As the iconic Mount Fuji grapples with over-tourism and environmental degradation caused by littering, officials in Japan have introduced new measures requiring tourists to book in advance and pay a fee before embarking on the climb.
The Yamanashi prefecture announced on Monday that it has implemented new regulations for climbers on the Yoshida Trail, one of the most popular routes to the summit of the 3,776-meter-high volcano. The regulations, effective during the climbing season from July 1 to September 10, aim to manage the influx of visitors to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, designated as such in 2013.
Under the new system, a maximum of 4,000 climbers will be permitted to enter the Yoshida Trail each day. Of these, 3,000 slots will be available for online booking in advance, with a fee of 2,000 yen (approximately $20) per person. The remaining 1,000 slots can be booked in person on the day of the climb.
Climbers must select whether they intend to complete a day hike or stay overnight at one of the available huts along the trail. Upon registration and selection of the climbing date, climbers will receive a QR code, which must be scanned at the 5th station before ascent.
Authorities have imposed restrictions on climbers who have not reserved overnight accommodations, prohibiting them from ascending between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m. This measure aims to discourage climbers from attempting the summit without adequate rest, thereby mitigating safety risks.
Bookings for climbing slots can be made through the official website of Mount Fuji Climbing, a platform jointly managed by the Environment Ministry and the prefectures of Yamanashi and Shizuoka, the two regions encompassing Mount Fuji.
Expressing gratitude for public cooperation, Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki emphasized the importance of preserving Mount Fuji’s natural environment.
Meanwhile, in the Shizuoka prefecture, which also provides access to Mount Fuji, authorities have implemented a voluntary fee of 1,000 yen ($10) per climber since 2014. Discussions are underway regarding additional measures to balance tourism promotion with environmental conservation efforts.
The announcement of the new regulations coincided with efforts in a Shizuoka town to install a large black screen along a sidewalk to obstruct views of Mount Fuji, aiming to alleviate overcrowding caused by tourists seeking photo opportunities.
Over-tourism has emerged as a pressing concern not only at Mount Fuji but also at other popular destinations in Japan, including Kyoto and Kamakura. The surge in foreign visitors following the relaxation of coronavirus pandemic restrictions, coupled with the depreciation of the yen, has contributed to record-breaking tourism figures. In 2023, Japan welcomed over 25 million visitors, with projections for 2024 exceeding 32 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.