Richard Parks Starting this summer, hikers will be required to pay a ¥4,000 (€24.70) entry fee to climb Mount Fuji. The fee will apply to all four main trails leading up the iconic peak, as Japan steps up efforts to address environmental concerns and manage overcrowding.
New Fees and Visitor Limits
In an effort to reduce the impact of tourism on the environment, the government of Yamanashi prefecture, which oversees the trails on Mount Fuji, has implemented a new entry fee structure. This includes a significant increase in the fee for the popular Yoshida trail, which is known for its easy access from Tokyo and its well-equipped mountain huts. Previously, climbers on the Yoshida trail were required to pay ¥2,000 (€12.35), but this fee will now be doubled to ¥4,000 (€24.70).
The new fee will be enforced during the peak climbing season, which runs from July to September. A daily visitor cap of 4,000 hikers will also remain in place on the Yoshida trail to help reduce congestion. The funds raised from these fees will be used to support ongoing trail maintenance, enhance safety measures, and fund the construction of emergency shelters in case of volcanic eruptions.
Since 2014, climbers have been encouraged to make a voluntary ¥1,000 (€6.20) donation to help preserve the mountain, but this new mandatory fee is expected to provide more consistent funding for Mount Fuji’s conservation efforts.
Addressing Overcrowding and Environmental Impact
Mount Fuji has long been a popular tourist destination, but its popularity has led to significant overcrowding and environmental degradation. As a result, local authorities have introduced stricter regulations to limit the environmental damage caused by excessive tourism. According to Japan’s environment ministry, these measures appear to be having an effect. Visitor numbers to the mountain decreased from 221,322 in 2023 to 204,316 in 2024, suggesting that the new policies are helping to curb overcrowding.
The introduction of entry fees and visitor caps is part of a broader effort by Japan to manage overtourism and encourage responsible tourism practices. In addition to the hiking trail changes, nearby towns have taken steps to address disruptive behavior by tourists. Fujikawaguchiko, a popular viewing spot for Mount Fuji, installed a 20-meter-long, 2.5-meter-high black mesh fence last year to prevent visitors from taking selfies after a rise in littering, traffic violations, and trespassing. Although the fence was removed due to a typhoon warning, local officials have warned that it could be reinstalled if tourist numbers increase again.
Balancing Tourism with Conservation Efforts
With these new restrictions, Japan hopes to strike a balance between preserving the natural beauty of Mount Fuji and supporting tourism. The entry fee and visitor limits are seen as essential steps to protect the mountain for future generations while ensuring that tourists can continue to enjoy its unique cultural and natural significance.
As the popularity of Mount Fuji continues to rise, these measures may serve as a model for other tourist destinations facing similar challenges of overcrowding and environmental degradation.