Starting this summer, hikers will face a significant increase in the cost to climb Mount Fuji. Under a new bill passed on Monday, an entry fee of ¥4,000 ($26.87) will be implemented for climbers using any of the mountain’s four main hiking paths during the peak season.
Last summer, hikers were required to pay ¥2,000 ($13.44) to access the popular Yoshida trail. However, with the new fee structure, the charge for this iconic route is doubling to ¥4,000. This new fee will also apply to three other routes that lead to Shizuoka Prefecture, all of which were previously free to use.
The new fee will be in effect from July to September, the height of the climbing season, making it the most expensive period to hike the famous peak.
Tackling overtourism on Mount Fuji
Kanenori / Pixabay
Mount Fuji offers a variety of hiking routes, catering to different skill levels and providing varying amenities, but the Yoshida trail remains the most popular. Its close proximity to Tokyo and its popularity among less experienced climbers has made it particularly crowded, especially during the peak season.
To address overtourism and the environmental strain, a daily cap of 4,000 climbers was introduced in 2024. This restriction, along with the new entry fees, has proven effective. According to Japan’s Environment Ministry, the number of climbers decreased from 221,322 in 2023 to 204,316 last year.
The fees are intended to help ease the pressure on local rescue teams who frequently deal with inexperienced climbers in distress, while also contributing to essential infrastructure. This includes building shelters to protect visitors in the event of an eruption and maintaining the mountain’s pathways, ensuring that Mount Fuji remains a safe and sustainable destination for hikers.
AloJapan.com