Development Control
1 Purpose
Desired styles of future land uses at the foot of Fujisan are to be explored, building upon thehistorical developments of land use styles at the foot of the mountain, through the process ofconsensus building among diverse stakeholders within local community about how Fujisanshould be.
A balance between conservation and development is to be achieved, to build a sustainable,
good relationship between the local population and the mountain itself and to conserve Fujisan’s
scenic landscapes, while ensuring as a matter of principle that the Outstanding Universal Value of
Fujisan is passed on to future generations.

2 Existing State(1) Component parts (property)
The land where the component parts are located can be divided into public land and private
land.
On public land, the use of which is decided upon by the national government, Yamanashi
and Shizuoka prefectural governments, and/or municipal governments, the possibilities ofdevelopment are extremely low. On private land, although ownership belongs to individuals,
strict land use controls are in place under the provisions of the Law for the Protection ofCultural Properties and the Natural Parks Act (which governs areas designated as Special
Zones of a National Park) and alterations to the existing landforms, the construction of newbuildings and other structures, and other development acts are regulated, significantly limiting
the execution of land ownership. Therefore, the possibilities of development are very low andthe protection of the component parts is thus ensured.

(2) Buffer zone
The buffer zone can also be divided into public and private land.
On public land, the use of which is decided upon by the national government, Yamanashi
and Shizuoka prefectural governments, and/or municipal governments, the possibilities ofdevelopment are extremely low.
On the other land, within the private land category, some areas are subject to strict land use
regulations under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, the Natural Parks Act(which governs areas designated as Special Zones of a National Park), and the City Planning
Act (which governs areas designated as Urbanization Control Areas), while others are subject|95

to relatively mild regulations on size and location of buildings etc., such as the Ordinary Zonesof a National Park – as designated under the Natural Parks Act -- and areas of the LandscapeOrdinances and Landscape Plans, which are under the jurisdiction of municipal governments
by way of the Landscape Act.
In such privately owned areas, which are subject to relatively mild regulations, there is thepossibility of development affecting the connections between the component parts and the
body of Fujisan, necessitating countermeasures.
Further, even in the designated Urbanization Control Areas under the City Planning Act(which strictly regulates land use) there are some cases of insufficient enforcement of control
measures. Measures need to be taken to address both concerns.

3 Issues
The major issue pertaining to development control, such as the construction of buildings, along
the lower mountain slopes is how to control the scale and location of buildings that are
constructed in areas with relatively milder regulations, along with other structures that are notregulated under the City Planning Act.
The design of buildings, the color of exterior walls, etc. are to be regulated by the Landscape
Act and the ordinances that have been adopted by municipal governments under the said act.
However, at this point in time, there remain some municipal governments that have yet to adopt
these ordinances. Measures need to be taken to address this.

4 Policies
The following two policies are set out: “measures to control development pressures within thebuffer zone” and “measures to address specific issues”.

(1) Measures to control development pressures within the buffer zone
Administrative procedures effective in controlling the scale and location of development
need to be strengthened.
When measures to address development pressures within the buffer zone are considered, thehistorical background of the lower mountain slopes of Fujisan which have long been central tolocal people’s lives and livelihoods as well as serving as popular tourist destinations should be
respected, and due attention should be paid to building consensus among the various
stakeholders within the local community.
.

96

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(2) Measures to address specific issues
When solving specific issues, a mix needs to be achieved between long-term measures tothoroughly address ongoing problems to be implemented in a planned manner and immediate
actions expected to bring about effective improvement quickly.

5 Measures(1) Measures to control development pressures within the buffer zone
The national government, Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, and relevant
municipal governments are to work together to review at an early stage various administrative
procedures under applicable laws from the perspective of conserving the value of Fujisan,
without excluding the possibilities of their amendment. To be specific, by enforcing theseadministrative procedures at various stages in an effective and multilayered manner such as
requiring prior notification of controlled activities, prior consultation, public hearings, andexamination from technical perspectives at councils consisting of academic experts etc., theeffectiveness of development control is to be enhanced, facilitating early detection of potential
development pressures, coordination for consensus building, and monitoring.
The relevant municipal governments that have not yet done so will also pass their own
landscape ordinances based on the Landscape Act as soon as possible and set out standards forgood landscape development.
Once these measures are implemented, due attention will be paid to consensus building
among various stakeholders within the local community; efforts will be made to raise publicawareness of the need for conservation of the Outstanding Universal Value of Fujisan, to build
the momentum of the whole society, and to help businesses understand their social
responsibilities pertaining to Fujisan.

(2) Measures to address specific issues
i Fuji Five Lakes (reference information 1, page 103)
Yamanashi Prefecture and relevant stakeholders are discussing lake surface usage andlandscaping at the “Meeting for the Creation of Fuji Five Lakes for Tomorrow” etc.
Yamanashi Prefecture has also revised its ordinances (Yamanashi Prefectural Ordinance for
Maintaining the Quiet Environment of Fuji Five Lakes) to require those who plan to ride
engine-powered boats on the lakes to submit “notifications of navigation” to the governor of
Yamanashi Prefecture every year, so that the actual status of boat riding can be ascertained.
ii Oshino Hakkai springs (reference information 2, page 104)
Oshino Village is implementing the Improvement and Utilization Plan for the Natural|

