Mount Fuji opens to climbers in Shizuoka
Starting this season, new rules to prevent congestion on mountain trails, including a ¥4,000 ($27) entrance fee per person and a climbing restriction from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m. were introduced in trails originating in Shizuoka, as in those in Yamanashi Prefecture, the other prefecture home to the mountain.
The Yoshida trail in Yamanashi opened on July 1. The mountain is open for climbing until Sept. 10 in both prefectures.
Many mountaineers went to the reception at the fifth station on each trail early in the morning to complete entry procedures, and then headed to the summit.
At the fifth station on the Fujinomiya trail, one of the three trails in Shizuoka, staff checked climbers' QR codes and wristbands, which are issued after the payment of entrance fees.
"The entry was smooth and not busy, whereas it was very crowded from the early morning last year. Maybe the new regulations are working," said Yasuhiro Aoshima, a 63-year-old company employee, as he headed to the summit with a smile.
On the other hand, some hikers faced inconveniences, including being unable to retrieve their entrance passes to show to the staff due to poor cellular signal. Seiji Matsukiyo, a 40-year-old self-employed worker from the city of Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, whose companion faced a problem, smiled wryly and said, "There are some challenges, but I guess it can't be helped."
Starting this year, Shizuoka Prefecture mandated that mountaineers climbing to the fifth station or higher learn about the rules and manners regarding the environmental preservation of Mount Fuji and safe climbing in advance.
To prevent "bullet climbing," or reckless overnight climbs, entry from the afternoon into the wee hours without a mountain hut booking is not permitted.
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