. Violators face fines of up to 50,000 yen per person.

Announcement: "Barbecuing, fireworks, and noise are prohibited."

During the busy summer vacation period, city officials patrol the area daily. On one such patrol:

Kanuma City Official: "May we check inside?"

Barbecue Attendee: "It’s not open yet."

Kanuma City Official: "I see you haven't used it."

Barbecue Attendee: "Yes, last year it was allowed."

Kanuma City Official: "What will you do next?"

Barbecue Attendee: "We’ll head to a place where it’s permitted."

Thanks to these patrols, prohibited activities were prevented that day, and no violations were reported.

Local Resident: "Things seem to be improving, which is good news for us locals."

However:

Misako Kamiyama of Sesaragi Soba Shop in Kanuma: "People probably started fires over there. There are stones piled up."

Despite a ban on nighttime barbecues, Kamiyama, who works at a soba shop along the Oashi River, said:

Kamiyama: "Foreign visitors often have barbecues at night and play loud music. Although enforcement is generally effective, there are still spots where issues persist. They may find a new hidden spot to use next time."

Paid Zones and Safety for Children

In Okutama Town’s Hikawa Gorge, there are currently no penalties for rule-breaking barbecue attendees.

An Okutama Town official said, "We are constantly reminding people of the rules, but we feel penalties should be introduced to ensure people understand them fully."

In contrast, Kanuma City in Tochigi Prefecture introduced an ordinance in April this year. The regulation imposes fines of up to 50,000 yen per person for prohibited activities like barbecuing in protected areas.

This move has led to positive changes, according to a city representative: "There is noticeably less trash this year compared to last year. The ordinance seems to be effective."

During the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2021, the number of violators surged. During Golden Week in 2021, the city received up to 100 reports a day.

In response, the city established a paid barbecue zone in 2022, charging 1,000 yen per adult. The official noted, "We’ve seen a reduction in rule-breaking visitors, and it’s become a safer environment for children."

Source: YOMIURI