97

Monument, Oshino Hakkai Springs, including measures to improve the visual harmony ofthe buildings around the springs.
iii Shiraito no Taki waterfalls (reference information 3, page 106)
Based on the Basic Plan for the Improvement and Maintenance of the Place of Scenic
Beauty and Natural Monument, Shiraito no Taki”, Fujinomiya City removed or relocatedshops around the waterfall basin: an old bridge in poor condition has also been removed. A
new bridge designed to blend in with the surrounding scenic landscape has instead been
installed in a location set back from the waterfall basin; and a viewpoint for waterfalls andFujisan was set up. Further improvement work is to be implemented in the surrounding areaof this component part, including the removal of the viewing platform, utility poles, andelectric lines.
iv Facilities at the fifth station on the Fujinomiya Ascending RouteThe common understanding is to be shared among the local government officers of
Shizuoka Prefecture about the philosophy, functions, roles, etc. suitable for the entrance tothe World Cultural Heritage, Fujisan. To achieve visual harmonization that complies withthe standards of exterior appearance (color etc.) set by the Natural Parks Act, the Law for theProtection of Cultural Properties, and other laws, Shizuoka Prefecture, Fujinomiya City,
owners, and others are continuing consultation and discussion.
v Facilities at the fifth station on the Yoshida Ascending Route (Reference information 4,
page 108)
Yamanashi Prefecture is playing the central role in providing opportunities for discussion
among stakeholders (Fourth Station and Fifth Station Working Group), consisting of local
stakeholders including the owners of facilities at the fifth station on the Yoshida Ascending
Route and a committee consisting of experts in cultural properties, landscapes, regional
planning, color planning, tourism, etc.; discussion is underway about the spatial compositionand visitor flows in light of the characteristics of the fifth station of the Yoshida Ascending
Route serving as a spiritual center and a provider of various services to visitors, etc.
vi Signs and explanatory boards (reference information 5, page 110)
Yamanashi Prefecture has started designating the “Advertisement Control Area forLandscape Conservation”, which since April 2015 has entailed stricter standards for the
installation of outdoor advertisements and also developed guidelines for outdoor
advertisements. It also provides financial support for landscape improving activities, such as
refurbishing the existing outdoor advertisements that do not comply with the new standards
and improving the visual harmonization of outdoor advertisements to comply with theguidelines.
Shizuoka Prefecture has strengthened its control measures for signs etc. by implementing
98|the Plan for the Installation of Public Signs in the Surrounding Areas of Fujisan and revising
the enforcement regulations of its Outdoor Advertisement Ordinance.
vii Utility poles (reference information 6, page 114)
Yamanashi Prefecture is carrying out the underground installation of electric lines etc. in
the northern mountain foot area of Fujisan.
Shizuoka Prefecture, to develop good landscapes in the areas surrounding Fujisan, is
promoting the elimination of utility poles in the cities and towns surrounding Fujisan. Also,
Shizuoka Prefecture has set up the “Working Group for the Expansion of Utility-Pole Free
Areas in the Surrounding Areas of Fujisan” as a forum for discussion and coordination
among stakeholders to expand utility-pole free areas and has developed a plan of action toeliminate utility poles in Prefectural Road Miho-Komagoe Route, the area around the
Shiraito no Taki waterfalls, and other areas.
viii Private cars driving on access roads to ascending routes (reference information 8. ofthe visitor management plan. P50)
The period of private vehicle restriction has been extended on the Fuji Subaru Line (theaccess road to the fifth station of the Yoshida Ascending Route), the Fujisan Sky Line (theaccess road to the fifth station of the Fujinomiya Ascending Route), and the Fuji Azami Line(the access road to the fifth station of the Subashiri Ascending Route).
ix Development control along the lower mountain slopes (reference information 7, page116)
The relevant municipal governments are planning to control the design of buildings, thecolor of exterior walls, etc. by completing the preparation of landscape plans and ordinancesby around 2016, collectively covering all of the component parts and the buffer zone.
Also, in response to large-scale photovoltaic power generation facilities (“mega-solar”)
whose installation has been spreading in Japan recently, the Ministry of the Environment hasrevised the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Natural Parks Act, making it mandatory tosubmit a prior notification for the installation of photovoltaic power generation facilities
exceeding a certain scale in the National Park Ordinary Area.
Yamanashi Prefecture set an ordinance that requires those who intend to carry out projects
exceeding a certain scale in the property area and the buffer zone in Yamanashi Prefecture toundertake surveys, predictions, and evaluations of the impact their projects would have if
implemented on the landscapes and to consider taking measures for the conservation oflandscapes based on the opinions of experts knowledgeable about World Heritage. Also,
municipal governments have agreed to require those who install photovoltaic power
generation facilities exceeding a certain scale to submit prior notification when they make or
update their Landscape Plans.
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In Shizuoka Prefecture, the greater part of the buffer zone is composed of national forests
or Urbanization Control Areas, where large-scale developments are restricted. Municipal
governments are also encouraged to make it mandatory, through their landscape plans, tosubmit prior notifications for the installation of photovoltaic power generation facilities
exceeding a certain scale; Fujinomiya City already drafted its own ordinance, making it
mandatory for those who install photovoltaic power generation facilities and wind turbines
exceeding a certain scale to submit prior notification and delineating a control area within
the buffer zone in which no such facilities will be agreed to in principle. If the mandatory
requirement is not followed, punitive measures are to be taken, including public disclosureof the name of the non-compliant company. Fuji City has delineated a control area in whichcalls are made for cooperation not to install the controlled facilities through the proceduresof administrative instruction.
x Mihonomatsubara pine tree grove (reference information 8, page 120)
Shizuoka City has developed the Mihonomatsubara Conservation and Utilization Plan forthe purpose of preserving and utilizing the essential value of the Mihonomatsubara pine tree
grove and pass it on to future generations.
“Conservation of the pine tree grove”, “conservation of the sand bar”, and “conservationof scenic landscapes” are set out as the three principles, for which Shizuoka Prefecture andthe relevant organizations are to take conservation measures in coordination.

・Improvement of coastal landscape
Shizuoka Prefecture has organized the “Mihonomatsubara White Sand and Green Pine
Conservation Technical Meeting”, which discussed how to mitigate visual impact of the
breakwater blocks that had been installed to conserve the sand beach and presented nepolicies and measures for the coast improvement work that would meet the needs forseacoast protection and landscape conservation at the same time..
Several policies have already been adopted: “In order to realize the seacoast whosesand beach can be sustained without dependence upon artificial structures, efforts are
made to secure the continuity of sand supply at all times”. Furthermore, “as anintermediate measure until the natural recovery of the sand beach, the sand beach is to beconserved with a minimum level of facilities with due landscape consideration”.
Decisions to replace the existing four breakwaters with L-type groins and to conserve thesand beach through artificial sand supply have been taken.
The area including Breakwater Nos. 1 and 2, which would have significant impact on
the view of Fujisan from an important viewpoint around the Feather Robe pine tree, hasbeen selected as a “Short-term Improvement Area”, for which concrete measures havebeen identified based on a thorough examination of protective functions and landscapes100|and simulations predicting future changes in the seacoast, using the scale models.

・Conservation of pine tree grove
Shizuoka Prefecture is exploring overall conservation approaches for the pine grove at
the “Mihonomatsubara Pine Grove Conservation Technical Committee” and otheropportunities, including the measures to prevent the spread of the pine nematode disease
and to produce a soil environment appropriate for the growth of pine trees.
Based on the outcomes of the meeting, Shizuoka Prefecture will develop the “Basic
Plan for the Management of Mihonomatsubara” and phase in concrete measures for theconservation and growth of the pine tree grove in coordination with the municipal
government and the local population.

・Measures to make roads free from utility poles
At the “Working Group for the Expansion of Utility-Pole Free Area in the Surrounding
Area of Fujisan”, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka City, and other stakeholders such as theauthority in charge of the management of electrical lines have agreed on principles tomake the Prefectural Road Miho-Komagoe Route free from utility poles. Based on theseprinciples, overhead electric lines crossing the road are to be removed in the short term
and the utility poles are to be removed in the middle and long term in parallel with road
improvement projects.
xi Vicinities of Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine (reference information 9, page128)
The widening of Route 138, the national road passing to the north of the compounds ofKitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine, is planned. A forum composed of the national
government, Yamanashi Prefecture, Fujiyoshida City, local stakeholders, and academic
experts was set up to consult and discuss town-building issues in the surrounding area,
including road-side landscapes and walking space.

