Japan town begins blocking Mt Fuji view from 'bad-mannered' tourists

Work has begun in a small Japanese town to erect a barrier blocking views of the country's most famous sight, Mount Fuji, after locals complained of bad behaviour by photo-hungry tourists.

Local officials and residents said while the town welcomes visitors, it is necessary to stop tourists from continuously crossing the street, ignoring red lights, littering, trespassing, illegally parking and smoking outside of designated areas. By the middle of this month, the town plans to complete the barrier, which will stand 2.5 metres high and stretch more than 20 metres long to block the view of the mountain, with hopes that it will discourage tourists from loitering there.