Japan Implements Four Thousand Yen Fee for Mount Fuji Hikers as New Rules Tackle Overcrowding and Protect Fragile Trails Amid Surging Tourism

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Tokyo – Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic peak, is set to introduce a mandatory 4,000 yen ($27) entry fee for all four main trails starting this summer. The move, approved by local authorities on Monday, aims to manage overcrowding and protect the environment amid a surge in tourism.

Once a tranquil pilgrimage site, Mount Fuji has faced growing concerns over excessive foot traffic, particularly from foreign visitors. In 2023, the Yamanashi region introduced a 2,000 yen ($14) entry fee plus an optional donation for the Yoshida Trail, the most popular route up the mountain. This year, the charge will double to 4,000 yen, while neighboring Shizuoka Prefecture has followed suit by imposing the same fee on its three trails, which were previously free.

Authorities have also implemented a cap on daily climbers and require online reservations to ensure safety and minimize damage to the mountain’s delicate ecosystem.

Government data reveals that despite the new restrictions, Mount Fuji still attracted over 204,000 climbers last year, a slight drop from 221,000 in 2023. Though these figures remain lower than pre-pandemic levels, officials stress that such high numbers over a short climbing season—July to September—necessitate stronger regulations.

“There is no other mountain in Japan that draws this many climbers in just over two months,” said Natsuko Sodeyama, a Shizuoka prefecture official. “These measures are essential to maintain safety and preserve the mountain.”

Snow-covered for most of the year, Mount Fuji is a bucket-list destination for hikers, many of whom brave its steep, rocky slopes overnight to witness the breathtaking sunrise. The perfectly symmetrical volcano has been immortalized in countless artworks, including Hokusai’s famous Great Wave, and remains a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty.

With stricter rules and higher fees now in place, authorities hope to strike a balance between tourism and conservation, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the majesty of Mount Fuji.