Nearby, First Shimoyoshida Elementary School has installed "No Photography" and "No Entry" signs and has locked its outdoor toilets to clearly define the boundary between the school and the tourist area.

The crowds have also made changes to cherished local traditions.

"Hana Matsuri"　Photo credit: Shofukuji Temple

Shofukuji Temple, near the park, used to hold a "Hana Matsuri" (Flower Festival) in April to celebrate the birth of Buddha. The event featured a parade where children would pull a white elephant float through the town. Due to the increase of tourists, this parade was canceled over safety concerns. For the past three years, the temple has continued the festival by displaying the elephant float on its grounds and hosting a market.

"It's a little sad that a place for locals to participate has been lost," said Akinobu Tooyama, the temple's head priest. "But I want to continue it as a place where we can celebrate Buddha's birthday together, in a different way and as a place where everyone can gather again."