유명Famous tourist attraction 'Don't throw coins' Appeal, it's a meter
Jul 31, 2024
|
This is because tourists throw coins in hopes of achieving their wishes or wishing for good luck.
Meanwhile, a notice board saying 'Do not throw coins' was installed in front of a pond in a tourist destination in Japan, according to Hong Kong media South China Morning Post.
The Japanese tourist attraction Oshino Hotkai is a place made up of eight springs formed by water descending from Mount Fuji, considered a natural wonder and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2013.
There is a sign here that reads 'Don't throw coins into the pond' in four languages, Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, but there are many coins piled up in the water.
A diver named Sakamoto, who has been voluntarily collecting coins for years, told Fuji News Network that "some piles of coins reach a meter in height"."
He said that if the coin is thrown into the water, it will mix with the mud at the bottom of the pond, and it is very difficult to remove it.
Throwing coins here is prohibited because they believe metals can harm ecosystems.
It is known that the number of aquatic creatures has decreased dramatically due to the coins thrown.
According to Japan's Cultural Heritage Protection Act, a person who throws a coin at Osino Hot Kai could face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 1 million yen (about 9.15 million won).
Fuji News Network said it filmed five groups of tourists throwing coins into the pond after two hours of observation.
One tourist said he didn't know it was a prohibited act and that he saw a coin in the nail and threw it for good luck.
Officials at the Cultural Heritage Management Office said they have witnessed more 500 yen (about 4,600 won) coins being thrown this year due to the recent weak yen.
The Cultural Heritage Administration said "We will more actively guide tourists not to throw coins."
|
bellho@sportschosun.com
