Mount Fuji climbers to face $13 fee starting July in Japan.

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In Tokyo, Japan, hikers planning to ascend Mount Fuji via the popular Yoshida Trail will encounter a new fee of $13 per person starting from July, as revealed by a regional official on Tuesday. The implementation of this fee aims to address the mounting congestion and safety concerns stemming from the increasing number of visitors scaling Japan's highest peak. Despite being cloaked in snow for most of the year, Mount Fuji attracts over 220,000 climbers during the climbing season from July to September.

Effective July 1, climbers utilizing the Yoshida Trail will be required to pay an entry fee of 2,000 yen ($13) per person. To alleviate overcrowding and ensure safety, the daily entries to the trail will be limited to 4,000 individuals, with entry prohibited between the hours of 4:00 pm and 2:00 am. This regulatory measure was endorsed by the Yamanashi region's ordinance, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and appropriate attire for climbers tackling the challenging terrain.

Toshiaki Kasai, an official from the local government, highlighted the surge in visitors following the relaxation of Covid restrictions and emphasized the necessity for climbers to be adequately equipped and informed about mountain conditions. Kasai also stressed the importance of monitoring social media platforms for real-time updates on the daily visitor count, enabling climbers to plan their ascent accordingly and mitigate congestion-related risks.

Reports in Japanese media frequently depict instances of climbers attempting to scale Mount Fuji without proper mountaineering gear, leading to preventable accidents and injuries. Some climbers resort to sleeping on the trail or starting fires for warmth, while others push themselves to reach the summit without taking breaks, resulting in altitude sickness and exhaustion. These safety concerns underscore the imperative of enforcing regulations and promoting responsible climbing practices among visitors.

Despite the introduction of the entry fee and visitor limitations on the Yoshida Trail, Mount Fuji offers three other primary routes that remain free for climbers. However, the Yoshida Trail, renowned for its accessibility from Tokyo, remains the preferred choice for the majority of holidaymakers, attracting approximately 60 percent of climbers, according to official statistics. Situated just two hours from central Tokyo by train, Mount Fuji holds a special place in Japanese culture and art, immortalized in renowned works such as Hokusai's iconic "Great Wave."

As Japan seeks to balance accessibility to Mount Fuji with the preservation of its natural beauty and safety for climbers, the introduction of entry fees and visitor regulations on the Yoshida Trail represents a proactive step towards sustainable tourism management. By promoting awareness of responsible climbing practices and ensuring adequate resources for visitor safety, authorities aim to uphold Mount Fuji's cultural significance while safeguarding its ecological integrity for future generations to enjoy.

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