According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the throwing of lucky coins is becoming a serious ecological "threat" in Oshino Hakkai.

This is a group of eight springs in Yamanashi Prefecture, central Japan. Oshino Hakkai is one of the most famous natural wonders of the "Land of the Rising Sun" and was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2013.

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Despite warning signs, tourists still throw coins into the stream. Photo: FNN.Jon

Although authorities have placed signs in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean warning visitors not to throw coins into the stream, there are still many coins piled up in the water.

Mr. Sakamoto, a local diver, has been volunteering to clean up the coins thrown into Oshino Hakkai for many years. He told Fuji News Network that Oshino Hakkai used to have a pile of coins that was 1 meter high.

"After coins are thrown into the water, they will mix with the mud at the bottom of the stream and are very difficult to find and clean up," said Mr. Sakamoto.

Experts believe that metals can be harmful to the ecosystem. The number of plants in the water has been decreasing for many years due to this behavior.

According to Japan's Cultural Property Protection Law, anyone who throws coins at Oshino Hakkai can face up to 5 years in prison, or a fine of up to 1 million Yen (more than 165 million VND).

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Coins are scattered in Oshino Hakkai stream. Photo: FNN.Jon

This tourist attraction is looking for more ways to discourage coin throwing, without disturbing the surrounding natural landscape.

This is not the first time that Japanese tourist spots have been affected by the thoughtless behavior of tourists.

Last year, the Chosenji Temple in Saitama was forced to erect a special statue just to “collect coins” for good luck. Tourists were invited to place lucky coins at the foot of the statue, instead of throwing them into the pond.

On April 30, the town of Fujikawaguchiko began building a large black screen to block the view of Mount Fuji, in an attempt to prevent tourists from behaving inappropriately in the locality.