Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji is introducing a uniform ¥4,000 ($28) entrance fee for all climbers across its four main trails, as the 2025 climbing season officially begins. The fee applies to routes from both Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures and marks the first time the charge has been extended to every trail leading up the mountain.
The move, announced by local authorities, aims to address growing concerns over overtourism, preserve the natural environment, and ensure a safer, more sustainable climbing experience.
New Season, New Rules
Climbers heading to Mount Fuji this year will encounter checkpoints — like the one set up at the fifth station in Fujiyoshida — where they will be required to show proof of payment and appropriate climbing gear. Those without proper equipment may be denied access to the trail, officials warn.
Previously, only the Yoshida trail, which begins in Yamanashi Prefecture and is the most popular route, required a ¥2,000 fee. The other three trails from Shizuoka Prefecture remained free to access. That disparity contributed to overcrowding on the Yoshida trail and increased strain on resources like toilets, mountain huts, and emergency services.
The new fee structure aims to distribute climber traffic more evenly and generate funds for trail maintenance, safety measures, and waste management.
Sustainable Summit Ambitions
Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 2013, attracts hundreds of thousands of climbers each summer, many of whom attempt to summit overnight for a chance to see the sunrise. However, the influx has raised concerns over littering, congestion, and altitude sickness due to lack of preparation.
Local officials say the fee is not meant to discourage hikers, but to “encourage more mindful and responsible climbing.”
The 2025 season runs through early September, with the Yoshida trail opening first on July 1, followed by staggered openings of the other routes. Authorities are also continuing educational campaigns around “bullet climbing” — rapid, overnight ascents without proper rest — which has been linked to injuries and exhaustion.
Climbers are urged to plan ahead, book mountain huts in advance, and prepare adequate gear for the 3,776-meter trek.
Source:https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/30/japan/society/mount-fuji-entry-fee/
