In response to the increasing number of visitors to Mount Fuji, authorities in Japan’s Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures have announced new regulations ahead of the 2025 climbing season, which runs from July to September.
Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has experienced a dramatic rise in tourism in recent years. To better manage the flow of hikers and preserve the environment, officials have decided to implement stricter controls on mountain access.
According to CNN, from the 2025 season onwards, all climbers must pay a mandatory permit fee of 4,000 yen (approximately $27) and reserve a slot online in advance. Daily visitor numbers will be capped at 4,000 people to reduce congestion on the trails.
This updated fee structure marks a significant change, doubling the cost introduced last year—the first time a mandatory tax was imposed. Before that, climbing Mount Fuji was free of charge.
Safety concerns have also driven the new policies. Many tourists have faced health issues on the mountain due to wearing inappropriate clothing, carrying insufficient water, or lacking essential equipment. To improve preparedness, Shizuoka prefecture—home to three of Mount Fuji’s four main trails—has made it compulsory for climbers to attend a safety orientation. This session will conclude with a short quiz to ensure that participants have understood the safety guidelines.
Furthermore, new time-based restrictions will be enforced. Hikers who are not booked to stay in a mountain hut will be prohibited from starting their ascent between 2 p.m. and 3 a.m. This measure is intended to discourage unsafe nighttime climbing.
The changes at Mount Fuji reflect a broader movement across Japan, as other popular tourist destinations also seek sustainable ways to balance the economic benefits of international tourism with the need to protect cultural landmarks and natural heritage from the pressures of overcrowding.
Courtesy: https://www.jang.com.pk/en/34514-japan-introduces-new-rules-for-climbing-mount-fuji-amid-over-tourism-news
