Japan to block Mount Fuji view from troublesome tourists
This year’s hiking season saw a decline in the number of climbers attempting to ascend Mount Fuji, as indicated by preliminary statistics. This reduction follows the implementation of an entry fee and a daily limit on climber numbers by Japanese authorities, aimed at addressing the issue of overtourism.
In addition, officials introduced online reservations this year, motivated by concerns regarding safety and environmental degradation on Japan’s tallest mountain. The environment ministry reported a 14 percent decrease in climbers from early July, when the hiking trails reopened for the summer, to early September.
To derive these preliminary statistics, the ministry utilized infrared devices placed along the four trails.
This decline occurs despite Japan experiencing a record surge in foreign tourism, with nearly 18 million visitors arriving in the country during the first half of 2024.
Last year, officials expressed concerns about overtourism at this historically tranquil pilgrimage site, with the governor of the Yamanashi region remarking that “Mount Fuji is screaming.”
During this summer, the environment ministry recorded approximately 178,000 climbers, a significant drop from over 200,000 in the previous year and prior to the pandemic.
The trails were closed on Tuesday, signaling the conclusion of the hiking season. The preliminary data is current as of September 4 and will be revised at a later date, as stated by a ministry official to AFP on Wednesday.
Although the mountain is predominantly snow-covered throughout the year, many climbers make the trek during the summer months, often starting their ascent at night to witness the sunrise from the 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) peak.
This year, an entry fee of 2,000 yen ($14) was implemented for the popular Yoshida Trail, with a daily limit set at 4,000 climbers. The other three trails remained free of charge.
Concerns were raised regarding climbers who resorted to sleeping on the trails or starting fires for warmth, as well as those who suffered from illness or injuries after attempting to reach the summit without taking breaks.
Mount Fuji is about two hours from central Tokyo by train and can be seen for miles around.
The majestic mountain is a symbol of Japan that has been immortalized in countless artworks, including Hokusai’s “Great Wave.”
