Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, a cherished landmark for climbers and tourists alike, is set to introduce a new ¥4,000 (approximately £20) entry fee for all four of its main climbing trails starting this summer. This move aims to address concerns about overcrowding, environmental damage, and the negative impacts of mass tourism. The initiative comes after previous efforts to curb the surge of visitors, including the introduction of entry fees on one of the mountain’s most popular routes.
A Shift in Access: Shizuoka Prefecture Joins in Charging Fees
For years, Mount Fuji has been a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty, attracting climbers, pilgrims, and tourists from around the globe. However, the rising number of visitors to the mountain in recent years has led to concerns about overcrowding on its trails, pollution, and disruptive behaviors, especially as tourists clamor to capture the perfect photo for social media. Until now, climbers on the Yoshida Trail, located in the Yamanashi prefecture, were the only ones required to pay an entry fee of ¥2,000 (roughly £10).
This year, however, the Shizuoka prefecture, which oversees three of Mount Fuji’s four main climbing routes—Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba—has decided to implement a similar entry fee. These three trails, which were previously free of charge, will now also require visitors to pay the ¥4,000 entry fee. As a result, climbers will see the price of accessing all the mountain’s trails double for the 2025 season.
The new policy has been passed following legislation enacted by local authorities, aiming to control the number of climbers and reduce the environmental footprint left by the influx of tourists. The introduction of entry fees reflects a growing trend among popular tourist destinations to manage overcrowding while preserving the environment and the cultural integrity of sacred sites like Mount Fuji.
Tackling Overcrowding and Pollution
In recent years, Mount Fuji has seen a sharp increase in climbers. According to official statistics from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, the number of climbers in 2024 decreased to 204,316, a drop from 221,322 in 2023. While this decline is seen as an improvement, it still represents a significant number of visitors for a relatively short climbing season, which typically runs from July to September.
One of the most pressing concerns is the environmental impact of this heavy foot traffic. As Mount Fuji becomes more accessible and popular among tourists, both domestic and international, it has faced challenges related to waste, pollution, and the preservation of its natural beauty. Efforts to limit the number of climbers have been a direct response to these concerns. The newly implemented entry fees are designed not only to control the number of climbers but also to raise funds that can be used for environmental conservation initiatives on the mountain, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A Cultural and Sacred Symbol Under Strain
For centuries, Mount Fuji has been a sacred pilgrimage site for both Shinto and Buddhist followers. The mountain holds spiritual significance, and at its summit stands a shrine dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, the Shinto goddess associated with Mount Fuji. The spiritual and cultural importance of the mountain has long attracted pilgrims who undertake the arduous climb as part of a spiritual journey.
However, with the rising number of tourists, many of whom are more focused on capturing the perfect photograph or sharing their experience on social media, the mountain’s cultural significance has been overshadowed by tourism-driven pressures. This shift has led to frustrations among local communities and officials, who are concerned about the growing impact of mass tourism on the mountain’s sacred and natural aspects.
In response to disruptive behaviors like littering, trespassing, and disrespecting local customs, authorities have taken several steps to mitigate these issues. For example, in 2024, the town of Fujikawaguchiko, located in Yamanashi, installed a large black mesh screen along a popular walking path. The screen was designed to block views of the mountain, aiming to prevent tourists from crowding the area in pursuit of ideal photo opportunities. The town’s efforts stemmed from complaints by locals about foreign tourists violating traffic rules and leaving waste in the area, which added to the growing frustrations with overtourism.
Climbing Mount Fuji: More Than Just a Hike
Climbing Mount Fuji is not just about the physical challenge; it holds cultural significance for many. For centuries, Mount Fuji has been a focal point for pilgrims. Today, the climb remains a rite of passage for many, especially those hoping to witness the iconic sunrise from the summit. The allure of reaching the top and experiencing the breathtaking view is something that draws visitors from across the world.
While the official climbing season typically lasts from July to September, climbers from around the world make the trek during these months, with many choosing to hike through the night to see the sunrise from the summit. It is reported that more than 200,000 people attempt the summit each year, many of whom consider it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
However, with the rising demand for this iconic experience, the need for controlled access has become more urgent. The government’s decision to introduce entry fees on all trails comes after the Yoshida Trail, one of the most popular routes, saw a fee imposed for the first time in 2023. The goal is to prevent overcrowding, ensure climber safety, and preserve the mountain’s fragile ecosystem.
The Rising Trend of Overtourism and Japan’s Response
Japan’s Mount Fuji is not the only destination grappling with overtourism. Popular tourist spots around the world have increasingly faced challenges related to large crowds, environmental degradation, and negative impacts on local communities. In response, many destinations have begun to implement entry fees, quotas, and other measures designed to control the flow of visitors and protect natural resources.
The introduction of entry fees to Mount Fuji’s trails is part of a broader global trend where tourism authorities are taking more active roles in managing visitor numbers to ensure sustainability. This approach is expected to be replicated in other parts of Japan as well as in other countries, where overtourism has strained local infrastructure and natural habitats.
What This Means for Travelers
For travelers, the introduction of entry fees on Mount Fuji may be seen as a necessary but unwelcome change. The ¥4,000 charge may discourage some visitors from climbing the mountain, especially those who were drawn to the destination for its affordability and accessibility. However, for others, the fee may be a small price to pay for the opportunity to experience one of Japan’s most iconic and sacred sites while helping to preserve it for future generations.
Travelers who wish to visit Mount Fuji should be aware of the new regulations and plan their trip accordingly. In addition to the climbing fees, climbers will need to adjust to the new gate hours and restrictions, which may affect their trekking schedules. Moreover, those planning to climb the mountain should consider contributing to the conservation efforts by paying the voluntary contribution fee, which supports ongoing preservation initiatives.
Global Implications for Tourism
The implementation of fees on Mount Fuji’s trails is not just a local issue; it has broader implications for global tourism. As more destinations face challenges from overtourism, the trend of introducing fees and regulations will likely become more widespread. For travelers, this means a shift in how popular destinations are accessed and experienced. Some may welcome the idea of paying for a more controlled, sustainable experience, while others may be put off by the added cost.
In the long term, the hope is that such measures will help preserve the cultural and natural significance of iconic destinations like Mount Fuji, ensuring that they remain accessible for generations to come without sacrificing their integrity. For the tourism industry, this may signal a shift toward more sustainable and responsible tourism practices, where both the environment and local communities are prioritized over mass tourism.
Japan’s decision to introduce entry fees for all of Mount Fuji’s main trails represents a crucial step toward managing the pressures of overtourism. While this move may deter some travelers, it reflects a broader trend within the tourism industry to balance access to natural and cultural landmarks with the need for conservation and sustainability. As other destinations around the world face similar challenges, Mount Fuji’s new regulations may serve as a model for how to manage the delicate balance between tourism and preservation.
