Mount Fuji tolls to double next year

Starting next summer, the toll on Mount Fuji’s most popular trail will double from 2,000 yen to 4,000 yen to prevent overcrowding. The Yamanashi Prefectural Government also plans to close the gate to the fifth stop of the trail two hours earlier, at 2 p.m., to prevent overnight “bullet climbers.”

The plan is similar to Shizuoka Prefecture’s plan to charge a 4,000 yen climbing fee and limit access to three trails on Mount Fuji’s summit from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m. The governors of both prefectures are working together to curb overtourism during the summer climbing season.

Mount Fuji is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of climbers every year during the peak climbing season from July to early September. Yamanashi Prefecture announced that the increased fees will be used to cover necessary costs for staffing and safety measures.

Mount Fuji overtourism problem

Yamanashi Prefecture had already implemented some preventive measures against overcrowding back in July, when gates were installed at the popular fifth stop of the Yoshida Trail. Other changes include limiting the number of climbers to 4,000 per day, closing climbing hours between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m. and increasing ¥The toll is 2,000 yuan per person.

While such restrictions are not uncommon in popular tourist destinations, the new system has confused some Mount Fuji regulars. A local man in his 60s told reporters Japan Broadcasting Corporation He was shocked to be charged 2,000 yen just for regular walks in the area. Others say stricter rules are understandable and necessary to protect world heritage sites.

Today’s announcement that fees will rise further next year has some netizens expressing anger. one JapanX user Commented: “What’s the point of a public asset that Japanese citizens can’t use without paying? […] Soon you won’t be able to use a restroom, park or library without paying. ” another user It is recommended that “foreigners should pay about three times what Japanese people pay.”

The growing “bullet creep” problem

A “bullet climb” refers to hikers who attempt to reach the top of a mountain overnight. These climbers often sleep in complete darkness along the way. Yasuhiko Ota, a long-time Mount Fuji tour guide, said Japan Broadcasting Corporation About the dangers of bullet climbing.

He noted that in addition to the health risks of sleeping in single-digit temperatures, fires often result from bonfires lit by climbers to stay warm, even in the summer. Sleeping climbers are also vulnerable to serious injuries from rocks falling on the trail while other climbers are ascending the mountain.

As the number of visitors increases, bullet climbers and other instances of improper etiquette cause inconvenience to climbers and staff. By raising admission fees and reducing opening hours, Yamanashi hopes to reduce the frequency of such accidents and disturbances.

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