TOKYO, JAPAN: Hikers opting for the most popular route to climb Japan’s Mount Fuji will face a new charge of $13 per person starting July, as part of efforts to manage congestion and enhance safety, a regional official disclosed on Tuesday.
With Mount Fuji attracting over 220,000 visitors during its climbing season from July to September annually, concerns over the escalating crowds have prompted the implementation of measures.
Commencing July 1, individuals embarking on the renowned Yoshida Trail will be required to pay an entry fee of 2,000 yen ($13) per head. To regulate foot traffic, daily entries on this trail will be limited to 4,000 people, and access will be prohibited between 4:00 pm and 2:00 am, as per an ordinance ratified by the Yamanashi region on Monday.
Toshiaki Kasai, an official from the local government, emphasized the necessity of adequate preparation for mountain conditions, especially after the relaxation of Covid restrictions resulted in a surge of visitors.
Reports in the Japanese media about visitors trying to climb Mount Fuji without the proper mountaineering equipment have raised concerns. While some people push themselves to reach the 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) peak without taking necessary rests, which can result in illness or injury, others were found building fires for warmth or resorted to sleeping on the trail.
While Mount Fuji offers three other main routes that remain free for climbing, the Yoshida Trail, easily accessible from Tokyo, remains the preferred choice for many, with approximately 60 percent of climbers opting for this route, according to official data. Situated just two hours from central Tokyo by train, Mount Fuji’s iconic silhouette has been immortalized in numerous Japanese artworks, including the renowned “Great Wave” by Hokusai.