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Reference Information

102|

Reference Information 1: Fuji Five Lakes◎

Meeting for the Creation of Fuji Five Lakes for Tomorrow
・ Summary
Local stakeholders such as Yamanashi Prefecture, relevant municipalities, and thefishery industry examine method of using the lakes and lakeside landscape
improvement.
・ Actions already implemented
The Meeting for the Creation of Fuji Five Lakes for Tomorrow was established in2011.
Rules are established for Lake Motosuko and Lake Shojiko based on the agreementwith local stakeholders. Activities are being implemented concerning the use of the lakes,
removal and unification of signs, etc. for improvement of landscapes.
・ Future actions
Landscapes will be improved based on rules. Rules will be continuously established
for the lakes other than Lake Motosuko and Lake Shojiko, where rules have not yet beenmade.

◎ Amendment and enactment of the Yamanashi Prefectural Ordinance for Maintaining
the Quiet Environment of Fuji Five Lakes
・ SummaryThis ordinance mandates the submission of "cruising notification" every fiscal year
and pasting the "cruising notification certificate" (sticker) on boats to accurately keep
track of the operation of motorboats on Fuji Five Lakes.

・ Future actions
The quantity (real number and cumulative number) of motorboats operating in eachlake and the annual trend of their operations will be accurately identified every fiscal
year. These data will be used for the deliberations on the Fuji Five Lakes Conference for
Future to establish rules for individual lakes.

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Reference Information 1: Fuji Five Lakes

・ Actions already implemented
The above-mentioned ordinance was revised in March 2014 and entered into force asof August. The ordinance becomes applicable to motorboats after April 2015.

103

Reference Information 2: Oshino Hakkai Springs◎ Landscape development at Oshino Hakkai springs and surrounding area
・ SummaryTechnical and financial assistance is provided to visual harmonization projects
implemented by residents and municipalities by establishing the subsidy system basedon the collaboration of Yamanashi Prefecture, municipal governments, and local people("Landscape Development Model Project" from 2011 to 2013, "World Heritage
Landscape Development Support Project" from 2013 to 2018).

Reference Information 2: Oshino Hakkai springs

・ Actions already implemented
Landscaping has been implemented at areas around the Shinnasho River and Oshino
Hakkai springs.
Oshino Village established a visual harmonization plan for the Shinnasho River areain 2011. Two projects were implemented in 2011, including one by the village and one
by residents. One project was implemented by residents in 2012. Five projects were
implemented by residents in 2013.
Oshino Village established a visual harmonization plan for the area around Hakkai in
2012. One project was implemented by residents in 2012, and one by residents in 2013.
Three projects were implemented by residents in 2014.

104

BeforeDiscordant building color and signs

After
Building color harmonized with surroundings

・ Future actions
Residents’ awareness for landscapes has been raised as a result of the results of visual
harmonization projects so far implemented and the request for early implementation ofprojects has increased. In light of this, the project area will be expanded for project
implementation.

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◎ Townscape development at Oshino Hakkai springs and surrounding area
・ SummaryUsing the general subsidy for the development of social capitals (townscapedevelopment project) of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism,
good landscape development is promoted through, for instance, the removal of elements
obstructing the view of Fujisan and the improvement of road pavement.
・ Actions already implemented
Measures to improve the views of Fujisan have been taken, including the coloring of
the road pavement around Oshino Hakkai springs and the underground installation or
relocation of electric wires.

BeforeAfter

Category
FY

Short term
(implemented)
2013 2014 2015

Medium termLong term

20162018 or later

2017

Reference Information 2: Oshino Hakkai springs

・ Future actions
Visual harmonization measures will be further implemented in the area around Oshino
Hakkai springs in accordance with the Oshino Hakkai Springs Development andUtilization Plan.

Removal of above-groundutility poles, discolored asphalt
pavement, and renewal oflighting
Environmental improvement,
installation of signs, and visual
harmonizationofpublicfacilities around springs
Renewal of river protection
fencesandlandscaping
plantation of trees on theriverside
Assistancetovisualharmonization
projects
implemented by residents andbusinesses|

105Reference Information 3: Shiraito no Taki Waterfalls◎ Improvement work at Shiraito no Taki waterfalls
・ Summary
In order to ensure that the value of the Shiraito no Taki waterfalls be passed on to
future generations for them to appreciate, Fujinomiya City, the custodial body of thewaterfalls as a Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument, takes the lead inremoving artificial structures that disturb the scenic beauty of the Shiraito no Takiwaterfalls, maintaining and regenerating the scenic landscape composed of Fujisan andthe waterfalls, and promoting visual harmonization, so that people can feel the history of
the place as pilgrimage routes and places of religious practice associated with Fujisan
worship.
Also, in order to improve the scenic beauty as well as safety and comfort of visitors,
measures are taken such as the construction of walking paths, the installation of viewing
spots commanding good views of Fujisan and the waterfalls, and removing utility poles
and electric wires which are disturbing views.

Reference Information 3: Shiraito no Taki waterfalls

・ Actions already implemented
Based on the "Basic Development Plan for Places of Scenic Beauty and the Natural
Monument, Shiraito no Taki Waterfalls" established in March 2012, construction
projects started in August 2012, and shops at the basin of the waterfalls were removed
and relocated with the agreement of the owners.
Agreements with local stakeholders were obtained, and opinions of experts weregathered by installing a development council before implementing the development.
The construction projects around the basin of the waterfalls including the constructionof a new bridge were completed in December 2013. The scenic beauty of the Shiraito no
Taki waterfalls was thus maintained and regenerated. Guidance facilities and guideposts
were also constructed to inform visitors of the significance and universal value of thewaterfalls and to provide more information to visitors.
In terms of the removal of utility poles and electric wires that were disturbing views,
the Working Group for the Expansion of Utility-Pole Free Area in the Surrounding Areaof Fujisan, which was held in September 2014 adopted the policy of removing utility
poles in areas around the Shiraito no Taki waterfalls with Shizuoka Prefecture,
Fujinomiya City, and electric wire administrators.

106

BeforeBuildings on the waterfall basin

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After
After removal of buildings and visual harmonization

BeforeArtificial structures in the waterfall basin (bridge and shop)

After
Replacement with new bridge

・ Future actions
Further efforts will be made toward the removal of utility poles and electric wires thatare disturbing views from the Shiraito no Taki waterwalls toward Fujisan.
Short term
(Implemented)
2013
2014 2015

Category
FY
Installationofviewing platform

Medium termLong term

20162018 or later

2017(Completed in 2014)

Removal of utility
poles and electric
wires

Present

After removal of utility poles (future image)|107

Reference Information 4: Facilities at the Fifth Station of the Yoshida Ascending
Route◎ Improvement at the Fourth and Fifth Stations of the Fuji Subaru Line・ Summary
Yamanashi Prefecture defines the way the Fourth and Fifth Stations of the Fuji Subaru
Line should be and take necessary actions with local stakeholders, in light of the facts
that the 5th Station of the Yoshida Ascending Route used to be a place of spiritualsignificance as the boundary separating the sacred and the secular worlds and that it isstill a “node” or a meeting place of people and faith, people and people, and path andpath.

