It’s not yet climbing season on Mt. Fuji. That hasn’t stopped some idiots from attempting the hike – and getting stuck in the process. Now, both prefectures with Mt. Fuji hiking entrances say they may pass legislation that puts the financial burden for rescue on the offenders, where it belongs.
Public anger over using tax money to rescue fools
This development comes as new stories about someone stranded on a mountain in Japan seem to drop weekly. The most ridiculous one was the Tokyo resident who got himself stuck twice, the second time because he went back to retrieve his smartphone. There was also the couple in Hokkaido who needed a lift out from Mt. Yōtei in Hokkaido after hiking up too far in shorts and t-shirts.
Japan and the prefectures surrounding Mt. Fuji have already instituted guidelines that forbid hikers without sufficient climbing experience from tackling the mountain during the off-season. With snowfall remaining as late as April, poor cellular reception, and bathrooms sealed up, the journey can be treacherous for even trained climbers.
Yamanashi, Shizuoka consider charges, other rule changes
The recent headlines have led many pundits and social media users to complain that their tax dollars shouldn’t be spent rescuing people who break the rules. This week, Yamanashi Governor Nagasaki Kōtarō agreed, saying the prefecture is considering an ordinance to charge the rescued for helicopter costs if they get stuck during the off-season.
Yamanashi is considering whether to limit the measure to just the off-season and whether it should also expand the rescue charges to include the Minami Alps and the Southern Yatsugatake Volcanic Group as well. It also may extend the time period during which it requires experienced hikers to file a hiking notification form. Currently, it only requires filing a form from December through March.
In an interview, Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Suzuki Yasutomo also expressed support for the idea to retain parity with Yamanashi. He said they’re considering the rules out of respect for “the feelings of residents” who believe that breaking the rules requires taking responsibility for the consequences.
Yamanashi is home to the Yoshida route up the mountain. Meanwhile, Shizuoka is home to three separate entrances. Both prefectures have already put in various measures to combat dangerous conditions caused by overtourism during hiking season, such as charging hiking fees and requiring reservations.
Not the first prefectures to implement charges for rescue
If passed, Yamanashi and Shizuoka wouldn’t be the first prefectures to put rescue costs onto the rescued. Saitama passed a law in 2018 that charges people for helicopter rescue under most circumstances.
According to the Saitama Prefectural website, the fee applies when exceeding specific elevations at six mountains in the prefecture. The prefecture charges 8,000 yen ($56) for every five minutes of helicopter time. In other words, one hour of helicopter time would run the rescued 96K yen ($673).
Saitama makes limited exceptions, mostly for people who entered the area on official business. Some people, such as those on public assistance or who get caught in an earthquake or other natural disaster, can request a lower fee.
Indeed, Governor Suzuki said this isn’t just a prefectural issue but “a country-wide problem.” He’s urging the central government to pass national regulations.
Honestly, that isn’t a bad idea. Given the raging anger I’ve seen online and on news programs towards these rescues, I’m betting it would be an easy political lay-up.
Meanwhile, if you’re thinking you want to tackle Fuji on your next trip to Japan, make sure to (1) wait until the hiking season starts in July and (2) go prepared. The official Mt. Fuji site has prepared a comprehensive 10-minute video of everything you need to know before you go. You can find more details on the website.
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Sources
閉山中の富士山遭難、ヘリ救助「有料化」検討 山梨県が秋にも条例案. Asahi Shimbun
遭難救助のヘリ費用、静岡県も有料化検討 閉山中の富士登山で. Asahi Shimbun
ヘリ救助有料化 知事「検討指示」 富士山の冬季遭難多発で 山梨や静岡、浜松と協議 ／静岡. Mainichi Shimbun
山岳救助隊ニュース. Saitama Prefectural Police
安全登山で無事なおかえりを！Saitama Prefecture
