Uber, city near Mt. Fuji join hands in measures against overtourism

KOFU, Japan (Kyodo) -- Uber Technologies Inc.'s Japanese unit and a municipality near Mt. Fuji have signed an agreement to jointly tackle issues stemming from overtourism, such as traffic congestion and littering. This marks Uber Japan Co.'s inaugural partnership with a Japanese local government. Shiro Yamanaka, Uber Japan's general manager, expressed the hope that this collaboration will set an example for tourist destinations nationwide, balancing tourism growth with the welfare of locals.

The collaboration will involve Uber locating pickup spots away from overcrowded areas and utilizing advertisements within the Uber Taxi app to promote local customs and proper tourist behavior. Fujiyoshida Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi expressed relief in having Uber's international business expertise assist in managing the city's surging tourist influx, noting the city's struggles with littering, traffic jams, and illegal parking near popular attractions.