Reference Information 4: Facilities at the Fifth Station of the Yoshida Ascending Route・ Actions already implemented
Yamanashi Prefecture played a central role in creating opportunities for discussion
among relevant municipal governments and local stakeholders such as owners offacilities at the Fifth Station and establishing a committee consisting of experts incultural properties, landscapes, regional planning, color planning, tourism, etc.
The committee came up with a draft zoning proposal with streamlined spatial
structure and visitor movements at the Fifth Station (see the figure below), which would
enable different kinds of visitors to recognize the value of Fujisan as an object ofworship and participate in various opportunities of learning and mutual interchanges,
taking into consideration the opinions of local stakeholders, the characteristics of theFifth Station in the spiritual context, and the historical land uses.
At the council of local stakeholders, discussion has been continuing about the future
visions of the Fourth and Fifth Stations and improvement measures that can be
implemented in the short term, based on more detailed future images (see next page).
Based on these discussions, Yamanashi Prefecture plans to adopt the “Grand Designfor the Fourth and Fifth Stations of Fujisan” by March 2016, in which the functions andservices to be provided at the Fourth and Fifth Stations are shown together with the basic
layout of facilities.

108【 Past 】【Present 】

Secular↓SummitSummitSummit↑Sacred【Future】（indicative image）(Heyday of Fuji-ko)

Ascendingroute(worshipascent)Ascendingroute(worshipascent)Variouselements in
mixture andconcentration

Ascendingroute

Spiritualandculturalelements

Ascending route
Worshipfrom afar

Visitorsupportelements

Fuji Subaru Line

Fuji Subaru Line

Schematic Figure of Historical developments and future vision of the Fifth Station|

<Present>
To the summit
Informaiton center,aid station etc.

Shops

Shops
To the foot of
the mountain

Shops
Shops
Toilets

Shrine【Concept of future Image】
・Creating a space where one can feel the sacredness and beauty of Fujisan・Control the height of buildings by making use of difference of elevation
・Consider united design of buildings
・Secure the space for worshipping from afar
・Improve visibility of proof of the faith (ex. ascending route, shrine, torii gate towering and so on)
・Separate flow line of people and vehicles<Future image>
Ascending
route

Shr

Visitor・ Future actions
With the participation and continual consultation of all the stakeholders (businesses,
governments, etc.), actions for landscape improvement that can be implemented in the middle
term will be taken, such as improvement on outdoor advertisement signs and consistency of
exterior color and design of buildings. At the same time, the clearer vision of the future to berealized in the long term will be explored and the detailed schedule toward its realization will beworked out.
Category

Short term
(implemented)
2013 2014 2015

FY

Medium termLong term

20162018 or later

2017

th

Future vision of 4 and5th Stations
Implementationof
medium-term actions for
improvementoflandscapes
Promotion of long-term
actionsfortherealization of
futurevision●Grand Design|

Reference Information 4: Facilities at the Fifth Station of the Yoshida Ascending Route

Parking lot

109

Reference Information 5: Signs and Explanatory Boards◎ Reinforcement of standards for the installation of outdoor advertisements (in thesurrounding area of Fujisan)・ Summary
Yamanashi Prefecture, in coordination with relevant municipal governments,
designates “advertisement restriction areas for landscape conservation”, in which higher
standards need to be cleared for permission of the installation of outdoor advertisements
for the conservation of landscapes around Fujisan, with a view to securing the visibilityof Fujisan from the major roads at the foot of Fujisan and developing beautiful
landscapes.
・ Actions already implemented
Yamanashi Prefecture underwent consultation with municipal governments(Fujiyoshida City, Fuji Kawaguchiko Town, and Narusawa Village) for the designationof “advertisement restriction areas for landscape conservation” up to 2014; a briefing
meeting for local residents was held in July 2014.
In September 2014, the public announcement was made concerning the designation of“advertisement restriction areas for landscape conservation” and the designation tookeffect in April 2015.
・ Future actions
Yamanashi Prefecture is to provide financial assistance to visual harmonization or
removal of outdoor advertisements for compliance within the “advertisement restriction
areas for landscape conservation”.

Reference Information 5: Signs and Explanatory Boards◎ Assistance to the improvement on outdoor advertisements and visual harmonization

110

・ SummaryRelevant municipal governments and Yamanashi Prefecture promotes the
improvement of landscapes on the northern side of Fujisan by providing assistance (asWorld Cultural Heritage Landscape Development Support Project) to the owners ofadvertisement signs in improving the existing advertisements that have become
non-compliant with the standards of newly designated “advertisement restriction areas
for landscape conservation”, removing them, or taking visual harmonization measures inorder to come into compliance with the outdoor advertisement guidelines.
・ Actions already implemented
Assistance has been provided for the improvement of landscapes such as the removalof advertisement signs through the establishment of a subsidy system (landscapedevelopment model project) from 2011 to 2013 and a new subsidy system (World
Cultural Heritage Landscape Development Support Project) from 2014 onward.
・ Future actions
Municipal governments directly providing subsidies for landscape improvement suchas the removal of advertisement signs are currently working on the areas to be includedin the individual administrative plans. Provision of subsidies is planned to be started
once the relevant administrative plans have been completed.

|◎ Development of Outdoor Advertisement Guidelines
・ Summary“Outdoor advertisement guidelines” is established and publicized so that citizens canunderstand roles and characteristics of outdoor advertisements which becomecomponent parts of towns. Citizens are guided to select landscape-friendly and highquality outdoor advertisements by following the guideline. The guideline describes
important points to avoid disturbing the balance between advertisements and culturalproperties without degrading the view of Fujisan in areas located at the northern foot of
the mountain.
・ Actions already implemented
Yamanashi Prefecture started the preparation of the “outdoor advertisement guidelines(draft)” in 2013, received advice from experts in landscapes (the Council for theDevelopment of Beautiful Prefecture) in May 2014, subjected it in August to the
Yamanashi Prefecture Landscape Council, an auxiliary body of the prefectural
government, and adopted and announced it in October.
・ Future actions
Further efforts will be made to raise the awareness of “Outdoor Advertisement◎ Development of Outdoor Advertisement Guidelines
・ Summary
As a measure to address the inconsistent design and excessive numbers of signs,
guidance signboards, etc. in the surrounding area of Fujisan, standard designs are shown,
based on which the design of signs, guidance signboards, etc. is harmonized. In addition,
unnecessary signs, guidance signboards, etc. are removed.
・ Actions already implemented
For consistency in design of signs, guidance signboards, etc. standard designs havebeen made. Also, unnecessary signs, guidance signboards, etc. have been removed at
Lake Saiko and Lake Shojiko.

