Mount Fuji's ascension fees elevate due to environmental concerns and excessive congestion, sparking debate among trekkers in Japan.
Heading for Mount Fuji? Prepare for a boost in costs as Japan rolls out new fees for climbers.
Starting this summer, Mount Fuji hikers will be slapped with a ¥4,000 (approximately $26) fee to ascend the country's tallest peak, irrespective of the chosen trail. previously, climbers were charged half the amount for scaling the popular Yoshida trail.
This fee is part of a series of measures aimed at fostering a more manageable crowd on the 12,389ft (3,776m) peak, which attracts around 200,000 climbers yearly.
Tourism surges have led to concerns over pollution and overcrowding on the iconic mountain. As a response, Japan introduced its first toll payment system in July 2024, limiting daily hikers on the Yoshida trail to 4,000. The toll gates opened at 3am daily and closed at 4pm during the 2024 hiking season, barring hikers from climbing outside those hours.
Despite the reduction, Fuji remained congested, necessitating further protective measures, according to officials. "There's no other mountain in Japan that experiences so many people within just over two months," stated lawmaker Natsuko Sodeyama. Emphasizing the importance of safety measures, she buttressed, "Some restrictions are necessary."
While exact dates for the implementation of the latest charge haven't been announced, officials confirm it will go into effect this summer.
- Top-tier hiking shirts: discover a selection of well-fitting, high-performance active tops designed for your adventurous expeditions
- Premium hiking water bottles: stay well-hydrated at campsites and along trails
Behind the Scene
The first toll payment for climbing Mount Fuji was introduced in 2024, necessitating a one-time 4,000 yen fee per person. This surpassed the previous 2,000 yen charge and was implemented to manage climber numbers and preserve the mountain's environment[4][5].
In addition to the toll, multiple restrictions were imposed starting in 2025 to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety:
- The Yoshida Route (Yamanashi Prefecture side) has climbing restrictions from July 1 to September 10, with the entrance gate to the trail closing daily from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. the following morning[4].
- When the daily climber count exceeds 4,000, access to the trail is restricted, making climbing impossible for that day[4].
- Additional restrictions apply to trails on the Shizuoka side of Mount Fuji (Fujinomiya Trail, Gotemba Trail, Subashiri Trail). Climbers must complete an e-learning course before venturing onto these trails and pay the same 4,000 yen toll[4].
These measures, encompassing the toll fee and access restrictions, form the inaugural toll system to regulate climbing activities on Mount Fuji, aimed at minimizing environmental impact and improving climber safety[4][5].
Climate change, a pressing global issue, might lead to significant alterations in environmental science, potentially affecting various landscapes, including Mount Fuji. The surge in visitors to the iconic mountain has necessitated the implementation of protective measures, such as sports fees and access restrictions, analogous to sports-betting regulations designed to control peak numbers and preserve the environment.
![Federal Route 8 was temporarily shut down for numerous hours (Pictorial illustration) [Image]](/en/img/20250613232220_image-description-sunset-beach-landscape.jpeg?width=1280&crop=4-3&quality=75)
