Japan Introduces 2,000 Yen Trail Fee and Daily Limit of 4,000 Climbers to Curb Overcrowding on Mount Fuji

As the sun rose over Japan's iconic Mount Fuji on Monday, park rangers officially kicked off this year's climbing season with a new set of rules aimed at tackling overcrowding and environmental concerns. The measures, which include a 2,000 yen ($12) trail fee and a daily limit of 4,000 climbers, mark a significant shift in the country's approach to managing the influx of tourists flocking to its sacred peak.

At 3 a.m., officials opened a newly installed gate at the fifth station, situated just over halfway up the 3,776-meter (12,388-ft) peak. The early morning start was a precursor to a busy day, with around 1,200 hikers gathered at the station, eager to tackle the mountain. Among them was 61-year-old Sachiko Kan, who expressed her support for the new measures, saying, "I think Mount Fuji will be very happy if everyone is more conscious about the environment and things like taking rubbish home with them."

The move to impose trail fees and limits comes as Japan struggles to cope with a record number of tourists, drawn in by the yen's slide to a 38-year low. While the influx of visitors has injected significant revenue into the national economy, it has also put a strain on local facilities and infrastructure. The situation has become so dire that officials have been forced to erect barriers at popular photography spots, such as the one where Mount Fuji appears to float over a convenience store, to prevent overcrowding.

Why it Matters : The new measures on Mount Fuji are not just about managing tourist numbers; they also reflect a growing concern about the environmental impact of mass tourism. The Japanese government has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of the issue, with many arguing that the country's focus on attracting large numbers of visitors has come at the expense of sustainability and environmental protection. By introducing trail fees and limits, Japan is taking a crucial step towards balancing its economic goals with its environmental responsibilities.

The climbing season on Mount Fuji, which runs until September 10, is expected to attract around 300,000 climbers this year, according to the environment ministry. The mountain, a still active stratovolcano whose last eruption was in 1707, has been a site of Shinto and Buddhist worship for centuries. Climbers typically start their ascent in the early hours to reach the summit in time for sunrise.

In addition to the trail fee, climbers will receive a wristband giving them access to the trail between 3 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those with reservations for mountain huts closer to the peak will be exempt from the daily limit on visitors. Authorities say the new curbs are necessary to prevent accidents and incidents of altitude sickness, particularly among foreign "bullet climbers" who rush to the top.

Geoffrey Kula, a visitor from Boston, was among those waiting to scale Mount Fuji on opening day. He expressed his support for the restrictions, saying, "This is not Disneyland. Having some sort of access control system to limit the amount of potential chaos is good."

Key Takeaways:

• Japan has introduced a 2,000 yen ($12) trail fee and a daily limit of 4,000 climbers to curb overcrowding on Mount Fuji.
• The measures aim to address environmental concerns and prevent accidents and altitude sickness among climbers.
• The yen's slide to a 38-year low has made Japan an attractive destination for tourists, but has also put a strain on local facilities and infrastructure.
• The Japanese government has faced criticism for its handling of mass tourism, with many arguing that it has prioritized economic goals over environmental protection.
• The new measures on Mount Fuji mark a significant shift in Japan's approach to managing tourism, with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.