FUJI, Shizuoka -- A tourist spot in this central Japan city is providing opportunities for visitors to take composite photos of themselves with a spectacular view of Mount Fuji and a tea field in the background -- even in bad weather.

Equipment to take the composite shots was installed near a shop at the Ohbuchi Sasaba tea field in the city of Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, on Oct. 21. The spot has long been known among photo enthusiasts for offering views of Mount Fuji behind a tea plantation, without electric wires or modern buildings. Ohbuchi Sasaba began to be included in tourist bus routes several years ago and now attracts more than 10,000 visitors a year.

"Especially in summer, there are more days when people can't see Mount Fuji. We want them to at least bring home a photo with their memories," officials at the Fuji Municipal Government thought. They then introduced "Machicame," a self-photo service offered by KDDI Corp. at sightseeing spots nationwide.

Visitors can take pictures by scanning a QR code with a smartphone beside a small platform newly set up by the city. The camera capturing Mount Fuji is set 5 meters above the ground, allowing users to compose their shots as if overlooking the area. Even when the mountain is hidden by clouds, the photo is automatically combined with an image taken beforehand to make the weather appear clear.

The photo can be checked on the spot, and if the user likes it, they can choose from three versions to download for 580 to 1,000 yen (about $3.80 to $6.50) per photo, depending on the size. The image of the mountain changes according to the season, appearing covered with snow in some shots, for example.

Yoshihiro Fujita, 69, chairperson of the local landscape preservation society that manages the tea farm and surrounding facilities, said, "It was hard to see people who came from overseas or outside the prefecture waiting for a long time, only to leave because they couldn't see Mount Fuji. We're grateful for the installation of Machicame."

(Japanese original by Koichi Tanno, Shizuoka Bureau)