<Standard design of an explanatory board>・ Future actions
At Lake Saiko and Lake Shojiko, based on the standard design shown above,necessary actions will be taken step-by-step, such as the unification and new installationof signs, guidance signboards, etc. Also in other areas, unification, new installation, andother actions will be taken.
|

Reference Information 5: Signs and Explanatory Boards

Guidelines”.

111◎ Action plan for the installation of public signs by regions (surrounding area of Fujisan)・ Summary
Based on the “Action Plan for the Installation of Public Signs by Regions (Surrounding
Area of Fujisan)” adopted in 2007, public signs are installed in the surrounding areas ofFujisan.
・ Actions already implemented
Based on the “Action Plan for the Installation of Public Signs by Regions (Surrounding
Area of Fujisan)”, guidance signs have been installed in order to direct visitors frommajor tourist routes to major destinations such as the three ascending routes (Fujinomiya
Route, Gotemba Route, and Subashiri Route) and parking lots smoothly.
<Examples>

Reference Information 5: Signs and Explanatory Boards

Sign showing directions to ascending routes and parking

112

Sign showing direction to a park

Also, larger and unified English types have been used and principles of universal
design have been incorporated in multiple languages.
<Examples>

Multi-language sign|

Larger English letters◎ Instruction for improvement on sign stands in compliance with new standards
・ Summary
To restrict the use of gaudy colors on advertisement signboards bustling on theroadside for the development of good landscapes, higher standards for permission of theinstallation of outdoor sign stands have been introduced since 1 October 2013.
Briefing meetings were held in order to explain about the new standards and raiseawareness about them before their enforcement.
* Municipal governments in the surrounding area of Fujisan, where the Shizuoka
Prefecture Outdoor Advertisement Ordinance is applied: Susono City and Oyama
Town (*Susono City is authorized by Shizuoka Prefecture to issue permission or giveadministrative instruction to non-compliant cases on its behalf.)* Interim moratorium period is set for the existing advertisements that do not comply with
the new standards until 30 September 2016.

Reference Information 5: Signs and Explanatory Boards

・ Actions already implemented(i) Discussion of new standards by the “Working Group for Re-evaluation of Guidance
Signboards Permission Standards” (December 2011 to October 2012)(ii) Revision of the Enforcement Regulations of the Shizuoka Prefectural Ordinance on
Outdoor Advertisements (promulgated on 29 March 2013 and in effect on 1 October
2013)(iii) Establishment of the “Manual for the Installation of Outdoor Guidance Sign Stands -Standards and Principles for Permission” (third edition, September 2013)(iv) Briefing sessions for outdoor advertisement agents and owners of advertisements (June2013)
・ Future actions(i) Outdoor advertisement agents and owners of advertisements will be notified with
explanation about the new standards.
(ii) Instructions will be given for corrective measures for guidance signboards which do
not comply with the new standards.

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113

Reference Information 6: Utility poles◎ Removal of road-side utility poles in the surrounding area of Fujisan
・ Summary
Shizuoka Prefecture is removing utility poles and electric wires which are disturbing
the view of Fujisan simultaneously with road development works to create better
landscapes in areas around Fujisan.
Yamanashi Prefecture is burying electric wires underground in areas located at thenorthern foot of Fujisan to create suitable landscapes as a World Heritage property.

Reference Information 6: Utility poles

・ Actions already implemented
Based on No Utility Pole Plan, Shizuoka Prefecture has been promoting projects
centering on urban areas where the demand for electricity and communication is high.
Particularly in the Second Phase of Shizuoka Prefecture No Utility Pole Plan, 25
locations (a total length of 8.2 km) in municipalities around Fujisan have been selected
as priority consensus-built zones, out of which 14 locations (a total length of 3.0 km)
have been be completed with the removal of utility poles by the end of fiscal year 2014.
The “ Working Group for the Expansion of Utility-Pole Free Area in the Surrounding
Area of Fujisan” was established under the Shizuoka Zero Utility Pole Council in April
2014 in order to explore effective methods of removing utility poles and make necessary
coordination among stakeholders, with the advice from experts, in an effort toward thepromotion of utility pole removal for the development of good landscapes aroundFujisan.
The Council worked out the policies for utility pole removal as well as effective
methods such as selectively addressing a limited number of locations and areas where
good view should be protected, targeting the roadside of the Miho-Komagoe Line andareas around the Shiraito no Taki waterfalls, where the demand for zero utility pole isespecially high.
Yamanashi Prefecture had set as its goal the removal of utility poles in the section
totaling 4.3 km at the northern foot of Fujisan in four years from 2011 to 2014. By 2013,
the total length of utility pole removal reached 6.2 km, or some 140 % performance
ratio.
In 2014, utility pole removal totaling a length of 1.3 km is planned. In the coming four
years, the utility pole removal totaling a length of 7.5 km is now aimed at, much higher
than the original target.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism decided to remove utility
poles in a section of 7.2 km from 2013 to 2014 in the northern mountain foot area of
Fujisan and is currently implementing the design and civil engineering works
Also, with regard to the expansion of the width of National Route138, coordination
has been made with relevant organizations for utility pole removal.

114|

【Example: City Planning Road, Motoichiba-Obuchi Line (Fuji City)】<Before><After>・ Future actions
Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture continue the removal of utility poles
from roads in areas around Fujisan.
Shizuoka Prefecture uses the Working Group for the Expansion of Utility-Pole Free
Area in the Surrounding Area of Fujisan for the establishment of the Zero Utility Pole
Plan and examination and coordination of construction method.
Category
FY

Short term (implemented)
2013
2014
2015

Medium term
2016
2017

Long term
2018 or later

Promotion of removal of utility
poles in the northern mountainfoot area of Fujisan
・National Route 139
・Fujikawaguchiko-Fuji Line・Funatsu-Koume LineWorking
Group
for
the
Expansion of Utility-Pole Free
Area in the Surrounding Areaof Fujisan

Set up in April 2014

<Survey, Discussion>

Removal of utility poles around
Shiraito no Taki waterfalls

Designandengineering works

civil

Detailed design

Civil engineering work

Removal of utility poles at
Prefecturalroad
Miho-Komagoe Line
Decision on policies
Removal of road-traversing overhead wires

Designandengineering works

civil

Promotion of removal of utility
poles in the next phase of
Shizuoka Prefecture Plan for
Removal of Utility Poles

Removal of utility poles in tandem with road widening to 4-lane
Promotion of removal of utility polesaround Fujisan●
Development of plan

Coordination|

Reference Information 6: Utility poles

Decision on policies

115

Reference Information 7: Development Control at the Foot of the Mountain◎ Development of landscape plans
・ SummaryLandscape lectures are offered, and advisers are dispatched. Also, examples oflandscape improvement and new actions done by the Fujisan Landscape Council and the
project team composed of Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, and Kanagawa
Prefecture are introduced. Also, the transfer to landscape administration organizations
and establishment and reevaluation of landscape planning are supported through these
activities.

