Mount Fuji Climbing Crackdown: New Fees and Limits Aim to Tame Overcrowding
Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji is implementing strict new measures to preserve the sacred peak’s serenity and natural beauty amid overwhelming tourist traffic. Beginning July 1st, climbers attempting the famous Yoshida Trail will face a $13 (£10) fee and a hard cap limiting the route to just 4,000 hikers per day.
The crackdown comes as visitor numbers on Fuji’s most popular climbing path have spiraled out of control in recent years. Last summer alone, over 220,000 people ascended the 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) volcano between July and September, leaving a trail of congestion, injuries, hypothermia cases, and litter in their wake. “We faced a real crisis situation that had become uncontrollable,” explains Masatake Izumi, an official in Yamanashi Prefecture, home to the Yoshida trailhead. “Overcrowding was damaging the mountain environment and putting excessive strain on facilities and rescue personnel.”
The new access rules are aimed at restoring order by limiting foot traffic and deterring ill-prepared, underdressed climbers who often spark emergency calls when overcome by altitude sickness or exposure. Climbing will also be prohibited between 4 pm and 2 am daily to prevent hazardous “bullet climbs” where hikers rush the summit without breaks. Local leaders stress the restrictions are a necessary step to protect Mount Fuji’s UNESCO World Heritage status and preserve the deeply spiritual and cultural significance of Japan’s highest peak for future generations.
“Mount Fuji is a precious symbol of our nation, but its growing popularity posed a major risk to the mountain’s fragile ecology and the quality of the visitor experience,” said Toshiaki Kasai of the Yamanashi government. “We want people to climb properly prepared, not in t-shirts and sandals as we’ve unfortunately seen.” While the moves have drawn some grumbles from outdoor retailer groups, Japanese climbers and nature lovers have largely welcomed the new policies as an overdue measure to crack down on over-tourism.
“This fee and daily cap may seem controversial, but they’re a smart way to manage the sheer numbers and prevent further degradation of this natural wonder,” said Junko Matsui, an avid Mount Fuji hiker. “If it means less trash in the forests, fewer injuries, and more chances to enjoy the serenity, I’m all for it.” As global tourism rebounds from the Covid-19 pandemic, popular natural attractions like Fuji are increasingly being forced to find innovative solutions to balance visitor access with environmental preservation. Japan’s latest moves aim to keep Fuji’s iconic slopes pristine and awe-inspiring for generations to come.
