Is Mount Fuji’s New Twenty Seven Dollars Climbing Fee and Safety Class the Key to a Safer, More Sustainable Adventure in Japan? New Travel Updates You Need to Know

Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is introducing significant changes to its tourism policy starting in 2025. The mountain, which attracts millions of visitors each year, has faced increasing pressure due to overcrowding, environmental degradation, and safety concerns. To address these issues, the prefectures of Shizuoka and Yamanashi, which share the iconic mountain, have announced new regulations designed to balance tourism with sustainability.

New Climbing Fee and Booking System

The most prominent change is the introduction of a mandatory 4,000 yen ($27) permit fee for all climbers. This fee is a significant increase from the 2024 “tourist tax,” which was set at 2,000 yen ($13) for the first time in an attempt to manage the environmental impact of the influx of visitors. Prior to 2024, there was only a voluntary donation system of 1,000 yen ($7) per person, which failed to address the growing concerns surrounding overtourism at the mountain.

In addition to the fee, climbers will now be required to book their time slots online. This new booking system, which limits the number of climbers to 4,000 per day, aims to reduce congestion on the mountain and improve the overall experience for visitors. The move to implement a reservation-based system is part of an ongoing global trend where popular tourist destinations are seeking to regulate visitor numbers to prevent overcrowding and ensure that the natural beauty of the site is preserved.

This booking system, along with the permit fee, reflects a significant shift in Mount Fuji’s tourism strategy. While the fee is a necessary step to manage the growing number of visitors, it also highlights Japan’s growing awareness of the need for sustainable tourism practices. Mount Fuji has long been a symbol of Japan’s cultural heritage, and authorities are determined to protect its ecological and cultural integrity for future generations.

Mandatory Safety Classes and Test for Hikers

Safety on Mount Fuji has been a growing concern, with reports of climbers needing medical assistance due to poor preparation. In particular, some visitors have been found climbing in inappropriate footwear, such as sandals and flip-flops, and others have failed to bring enough water or proper gear. To address these issues, Shizuoka prefecture, which serves as the starting point for three of Mount Fuji’s four trails, has introduced a mandatory safety class for all climbers.

Before embarking on their climb, hikers will be required to attend a short safety briefing, which will cover local rules and essential climbing guidelines. Following the class, climbers must pass a brief test to confirm that they have understood the information. The aim of this measure is to ensure that all visitors are well-prepared for the physically demanding climb and are aware of the necessary precautions to take for a safe and enjoyable experience.

This additional safety protocol is designed to minimize accidents on the mountain, which have been a growing concern as more tourists, especially those unprepared for high-altitude trekking, attempt the climb. By educating climbers about the risks and providing them with the tools to stay safe, authorities hope to prevent injuries and reduce the burden on emergency services during the climbing season.

Restricted Hiking Hours and Overnight Stays

Another significant regulation being enforced is the restriction on hiking hours. Starting in 2025, Mount Fuji will be closed to climbers from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m. each day, except for those who have made overnight reservations at the hiking huts located along the Fuji trails. These huts, which offer climbers the option to rest and acclimatize to the altitude overnight, are available for rent.

The goal of this new restriction is to reduce the number of day hikers attempting to summit the mountain in one day, which can be dangerous due to the high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions. By encouraging overnight stays, the authorities hope to alleviate the strain on the trails during the busiest hours and ensure a safer and more sustainable hiking experience.

For those who opt to complete the climb in a single day, they will need to do so before the 2 p.m. cutoff. However, for most climbers, staying overnight in a hut will offer a more manageable and safer option. The introduction of overnight stays is part of a broader strategy to help manage the flow of visitors and improve the overall experience on the mountain.

Addressing the Overtourism Crisis: A Global Trend

Mount Fuji’s new regulations are part of a broader effort by Japan to combat overtourism at its most popular tourist attractions. As global tourism continues to grow, many destinations are struggling with the negative impacts of mass tourism, such as overcrowding, environmental degradation, and loss of cultural authenticity. Mount Fuji, as one of Japan’s most visited landmarks, has been particularly affected by these issues.

Other tourist sites in Japan are also taking steps to manage the effects of overtourism. For example, the Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its “floating torii gate” on the island of Miyajima, began charging an entry fee in 2023 as part of an effort to regulate visitor numbers. Similarly, the winter resort town of Otaru in Hokkaido has had to hire additional security personnel to manage the crowds that flock there each winter.

Globally, overtourism is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, with many countries looking for ways to regulate visitor numbers. In some cases, this has meant implementing entry fees or adopting reservation systems to limit the number of tourists. In others, destinations are focusing on educating travelers about responsible tourism practices to mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism.

Global Disruptions and Irresponsible Tourism Behavior

In addition to the efforts to curb overtourism, there have been growing concerns about the behavior of certain travelers. Recent incidents, such as a viral video of an American tourist stealing a baby wombat from its mother in Australia and a Pennsylvania man trying to smuggle a live turtle through airport security in New Jersey, have highlighted the growing issue of irresponsible tourist behavior. This type of behavior is not only disruptive but also harmful to the local environment and wildlife.

Such incidents are contributing to a broader global conversation about the need for greater responsibility and accountability among tourists. As more destinations like Mount Fuji implement measures to control visitor numbers, it is becoming clear that education and awareness are key to ensuring that tourism remains sustainable and beneficial for both travelers and the communities they visit.

Mount Fuji’s Role in Sustainable Tourism

Mount Fuji’s new regulations represent a significant step toward more sustainable tourism practices. By implementing a permit system, safety classes, and restricted hiking hours, Japan is prioritizing the protection of its natural landmarks and the safety of its visitors. These measures reflect a growing awareness of the need to balance tourism with conservation and sustainability.

As other popular tourist destinations around the world grapple with the challenges of overtourism, Mount Fuji’s approach may serve as a model for other locations facing similar issues. With its combination of visitor management, safety protocols, and environmental protection, Mount Fuji’s new regulations could pave the way for more responsible and sustainable tourism practices in Japan and beyond.

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