Reference Information 7: Development Control at the Foot of the Mountain・ Actions already implemented
Five cities, four towns, and three villages around Fujisan have already become theLandscape Administrative Bodies, out of which four cities, three towns, and two villages
have already established landscape plans (see the table below).

116

Municipality

Date of Designation as
Landscape Administrative
Body

Fuji City

15 June 2005

Fuijkawaguchiko Town

25 September 2005

Oshino Village

25 December 2006

Fujinomiya City

1 August 2007

1 January 2010

Yamanakako Village

1 December 2007

1 August 2010

Susono City

1 May 2010

1 April 2013

Minobu Town

1 April 2011

1 September 2013

Nishikatsura Town

7 November 2011

1 April 2014 (revised 1 July
2015)

Gotemba City

15 March 2012

1 April 2014

Narusawa Village

1 December 2011

1 October 2015

Date of Enforcement ofLandscape Plan
1 October 2009 (revised 1
May 2015)
1 April 2013 (revised 1 July
2015)
1 October 2011 (revised 1
July 2015)

・ Future actions
One city and one village (Fujiyoshida City, Oyama Town) which have not establishedlandscape plans have been already transferred to landscape administration organizations
by 2014. They also continue working on establishing and implementing landscape plans.
◎ Establishment of ordinances concerning the conservation of landscapes of Fujisan
・ Summary
Yamanashi Prefecture established an ordinance that requires those who intend to
conduct projects for new construction or enlargement of buildings exceeding a certain
scale within the area subject to relatively mild restrictions on the scale, location, etc. ofbuildings etc. to carry out landscape assessment (survey, prediction, and evaluation of
the impact of the project implementation upon landscapes and identification oflandscape conservation measures).
|・ Actions already implemented
Within the administrative boundaries of Yamanashi Prefecture, there is a wide area ofrelatively mild restrictions on the scale, location, etc. of buildings etc.
Therefore, Yamanashi Prefecture set up a committee consisting of members of theJapan/ICOMOS National Committee, academic experts in landscape engineering, andlocal economic associations to discuss a development control system that strikes balance
between conservation and utilization (development) of Fujisan, without impairing theOutstanding Universal Value of Fujisan. Based on the discussion at the committee,
Yamanashi Prefecture established an ordinance to control development. The summary of
the ordinance is as follows.

1 Landscape assessment
The project undertaker carries out survey on the existing state in the early stage of the
project*, predicts landscape impact, and makes a self-assessment of landscape impact.
(1) Survey on the existing state
Survey on the existing state is conducted based on the existing state survey planthat includes survey items, survey methods, etc.
(2) Prediction of landscape impact(i) Selection of viewpoints
Viewpoints are selected from those for fixed-point observation of theWorld Heritage.
(ii) Landscape simulation
Comparison of views from the viewpoints selected in item (i) between
before and after the project is simulated (landscape simulations should bemade by photomontage in principle. Landscape simulation must be
conducted during the lush green season when trees are covered with leaves
and the autumnal leave season.
(3) Self-exalution of landscape impact (including landscape conservation measures)* Early stage of the project: the early stage to the extent possible prior to decisions on
the basic specifications of the project, such as location and scale, and other stages of the
project implementation.
2 Procedure for landscape consideration document
With regard to the landscape consideration document submitted by the project
undertaker, the governor expresses its opinions from the perspectives of theconservation of Fujisan (the governor can consult with academic experts
knowledgeable about World Heritage etc.).
* Landscape consideration document: A document showing the results of the landscapeassessment done by the project undertaker as the basis to ask for the governor’s
opinions.

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Reference Information 7: Development Control at the Foot of the Mountain<Summary of the ordinance>
Those who intend to implement projects etc. exceeding a certain scale are required togive consideration to landscapes as part of the procedure. In order to ensure theappropriate conservation of Fujisan, an expert committee consisting of academic experts
in World Heritage, landscape, etc. that expresses its opinions about the landscape impact
assessment, landscape conservation measures, etc. submitted or proposed by project
undertakers is to be set up. The flow of the procedure for landscape consideration is asfollows:117

3 Procedure for project undertaker’s opinion document
With regard to the project undertaker’s opinion document submitted by the project
undertaker, the governor can express its opinion again from the perspectives of theconservation of Fujisan (the governor can consult with academic experts
knowledgeable about World Heritage etc.).
*Project undertaker’s opinion document: A document showing the results of therevised landscape assessment done by the project undertaker after the governor’s
opinions in response to the landscape consideration document have been addressed.
4 Request for actions to the content of project undertaker’s opinion document
The governor may request the project undertaker to take necessary actions when
he/she deems that the implementation of the project in question threatens to havesignificant impact on the conservation of Fujisan after taking into consideration the
response from the project undertaker about the governor’s opinions about the project
undertaker’s opinion document.
・ Future actions

Reference Information 7: Development Control at the Foot of the Mountain

Efforts will be made for the appropriate enforcement of ordinances concerning

118

landscape consideration in development control.
◎ Countermeasures to control large-scale solar photo-voltaic panels
・ Summary
After fixed price purchase of electricity generated by renewable energy was mademandatory for electric companies, plans were made to set up large-scale photovoltaic
power generation facilities in many places, including the surrounding area of Fujisan.
This raised concerns about their potential impacts on view from major viewpoints suchas those at high altitudes, which might eventually damage the World Heritage value. In
response to this, new administrative instruments have been put in place.
・ Actions already implemented
The Ministry of the Environment amended the regulations for the enforcement of the
Natural Parks Act in 2015, setting out the standards for permission of installation oflarge-scale photovoltaic power generation facilities etc. within the Special Area of the
National Park. They also added a new category of photovoltaic power generation
facilities exceeding a certain scale to the list of structures that require the submission ofprior notification even in the Ordinary Area of the National Park.
Municipal governments of Yamanashi Prefecture have made it mandatory, revising ordeveloping new landscape plans, for project undertakers of the installation ofphotovoltaic power generation facilities to submit prior notification.
Shizuoka Prefecture, in the landscape plans of individual municipalities, promotes therequirement of the submission of prior notification for the installation of photovoltaic
power generation facilities exceeding a certain scale. Fujinomiya City has enacted its
own ordinance and designated the restriction area in which no agreement is given tolarge-scale facilities in principle; there is also a penalty clause in case that obligation is
not fulfilled – the public announcement of the name of the company. Also, Fuji City andFujikawaguchiko Town have put in place their own administrative instruments such as
the designation of the restriction area.
|Reference Information 7: Development Control at the Foot of the Mountain・ Future actions
Further efforts will be made to raise awareness for the conservation of landscapes ofFujisan. In addition, when there is any information about projects that require priornotification etc., the proper enforcement of the applicable administrative instruments
will be made to prevent the project in question from affecting important views or
surrounding landscapes significantly, so that the plan in question will not affectimportant views or surrounding landscapes significantly and that the Outstanding
Universal Value of the World Heritage will be maintained.

