Welcome to the breathtaking Mount Fuji climbing season! 🌄
This year's adventure on Japan's iconic 3,776-meter (12,388-ft) peak kicked off bright and early at 3 a.m. on Monday, with park rangers opening a new gate halfway up the mountain. As you lace up your boots and prepare for the climb of a lifetime, here are a few exciting updates to enhance your experience and preserve the beauty of this sacred site.
To ensure Mount Fuji remains pristine and enjoyable for everyone, a modest trail fee of 2,000 yen ($12) has been introduced. Additionally, to address previous concerns about litter and overcrowding, daily hiker numbers are now capped at 4,000. Let's all do our part by respecting these limits and keeping the trails clean. As seasoned hiker Sachiko Kan, 61, aptly put it, "Mount Fuji will be very happy if everyone is more conscious about the environment and things like taking rubbish home with them."
This year, Japan's favorable exchange rates have made the country an even more attractive destination for international travelers, bringing in record numbers of visitors. While this influx boosts the local economy, it also means we need to be mindful of our impact on local communities and facilities.
To manage the growing popularity of a nearby photography spot with a viral view of Mount Fuji, officials have installed a barrier of black mesh to ensure the area remains safe and enjoyable for all.
Climbing season runs until September 10, offering a limited window to conquer this majestic active stratovolcano, which last erupted in 1707. Historically a site of Shinto and Buddhist worship, Mount Fuji welcomes around 300,000 climbers each year, with many starting their ascent in the early hours to catch the spectacular sunrise from the summit.
For your trail fee, you'll receive a wristband granting access to the trails between 3 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you have reservations at mountain huts closer to the peak, you'll enjoy some additional flexibility with these limits. These measures are crucial for your safety, helping to prevent accidents and altitude sickness, especially among enthusiastic "bullet climbers" aiming for a speedy ascent.
Yamanashi governor Kotaro Nagasaki emphasized the importance of quality over quantity in tourism, aiming to attract visitors who appreciate and respect the unique experience that Mount Fuji offers.
One such adventurer, Geoffrey Kula from Boston, perfectly summed up the sentiment: "This is not Disneyland. Having some sort of access control system to limit the amount of potential chaos is good."
So, gear up, respect the environment, and get ready for an unforgettable journey up Mount Fuji. See you on the trails! 🗻✨
