Authorities in Japan have implemented a $13 charge for climbers using Mount Fuji’s popular Yoshida Trail, aiming to limit the number of people ascending the volcano due to congestion, injuries, and littering issues.
Starting this year, only 4,000 climbers per day will be allowed on the Yoshida Trail, with restrictions prohibiting climbers from starting between 16:00 and 02:00 to prevent continuous “bullet climbs”.
Concerns over a crisis in the area prompted the decision, with reports of congested paths, rescue calls for altitude sickness and hypothermia, and huts struggling to handle demand.
The new rules, effective from July 1st, were approved by the Yamanashi regional government to address the situation and ensure climbers are well-prepared and appropriately dressed for the mountain. Other tourist destinations globally have also introduced measures to manage over-tourism, such as Venice’s tourist fee and Thailand’s restrictions on famed beaches.