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119Reference Information 8: Mihonomatsubara Pine Tree Grove
Shizuoka City has established the “Mihonomatsubara Pine Tree Grove Conservationand Utilization Plan” to protect the fundamental value of Mihonomatsubara and pass it on
to future generations, while utilizing it appropriately.
Through proper conservation of a “lush pine tree grove”, “beautiful sand spit”, and“scenic beauty created by Fujisan”, the essential value of the Mihonomatsubara pine tree
grove is protected, connected, polished, and widely publicized while leaving the regional
culture that has been protecting the beautiful landscape to future generations.
Three points of maintenance policy, “conservation of the pine tree grove”, “protectionof the sand spit”, and “conservation of the scenic beauty” are designated. Conservation
measures are implemented through the cooperation with prefecture of Shizuoka andrelevant organizations.
Representative activities which evolved after the World Heritage inscription are
described below.
◎ Improvement of coastal landscapes

Reference Information 8: Mihonomatsubara Pine Tree Grove

・ Summary
To reinstate the coastal landscapes composed of “ocean, beach, and pine tree grove”
which used to be depicted in works of arts such as waka poems, paintings, and ukiyo-e
woodblock prints, actions are implemented aiming to realize coastal conservation
through the recovery of natural sediment supplies without depending on the constructionof facilities.
Also, four breakwaters which are considered to be unfavorable from aesthetic
perspectives are replaced with structures that incorporate consideration to coastal
landscapes on a step-by-step basis.

120

・ Actions already implemented
At the Shimizu Coast (Miho area), where coastal erosion is progressing due to themining of large amounts of sand in the Abe River, projects are implemented, through the
combination of headland construction and beach replenishment (sand bypass and sandrecycling) for sand conservation, to maintain the minimum necessary beach area and toprotect the inland area. Also, along with these projects, the “Shimizu Coastal Erosion
Control Committee” consisting of academic experts and local stakeholders is verifying
the effectiveness of the projects and reviewing measures on a regular basis.
In the process of nomination and evaluation as a component part of Fujisan for
inscription on the World Heritage List, ICOMOS commented that some of the associatedviewpoints “are not as aesthetically pleasing because of shoreline barriers”. Given thiscomment, the “Mihonomatsubara White Sand and Green Pine Conservation TechnicalCommittee” was set up in August 2013, consisting of academic experts andadministrative representatives in order to address a higher level of coastal landscapeprotection and inland area protection at the same time.
This Committee confirmed that it will pursue the long-term goal of seacoast
protection that does not depend on artificial structures and decided to replace the four
breakwaters located to the north of the “Feather Robe Pine Tree” with L-type groins on a
step-by-step basis.
Among them, the section including two breakwaters close to the “Feather Robe Pine
Tree” is prioritized for short-term actions; the concrete methods of the short-term
measures were decided upon, based on the analysis and examination of seacoast shapechange simulation and photomontage, from various perspectives such as securing the|width of the sand beach necessary for the protection of the hinterland, the visibility ofstructures, and the impact on human uses and the environment.
【Image of future landscape improvement (from the documents of the Mihonomatsubara White Sand
and Green Pine Conservation Technical Committee】<Present>

・ Future actions
Based on the conclusions of the “Mihonomatsubara White Sand and Green Pine
Conservation Technical Committee”, the construction of L-type groins will be started to
the north of Breakwater No. 1, closest to the Feather Robe Pine, and after its completion,
Breakwater No. 1 will be removed. Also, with regard to the sand replenishment of thebeach, the scale of implementation will be expanded and the overall sand management inwhich mountains, rivers, and seacoasts are considered integrally will be promoted for theachievement of long-term objectives.
As a forum to solve problems that might occur in the course of the implementation ofcountermeasures, the “Technical Follow-up Conference for the Improvement of theLandscapes of the Mihonomatsubara Pine Tree Grove” will be set up and the plan will
be reviewed, as necessary, based on the monitoring and verification of the effectivenessand impact.
Short term
Category
Medium termLong term(Implemented)
FY2013 2014 2015
2016
2017
2018 or later
Selectionofcountermeasuremethods
Installation of L-typegroinsRemovalof
breakwaters
Beach
sand
replenishment(Completed in 2014)(Monitoring and renewal of plan)◎ Conservation of the pine tree grove
・ Summary
Measures are promoted to conserve the pine tree grove suitable as a component part of
the World Cultural Heritage, Fujisan, and to ensure that the Mihonomatsubara Pine Tree
Grove be protected and passed on to future generations together with the Outstanding
Universal Value of the property.
|

Reference Information 8: Mihonomatsubara Pine Tree Grove<20 years after the completion of L-type groins>121

Reference Information 8: Mihonomatsubara Pine Tree Grove

・ Actions already implemented
Shizuoka City has been conducting the injection of chemicals into the trunk of pinetrees as a preventive measure against the pine wilt disease and the spraying of chemicals
over the entire pine tree grove. Also, decayed pine trees have been cut and removed
without delay and collaborative efforts to plant new trees have been made with local
businesses.
In addition, with regard to the “God’s Road” from Miho-jinja Shrine to the “Feather
Robe Pine Tree”, measures to prevent roots of pine trees from being damaged by soil
compaction have been conducted, such as the installation of a boardwalk as a measure toprevent and mitigate negative impact of visitors and the restriction on the passage of
tourist buses.
Furthermore, Shizuoka Prefecture organized meetings of the “Technical Committee
for the Conservation of the Pine Tree Grove of Mihonomatsubara” consisting ofacademic experts for the purpose of conserving the pine tree grove suitable as acomponent part of the World Cultural Heritage and to pass it on to future generations.
Based on the recommendations of the committee, basic measures have been materialized
and implemented in coordination based on a principle of differentiated roles with
Shizuoka City concerning (i) establishment of a system and development of humanresources to protect, nurture, and utilize the pine tree grove and (ii) improvement of theliving environment for pine trees and early-stage mitigation of the pine wood nematodedamage.
Shizuoka City adopted the “Basic Plan for the Management of Mihonomatsubara” inMarch 2015, in which those recommendations were reflected, and has been
implementing measures for the conservation of the pine tree grove in cooperation withlocal people.

