Japan doubles the Mount Fuji climbing fee

Japan has doubled the cost of climbing Mount Fuji over concerns about environmental preservation and safety. Yamanashi Prefecture, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, has approved a fee designed to protect the unique natural environment.

Starting with the summer season, travellers will have to pay an entry fee to climb any of the four main routes. Under the new law, passed on Monday, the rate will be 4,000 yen (about €24.70), timed to coincide with the period of heaviest tourist traffic.

The growing popularity of Japan's tallest mountain has led to a significant rise in visitor numbers, which in turn has caused littering and additional safety risks. To help preserve ecological balance and keep infrastructure in good condition, a fee and a daily visitor cap were previously introduced on the busiest slope, starting in 2024.

Last season, tourists choosing the Yoshida Trail had to pay 2,000 yen (about €12.35). This route is considered the most popular thanks to convenient access from Tokyo and the abundance of mountain huts where climbers can rest and eat. According to local authorities, the additional fee will help preserve the natural heritage more effectively and improve safety. A daily cap of four thousand people was introduced at the same time, to reduce queues.

Now the fee for climbing the Yoshida Trail rises to 4,000 yen (about €24.70), and the same payment principle will apply to the three other trails, which were previously free. The new rule applies from July to September, when tourist activity peaks.

Authorities explained that the funds raised will be used to build shelters in case of a possible volcanic eruption, as well as to keep the trails in working order. Since 2014, climbers on any of the mountain routes have also been asked to make a voluntary contribution of 1,000 yen (about €6.20) to help preserve this unique site.

The restrictions introduced have already shown results: according to Japan's Ministry of the Environment, the number of tourists reaching the summit last year fell from 221,322 to 204,316. Another measure aimed at tackling the mass influx of travellers, in the neighbouring town of Fujikawaguchiko, has also proven effective.

Faced with problems related to littering and disorderly conduct, town authorities installed a barrier 20 metres long and 2.5 metres high, blocking the view of Mount Fuji. This solved the problem of tourists trying to get a photo of the landmark at any cost, often ignoring traffic signals and trespassing onto private property.

The barrier was temporarily taken down in August due to a typhoon threat. Since it achieved the desired results, there are no current plans to put it back up, but town authorities warn that if crowding resumes, the barrier will be reinstalled.