Tourism Mount Fuji climbers to pay ¥4,000 fee on all trails

[thomas]

Starting this summer, climbers using the four trails on Mt. Fuji will be required to pay a ¥4,000 ($27) fee following the approval of a plan by the Shizuoka prefectural government on Monday. This decision follows a similar move by neighbouring Yamanashi Prefecture, which manages the most frequently used trail. Yamanashi announced it will double its climbing fee to ¥4,000 in response to growing concerns over overcrowding and its environmental impact on the 3,776-meter peak.

The Shizuoka prefectural assembly also approved an ordinance to restrict access of its three trails from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m. in order to discourage overnight "bullet climbing," or trying to reach the summit of Japan's tallest mountain without resting. The ordinance is set to take effect on May 9, before the climbing season starts in July. Shizuoka manages the Fujinomiya, Gotemba and Subashiri trails, while Yamanashi hosts the Yoshida trail. Access to the trails after 2 p.m. is allowed only for those who have reserved a stay at a mountain lodge. Staff will be stationed at the trails' 5th station to confirm payment has been made.

Funds collected from the climbing fees are allocated to cover labour costs and safety measures. As a result, the prefecture will discontinue the previous practice of requesting JPY 1,000 donations from climbers, which had been used for trail maintenance. Mount Fuji, recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013, draws hundreds of thousands of climbers annually during its official climbing season, which lasts through September.

Climbers of Mt. Fuji to face 4,000 yen fees amid overcrowding concern

Climbers using the four trails on Mt. Fuji will be charged a fee of 4,000 yen ($27) from this summer after a plan by the Shizuoka prefectural government was approved Monday by the local assembly.

english.kyodonews.net

 

[musicisgood]

I hope that the money is used wisely. Never been close to MT. Fuji, but I've seen the mountain of distance on the train many times with snow covering it. Maybe one day I'll make the journey, don't know yet.

 

[mdchachi]

I hope that the money is used wisely. Never been close to MT. Fuji, but I've seen the mountain of distance on the train many times with snow covering it. Maybe one day I'll make the journey, don't know yet.

Don't wait too long. It doesn't get easier with age.