Foreign Visitors Repeatedly Denied Entry at Mount Fuji Trail Gates — Sandals and Drones at the Climb: Clashes After Gate Closures ["Want to Know More!"] [Good! Morning] (July 6, 2025)
Many climbers are reportedly being turned away at the entry gates to Mount Fuji. On the first weekend since the mountain officially opened for the season, foreign tourists have been repeatedly denied entry due to inappropriate attire, such as sandals and shorts, under newly enforced safety rules.
]■ First Weekend After the Official Opening
Rule violations among climbers continue to occur at Mount Fuji. Some foreign visitors are being denied entry. What exactly is happening on Japan's highest peak?
At the 5th Station of Mount Fuji—the crowded gateway for climbers seeking the summit—visitors from around the world have gathered.
Tourist from Canada
"Here we go, FUJI!"
In the past, dangerous "bullet climbs" (overnight ascents without rest) became a problem. In response, Yamanashi Prefecture strengthened regulations this season, allowing officials to refuse entry to ill-prepared climbers.
Staff Member
"You need rain gear."
One such case involved a group of 13 Indian tourists, who were stopped by staff while attempting to start their climb.
Indian Tourist
"We just wanted to go to the 6th station, but they told us we need rain gear."
"We didn't even know there was an entry fee."
This season, the entry fee has doubled—from 2,000 yen to 4,000 yen per person. For a group of 13, that adds up to 52,000 yen. Equipping everyone with proper rain gear would cost even more.
Indian Tourist
"We weren't planning to stay long—just a short trip up and back—so we're still thinking about what to do."
Elsewhere…
Mount Fuji Ranger
"Without rain pants, it's too dangerous today due to the weather."
Two women, whose rain gear didn't meet the required standards, were denied entry and went to the shop.
Woman
"I was able to buy them."
■ Challenging the Grueling Ascent for a Spectacular View
One of the most cherished experiences of climbing Mount Fuji is...
Yuji Yamashita (24):
"I'm hoping to see the sunrise from the summit."
Masami Abe (24):
"This is tough…"
This working couple is attempting their very first climb, aiming to witness the "Goraikō"—the sunrise from the summit. But their hopes are clouded by the overcast skies.
Yamashita:
"So for the sunrise... does this mean it'll be clear?"
Mountain Staff:
"It should be clear in the morning."
Yamashita:
"Ohh!"
Abe:
"That's great. Let's keep going!"
Will the couple be able to witness the sunrise?
Meanwhile, another group—a father, his child, and his boss—also sets out for the summit. The team leader is 9-year-old fourth-grader Sosuke, attempting the climb for the first time.
Sosuke:
(Q: Why did you want to climb the mountain?)
"Because I wanted to."
Using his soccer-trained legs, the "young team leader" takes the lead. About 30 minutes into the hike, they stop for a break near the 6th station. Sosuke is fascinated by a puffed-up snack bag.
Staff:
"Why did it expand like this?"
Father, Yosuke Shimizu:
"Is it because of the elevation?"
Sosuke:
"Volume...?"
Father, Yosuke Shimizu:
"So it expands, huh."
This brief "field lesson" on Mount Fuji soon ends as they continue their climb. But as they ascend, Sosuke becomes less talkative.
Father:
"You okay?"
Sosuke:
"Just barely."
Father:
"Barely? Really?"
To lift his spirits, they slow their pace and start playing a word game ("shiritori").
Father's Boss, Hideki Kobayashi:
"Trumpet (rappa)"
Father:
"Panda"
Sosuke:
"…"
Father:
"Brain freeze?"
Finally, Sosuke manages to say something:
Sosuke:
"Carry me (dakko)…"
Father:
"Carry you? Is that allowed?"
Later, they stay overnight in a mountain hut to prepare for the sunrise the next morning.
■ Foreign Tourists Repeatedly Denied Entry — Some Wearing Sandals
While many climbers follow the rules, not everyone does.
Some foreign visitors were spotted flying what appeared to be drones.
Drones pose a risk of injuring other climbers and are considered a violation of etiquette. The Ministry of the Environment has urged people not to use them.
Yamanashi Prefectural Staff:
"You're wearing sandals, so we need you to turn back."
The patrol spotted a foreign tourist wearing sandals, who said their shoes had broken and they changed footwear. Still…
Yamanashi Prefectural Staff:
"Please buy proper hiking boots. You can't go to the summit like that."
Even though they had made it to around the 7th station, they had to return to the 5th station, where the shops are located.
After 2 p.m., entry gates at the 5th station were closed, leading to some heated discussions.
Staff:
"Only people with mountain hut reservations can pass."
Climber from the UK:
"Can I make a hut reservation here?"
Staff:
"You need to make that reservation on your own."
The man searched for a place to stay but appeared unable to find availability. He tried again to plead:
Climber from the UK:
"I promise I'll be back in time."
Staff:
"It's not a question of your physical ability. These are the rules."
In the end, he gave up and abandoned the climb.
■ Crowds Flock to Summit for Sunrise — "It Was Worth the Climb"
Meanwhile, those who followed the rules continued their ascent toward the summit—including the couple and the young "team leader." Were they able to witness the sunrise?
Around 4:30 a.m. on July 5th, the summit was filled with climbers. Though the sunrise was hidden by clouds, they were treated to a breathtaking sea of clouds lit by the orange hues of dawn.
Yamashita:
"We didn't get to see the sunrise, but it still felt amazing."
As for our young team leader Sosuke, he climbed all the way to the "original 8th station" at 3,400 meters and welcomed the new day.
Sosuke:
(Q: How was it?)
"It was totally worth the climb. It's so beautiful."
(From Good! Morning, broadcast on July 6, 2025)