Mount Fuji Hikes Now Require Online Permits For Peak Season

Monday, July 1, 2024

Mount Fuji’s summer climbing season has commenced with the introduction of new measures designed to manage the increasing number of visitors. These changes are aimed at ensuring the safety of climbers and protecting the environment.

Entry Fee and Reservation

Climbers on the Yoshida Trail must now pay an entry fee of 2,000 yen (approximately $13) and make an online reservation. This fee is intended to reduce the environmental impact and help maintain the trail infrastructure.

Visitor Cap

To further control the crowds, the number of daily visitors is limited to 4,000. This measure addresses concerns about safety and environmental degradation, which have been growing as the number of climbers increases each year.

Hiker Reactions

Many hikers have expressed support for the new measures. Chetna Joshi, a 47-year-old climber from India, compared the crowds at Mount Fuji to the “traffic jam” on Mount Everest and appreciated the effort to limit climber numbers to preserve the mountain.

Environmental and Safety Concerns

The new regulations are part of a broader initiative to protect Mount Fuji’s ecosystem. Reports of hikers climbing with inadequate gear and the recent discovery of four bodies near the summit highlight the risks involved in the trek. The authorities emphasize that these changes aim to safeguard both the hikers and the mountain.

Tourism Surge

Japan is experiencing a surge in tourism post-pandemic, with many visitors eager to climb Mount Fuji. The mountain, which can be seen from central Tokyo, attracts over 220,000 climbers each season, particularly during the July-September period.

Conclusion

The introduction of entry fees and online reservations on the Yoshida Trail is a proactive step to manage the summer crowds at Mount Fuji. These measures aim to balance the increasing popularity of the climb with the need to protect one of Japan’s most iconic natural landmarks. By controlling the number of visitors and ensuring that climbers are well-prepared, authorities hope to preserve the mountain’s beauty and ensure a safer climbing experience.

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