Hiking Mount Fuji will now entail a $27 payment and a test qualification
Rewritten Article:
Mount Fuji, a global icon and Japan’s pride, has unfortunately transformed into a "trash heap" due to the influx of tourists. To restore balance and safeguard this cherished pinnacle, Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures (co-managers of Mount Fuji) have rolled out fresh regulations for the 2025 climbing season.
First off, anyone who plans to scale Fuji must fork over 4,000 yen ($27), a steep increase from the 2024 "tourist tax" introductory fee of 2,000 yen per climber. The permit system is mandatory, and climbers will need to book their slots online; the mountain can only accommodate 4,000 visitors per day.
The tourist tax has nearly quadrupled in price, but it's all part of Koutaro Nagasaki, Yamanashi Prefecture’s governor's plan to ensure Mount Fuji's survival for future generations. Concerns about the mounting number of tourists and their ill-prepared climbing tactics are not unfounded – some have required medical attention due to inadequate gear or poor preparation.
To address these issues, Shizuoka prefecture has mandated a compulsory hiking safety and local rules class for aspiring climbers. Those who pass the accompanying test will be allowed to traverse the trails.
Strict timing regulations will also be implemented. The mountain will be closed between 2 p.m and 3 a.m every day, excluding climbers staying overnight in hiking huts sprawled along the Fuji trails. These huts can be rented for travelers who choose to spend the night rather than complete the hike in a single day.
Other tourist attractions in Japan are grappling with the challenges of overtourism in their own ways. The Itsukushima Shrine, known for its "floating torii gate," started charging an entry fee in 2023. Otaru's snowy onsen town has hired security personnel to manage the winter crowds.
Around the world, overtourism isn't letting up – nor are the antics of dough-eyed tourists. A tourist's brazen grab of a baby wombat recently sparked outrage, and a man has been caught smuggling a live turtle through airport security. A notorious incident in China involved two diners urinating into their hotpot broth, while Ireland is battling gropers targeting its famous Molly Malone statue.
The skies are increasingly a hotbed for disorderly passengers. Bizarre incidents during the past few weeks range from swallowing rosary beads to unrulybidness aiming to contact President Trump, and clogged toilets causing planes to turn back.
(Editor's Note: Junko Ogura and Maureen O'Hare from CNN contributed to this report.)
Enrichment Data Integration:
Noteworthy measures have been introduced to tackle overtourism, promote safety, and preserve Mount Fuji's natural splendor. Key changes include:
- Fee Hike: The 2025 climbing fee is $27, about double the 2024 fee of $12.40, and must be paid at the time of reservation, which is compulsory for climbers.
- Reservation System: Online reservations will be mandatory from April 2025. These reservations are separate from mountain hut bookings.
- Limited Access: The mountain is off-limits between 2 p.m and 3 a.m daily for climbers without overnight hut reservations.
- Entry Cap: A daily visitor limit of 4,000 climbers has been enforced to prevent overcrowding.
- Safety Measures: Climbers must complete a brief safety class, undergo a test to demonstrate understanding of safety protocols, and are encouraged to hire a guide for their safety.
- Gear Checks: Climbers may be denied access if they lack adequate equipment.
This hiking season in Mount Fuji commences in early July and extends to early September.
- In an effort to preserve Mount Fuji's natural beauty and ensure climber safety, the mandatory permit system for the 2025 climbing season requires a $27 fee per climber, a significant increase from the $12.40 fee in 2024.
- As a new measure to control the number of tourists and prevent overcrowding, only 4,000 climbers will be allowed daily on Mount Fuji, and all climbers must book their climbing slots online.
- With a focus on climber safety, Shizuoka prefecture has implemented a compulsory hiking safety and local rules class for aspiring climbers, where those who pass the accompanying test will be authorized to traverse the trails.
