New Rules Imposed on Climbing Mt. Fuji in Japan to Combat Overtourism and Littering

Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic stratovolcano, is facing challenges of overtourism, littering, and safety concerns due to rushed climbing. To address these issues, the Yamanashi prefecture has introduced new rules for climbers tackling the popular Yoshida Trail on the mountain's Yamanashi side. Starting from July 1 to September 10, climbers will now need to reserve ahead and pay a fee to access the trail.

The new regulations limit the number of climbers to 4,000 per day, with 3,000 slots available for online booking at a fee of 2,000 yen (about US$18). The remaining 1,000 slots can be booked in person on the day of the climb. This system aims to manage the flow of climbers and reduce the negative impact of overtourism on the mountain's environment.

Climbers can reserve their slots through the official website of Mount Fuji Climbing, which is jointly operated by the Environment Ministry and the prefectures of Yamanashi and Shizuoka. Mount Fuji is divided into 10 stations, with four "5th stations" serving as the starting points for the Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba trails leading to the summit. Under the new system, climbers are required to choose between a day hike or an overnight stay at one of the available huts along the trail.

Upon booking, they receive a QR code to be scanned at the 5th station before starting their climb. Climbers without a reservation for an overnight hut will be turned back and prohibited from climbing between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m. This measure aims to prevent climbers from rushing to the summit without adequate rest, thereby ensuring their safety.

Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki expressed gratitude to the public for their understanding and cooperation in preserving the natural beauty of Mount Fuji. Meanwhile, the Shizuoka prefecture, located southwest of the mountain, has been collecting a voluntary 1,000-yen fee per climber since 2014. Officials are also exploring additional strategies to strike a balance between tourism promotion and environmental conservation.

In 2023, the total number of climbers on Mount Fuji during the season reached 221,322, as reported by the Environment Ministry. This influx of visitors has not only strained the mountain's resources but also led to issues of overcrowding in nearby towns like Shizuoka. In response to overcrowding and disruptive tourist behavior, a town in Shizuoka recently installed a large black screen to block views of Mount Fuji.

The phenomenon of tourists flocking to photograph themselves with the mountain in the background, known as "Mt. Fuji Lawson," has caused inconvenience to locals and affected businesses and traffic in the area. The issue of overtourism is not unique to Mount Fuji, with popular destinations like Kyoto and Kamakura also grappling with the challenges of managing large visitor numbers.

The surge in foreign tourists to Japan following the easing of pandemic restrictions, coupled with the favorable exchange rate, has contributed to the growing concerns of overtourism. Japan welcomed over 25 million visitors last year, and the numbers are expected to exceed 32 million in 2024, surpassing the previous record set in 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. As the country strives to balance the economic benefits of tourism with environmental conservation and community well-being, efforts like the new regulations for Mount Fuji serve as important steps towards sustainable tourism management.