As of July 1, 2024, climbers who want to scale Japan’s Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s most popular tourist spots, must pay 2,000 Yen (about USD 12.40) per person to access the iconic peak.
The fees are the latest attempt at combating over-tourism on Japan’s most famous mountain.
The new rules also regulate a maximum number of climbers daily, capping ascents on the mountain at 4,000 people. This climbing fee sets a new precedent: these new measures mark the first time climbing a peak in Japan will have a fee imposed.
Yamanashi Gov. Kotaro Nagasaki tells the Japan Times, “Overtourism on Mount Fuji is an urgent issue that cannot wait to be addressed, and it has been a challenge for us since it was registered as a World Heritage Site. We are therefore launching a new initiative that will push our country’s overtourism prevention methods forward.”
Garbage, Ill-Prepared Climbers Blamed for New Rules
Last year, CNN Travel shared comments from regional government officials on overcrowded trails, routes littered with garbage, and hikers in inappropriate attire. Climbers have even attempted rigorous ascents wearing sandals and beach wear, only to find themselves in trouble when temperatures plummet.
Newly appointed trail guides enforce rules, manage safety, and inform climbers of mountain etiquette violations, such as starting a fire, sleeping by the trail, or wearing unsuitable clothing.
Wristbands Issued, Number of Climbers Capped
Visitors paying for admission during the 2024 climbing season will receive mandatory wristbands that permit them to cross through temporary gates. Starting in 2025, guests will enter using permanent gates.
The local government encourages visitors to utilize the official website’s reservations portal to secure a spot. While the daily number of climbers rarely exceeds 4,000, the area will not permit additional explorers in these instances. “Bullet climbers,” or those hoping to participate in night climbs, cannot do so without staying in nearby mountain huts.
Only One Route Currently Impacted: The Yoshida Trail
CNN Travel reports that new regulations only apply to Yoshida Trail trekkers, a popular trail in the Yamanashi region. The Yoshida Trail’s popularity derives from its accessible public transport — direct buses service the trailhead from Tokyo — and the significant number of shelters, huts, and other accommodations. BBC News reports more than 220,000 people journeyed between July and September 2023, many of whom traveled the Yoshida Trail.
The tremendous increase in climbers drives heightened safety concerns as many hikers attempt sunrise summits. Early risers must power through cold, dark nights, complicating an already strenuous journey. One of the new regulations combats related concerns by barring climbers from leaving this specific trail between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Alternate Routes for Climbers:
Alternative routes for climbers include the Subashiri Trail, found on the mountain’s Eastern side, or the Gotemba Trail. The Gotemba Trail is the longest route, with the fewest shelters. Japan has yet to implement fees for these routes, though the Mount Fuji website says climbers using any portion of the Yoshida Trail must pay the new cost.
Funds from new fees will improve hiking routes, upgrade existing mountain shelters, and construct new shelters to protect against potential eruptions. With the latest regulatory measures, Japan hopes to conserve Mount Fuji’s World Heritage Legacy and reduce environmental damage from overtourism.
Experts expect Mount Fuji’s latest regulations will deter some climbers, as the already short climbing season — from early July to September — leaves little room for flexibility. However, Mount Fuji is just one of many popular hikes in Japan, with the country’s mountainous landscape drawing in technical climbers and casual adventurists. Visitors wishing to view Mount Fuji without the climb fare well in the Lake Kawaguchi region.
Visitors Still Finding Plenty of Climbing Options
While Mount Fuji accessibility may become more challenging for visitors, the low Japanese yen continues to draw customers in record numbers. Its shrinking value means tourism dollars stretch much further than is typical.
As an alternative for visitors, the Japanese Tourism Board states there are dozens of alternative options besides hiking Mount Fuji. Lesser-known peaks like the 6,227-foot-tall Mount Yotei, often called the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido, attract ever-growing numbers of tourists.
