- Hikers on Mount Fuji’s main trails will now pay a 4,000 yen entry fee.
- Local authorities aim to control overcrowding and environmental damage.
- Yamanashi’s Yoshida Trail entry fee has doubled from last year’s 2,000 yen.
- Neighboring Shizuoka will charge the same fee for its previously free trails.
- Officials stress the need for restrictions to ensure climber safety.
Hikers planning to climb Mount Fuji will now have to pay an entry fee of 4,000 yen ($27) for any of its four main trails. This change comes after local authorities passed a bill on Monday to regulate the increasing number of climbers.
Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak, has witnessed a surge in foreign tourists, raising concerns about overcrowding. Officials fear that without proper regulations, safety risks and environmental damage will escalate.
Previous Measures and New Regulations
Last year, authorities in Yamanashi, home to the Yoshida Trail, introduced a 2,000 yen ($14) entry fee along with an optional donation. Additionally, they imposed a daily cap on climbers and mandated online reservations to prevent congestion.
For the upcoming July-September climbing season, Yamanashi will double its Yoshida Trail fee to 4,000 yen. Meanwhile, Shizuoka prefecture, which oversees three other main trails, passed a similar bill on Monday, introducing the same 4,000 yen charge for the first time.
According to Japan’s environment ministry, the number of climbers tackling Mount Fuji dropped to 204,316 last year, compared to 221,322 in 2023. While this marks a decline, the figures remain high compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Natsuko Sodeyama, an official from Shizuoka prefecture, emphasized the need for restrictions. “There is no other mountain in Japan that attracts this many climbers in just over two months. Some restrictions are necessary to ensure their safety,” she told AFP.
Preserving Mount Fuji’s Legacy
Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has long been a symbol of Japan. The iconic mountain, often depicted in traditional art such as Hokusai’s Great Wave, attracts hikers who climb through the night to witness the sunrise from its peak.
The mountain remains snow-covered for most of the year but sees heavy foot traffic during the summer months. Authorities hope the new entry fees will help manage crowds and protect the mountain’s environment while ensuring a safer hiking experience.