Welcome to the exciting new climbing season at Mount Fuji! Starting on July 1st, there are some fantastic updates to ensure your adventure is both safe and enjoyable.
For the very first time, a climbing fee and a cap on daily visitor numbers have been introduced on the popular Yoshida trail, used by about 60% of climbers scaling Japan's tallest peak. These measures aim to ease congestion and enhance safety.
Here's what you need to know:
Visitor Cap and Reservations:
- The number of climbers is capped at 4,000 per day, not including those with reservations at one of the mountain huts.
- Mountain huts, offering refreshments and overnight stays, are located from the sixth to eighth stations.
- Up to 3,000 climbers can book in advance, leaving 1,000 slots for walk-ins.
Climbing Fee:
- A fee of 2,000 yen (about $12.43) per climber has been introduced.
- The revenue supports security personnel and trail improvements.
Access Hours:
- Climbers can pass the wooden entrance gate at the fifth station between 3 a.m. and 4 p.m., unless they have a reservation at a mountain hut.
Safety Measures:
- To curb reckless "bullet climbers" who attempt overnight ascents, the entrance gate closes at 4 p.m.
- Last summer, many bullet climbers experienced altitude sickness and posed safety risks.
Increased Security:
- The number of patrol personnel will triple to 210 this summer to ensure all climbers follow safety guidelines.
Shizuoka Prefecture:
- While new rules are in place for the Yoshida trail in Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture is encouraging climbers to register their plans voluntarily and avoid climbing without reservations after 4 p.m.
- Future plans may include similar tolls and caps on visitor numbers.
Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki emphasizes that these measures are designed to combat overtourism and ensure your climbing experience is both memorable and safe. With an expected increase in foreign visitors and mountain huts operating at reduced capacity, your cooperation is key.
Join us this season and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Mount Fuji while helping us preserve its majesty for future generations. Happy climbing!
