Mt. Fuji is one of many tourist destinations in Japan struggling with overtourism. Now, local reports say Shizuoka Prefecture may emulate neighboring Yamanashi Prefecture by imposing fees on Fuji climbers.
Reports say that Shizuoka is considering imposing a 4000 yen (USD $27) fee on hikers when the next Fuji tourist season starts. The Prefecture says it’ll consider the rate hike during its next regular meeting scheduled for February 2025.
Mt. Fuji has found itself beset by a record number of tourists. The surge has complicated efforts to keep both domestic and foreign tourists safe on the trail.
One recurring issue is so-called “bullet climbing” (弾丸登山; dangan tozan), where climbers push themselves to hike the trail overnight to see the sunrise in the morning. 30% of climbers attempt bullet climbing, which forces emergency personnel to scramble as some fall victim to exhaustion.
A change of heart
Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures are both host to multiple hiking entrances for Mt. Fuji. For the first time this year, Yamanashi instituted a reservation system for Mt. Fuji hikers along with a 2000 yen ($13) mandatory fee. The prefecture also forbids anyone except people who had rented huts on the mountain for an overnight from entering the land after 4pm.
Shizuoka has also contemplated adding fees to its trails. However, Shizuoka’s case is complicated, as it only owns part of the trails. On the Shizuoka side, the trailheads at Fujinomiya, Gotenba, and Subarashi are technically owned by the Fujisan Hongū Sengen-Taisha Shrine (富士山本宮浅間大社).
Shizuoka now says that it wants to move ahead with a fee system after Yamanashi officials said that the fee has cut down on bullet climbing and other safety-related issues. The fee would apply to all three Shizuoka-side routes.
The prefecture says it plans to iron out details of the plan with officials in Yamanashi. As with Yamanashi’s fees, revenues would go towards preserving the beauty and sanctity of the mountain, which Japan’s native Shinto religion has long regarded as a holy site.
Overtourism issues abound in Japan
Hiking isn’t the only tourism-related issue to beset Mt. Fuji. Earlier this year, the own of Fujikawaguchiko erected a black curtain in front of a famous spot where the mountain looms in the background of a local Lawson combini. The curtain was in response to residents complaining that tourists frequently clogged the road in the front of the Lawson.
Other areas of Japan are also struggling with overtourism. Shop owners in Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood are levying fines against tourists who trespass through the private areas where geisha and maiko live. Other famous attractions, such as Himeji Castle, are resorting to two-tier pricing to reduce crowds and maintain historical sites.
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Sources
富士山の登山客1人あたり″4000円″徴収する骨子案を静岡県が検討 山梨県と調整し条例案を提出へ. Livedoor