122【Summary of recommendations】･To pursue sustainable conservation of the pine tree grove by sharing an ideal future
image of the Mihonomatsubara pine tree grove, building up a system and humanresources to promote local people’s activities for conservation, centering on the“Mihonomatsubara Conservation Center (provisional name)”* and with the
involvement of people (coexistence with the pine tree grove).
･To pursue the realization of the conservation of the pine tree grove without depending on
chemicals etc. to the extent possible and by making the utmost use of the power ofnature.
･To address the damage of the pine wilt disease as a matter of urgency by reinforcing themanagement system including the establishment of the database that covers all thepine trees and by mitigating the damage to the minimum level possible through theapplication of effective quarantine measures in the early stage.
･To build the environmental conditions that are suitable for the growth of pine trees
through the research and development of environmentally friendly methods such as thepromotion of coexistence between pine trees and mycorrhizal fungi.
･ To implement adaptive management in response to the evaluation and review cycle ofmonitoring, incorporating the latest scientific findings in order to respond to various
environmental changes appropriately.
* “Mihonomatsubara Conservation Center (provisional name)”: Mihonomatsubara
conservators (provisional name) are stationed and the center serves as a center for
information collection and provision and human resources development and also
conducts the monitoring of forests.
|

Category
FY
Restriction on tourist
buses etc.
Discussion
forcountermeasures
Establishmentofmechanism
andtraining of humanresources
Improvementofliving environment
Early-stage
mitigation of the
pine
wood
nematode damage

Short term
(Implemented)
2013 2014 2015

Medium termLong term

20162018 or later

2017

Completed in 2014
Completed in 2014

Clearing of
fallen leaves

Monitoring

Soil improvement test /verification

Soil improvement

Target: 2 trees/ha or fewer

1 tree/ha or fewer|

Reference Information 8: Mihonomatsubara Pine Tree Grove

・ Future actions
Shizuoka Prefecture and Shizuoka City will ensure the implementation of generalconservation measures for the pine tree grove based on the recommendations of the“Technical Committee for the Conservation of the Pine Tree Grove ofMihonomatsubara” in coordination and cooperation with local people and relevantorganizaitons.
Also, with regard to the “Feather Robe Pine Tree”, which is a symbolic tree ofMihonomatsubara, measures will be taken to help it recover strength, such as theprevention of soil compaction through the installation of a surrounding boardwalk.

123◎ Removal of roadside utility poles
・ Summary
As a measure to improve landscapes around the Mihonomatsubara pine tree grove,roadside utility poles and electric wires are removed. Along the prefectural road,Miho-Komagoe Line, which is the access road to the Mihonomatsubara pine tree grove,
overhead electric wires that traverse the road are removed as a short-term measure,
followed by the removal utility poles on occasions of the expansion of the road width in
the long term.

Reference Information 8: Mihonomatsubara Pine Tree Grove

・ Actions already implemented
In June 2013, a decision was taken to include the section of the prefectural road,Miho-Komagoe Line, from which Fujisan can be seen at the front of the road, into theSecond-period Shizuoka Zero Utility Pole Plan as a target area. Since then, Shizuoka
Prefecture and Shizuoka City, which is the main implementing agency for thezero-utility pole project, have been working for the early realization of zero utility poleand Shizuoka Prefecture and Shizuoka City have been jointly requesting the managers ofelectric wires for cooperation for the promotion of activities for zero utility pole.
Shizuoka City announced its policy in April 2014 of removing overhead electric wires
traversing the road by fiscal year 2015 as a quick action and moving on to thefundamental solution of implementing the utility pole removal project on the occasion ofa road width expansion project to enlarge the road into a four-lane road.
Also, Shizuoka Prefecture set up the “Working Group for the Expansion of
Utility-Pole Free Area in the Surrounding Area of Fujisan” under the Shizuoka Zero
Utility Pole Council in April 2014 in order to explore effective construction methods andmake necessary adjustments among stakeholders with the advice of experts toward thepromotion of no utility pole for the development of good landscapes in the surroundingarea of Fujisan.
This Working Group examined the zero utility pole policy at the prefectural road,Miho-Komagoe Line, and adopted a policy of prioritizing the removal of road-traversing
overhead electric wires at Orido (a total length of 0.56 km), where the impact on thelandscape of Fujisan is the most significant, by March 2015, if feasible, as a quick action.
The working group also addressed the removal of road-traversing wires a the remaining
part (a total length of 0.96 km) by February 2016, if feasible, including the relocationand shortening of one utility pole that is disturbing the scenic landscape. As afundamental solution (realization of no utility pole on the occasion of road width
expansion), policies were adopted to prioritize the removal of utility poles on the Suruga
Bay side which has a significant impact on scenic landscapes and to push forward thestart of the project to expand the road width to four lanes at Orido to fiscal year 2014.
Along with the removal of utility poles on the roadside, Shizuoka City developed in2014 the “Miho Peninsula Landscape Development Guidelines” targeting the accessroad to the Mihonomatsubara pine tree grove as well as buildings and advertisement
signs along it, based on the opinions and advice from local people and experts, with aview to promoting the development of good landscapes that are appropriate for World
Cultural Heritage through public-private partnership. From 2015 onward, local people
are to play a central role in promoting the landscape development and community
building based on these guidelines.

124

・ Future actions
Shizuoka City, which is the manager of the road in question, promotes projects forremoval of utility poles based on the guidelines established in the Council for Removing
Utility Poles around Fujisan.
|CategoryFY
Removal ofoverhead electriclines traversing
roads
Removal of utility
poles in tandemwith the wideningof roads tofour-lane roads.

Short term
(Implemented)
2013 2014 2015

Medium termLong term

20162018 or later2017(to be completed in 2015)【Present】

Reference Information 8: Mihonomatsubara Pine Tree Grove【Future image: short term (after removal of road-traversing overhead electric lines)】【Future image: middle term and long term (removal of utility poles)】|125Reference Information 9: Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine andsurrounding area
・ SummaryThe national road, R138, passing to the north of the compounds of the Kitaguchi
Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine is planned to be widened. In response to the plan towiden the road, the national government, Yamanashi Prefecture, Fujiyoshida City, local
stakeholders, and intellectuals are creating opportunities to discuss how the surrounding
areas ought to be developed such as the development of roadside landscapes and spaces
for pedestrians.

Reference Information 9: Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine and surrounding area

・ Actions already implemented
The Committee for the Development of Nearby Towns upon the Widening of the
National Road, R138, consisting of the national government, Yamanashi Prefecture,
Fujiyoshida City, local stakeholders, and intellectuals have been continuing discussions
by exploring various perspectives such as the consideration for the relationship between
Oshi residences and Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine, conservation oflandscapes, and utilization of natural and historical resources.

126

・ Future actions
The Committee will continue discussion after 2015 onward.

|