Mount Fuji hikers to be charged ¥4,000 on all trails
Hikers attempting any of Mount Fuji's four main trails will be charged an entry fee of ¥4,000 ($27) from this summer after local authorities passed a bill on Monday.
A record influx of foreign tourists to Japan has sparked alarm about overcrowding on the nation's highest mountain, a once-peaceful pilgrimage site.
Last year, Yamanashi Prefecture — home to Mount Fuji — introduced a ¥2,000 ($14) entry fee plus an optional donation for the active volcano's most popular hiking route, the Yoshida Trail.
A cap on daily entries and online reservations were also brought in on that trail by officials concerned about safety and environmental damage on Mount Fuji's majestic slopes.
The Yoshida Trail fee will be doubled for this year's July-September climbing season, while neighboring Shizuoka Prefecture passed a bill on Monday to also charge ¥4,000 for its three trails, which were previously free.
Thanks in part to the new restrictions, the number of climbers who tackled Mount Fuji declined to 204,316 last year, from 221,322 in 2023, Environment Ministry data shows.
Although climber numbers continue to be eclipsed by prepandemic levels, "200,000 hikers is still huge," Natsuko Sodeyama, a Shizuoka prefecture official, said.
"There is no other mountain in Japan that attracts that many people in the span of just over two months. So some restrictions are necessary to ensure their safety."
Mount Fuji is covered in snow for most of the year, but during the summer hiking season many trudge up its steep, rocky slopes through the night to see the sunrise.
The symmetrical mountain has been immortalized in countless artworks, including Hokusai's "Great Wave off Kanagawa." It last erupted around 300 years ago.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metropolis Japan
12-05-2025
- Metropolis Japan
Enoshima Day Trip
Mount Fuji from afar with Enoshima Island in the foreground, Kamakura, Japan Tokyo may be a city of constant motion and tight corners, but it doesn't take much effort to slip away and find space to breathe. Just an hour south by train, the island of Enoshima offers a perfect day trip from Tokyo: Think caves, coastal views, shrines and seafood—all compacted into less than half a square kilometer. While technically part of Fujisawa, Enoshima has an identity all its own. Approaching the island via the Bentenbashi Bridge, it emerges from Sagami Bay like a storybook scene, famously captured in Hokusai's prints. A full Enoshima day trip can include shrine pilgrimages, cafe stops, natural wonders and local delicacies. Kanagawa, Enoshima – Dec 25, 2022: Tourists head towards the bronze torii gate of the Enoshima Shrine, leading to the Zuishinmon gate at the top end of the Benten Nakamise Shopping street Legend says that Benzaiten, goddess of music and eloquence, descended from the heavens to tame a five-headed dragon terrorizing the Shonan Coast. Enchanted by her strength, the dragon proposed, but she refused. Instead, she raised Enoshima from the sea to make it her home. Depending on the version, she may have changed her mind—but the island remains a symbol of divine power and beauty. You can visit three shrines dedicated to Benzaiten across the island: Hetsunomiya, Nakatsunomiya and Okutsunomiya. Local lore suggests that those who visit all three in sequence may have a wish granted. Just prepare for the stairs—Enoshima is famously steep. Kamakura, Japan- 14 May, 2024: Enoshima Shrine Gatehouse in Enoshima island, Japan. This gate is named Zuishinmon. It can be taken to mean pure soul. Samuel Cocking Garden sits atop the island, named after a British merchant who bought land there during the Meiji Period. The original greenhouse has long since burned down, but today the garden features seasonal flowers like winter tulips and other rotating blooms. If visiting during the winter months, stick around after sunset for the seasonal illumination event at Samuel Cocking Garden. Thousands of lights transform the garden and Sea Candle tower into a colorful nighttime display, one of the area's most photogenic winter events. Nearby, the LON Cafe serves its well-known French toast on a renovated terrace overlooking the bay. It's a favorite rest stop for anyone craving something sweet with a view. Ryuren no Kane, the 'love bell,' sits on a scenic bluff. Couples ring it together for eternal love—though the sound is loud enough to startle even the most devoted. A good spot for a photo (and earplugs). The Sea Candle stands 60 meters above the island's summit. For ¥500 (¥250 for kids, or free with the Enopass), you can take an elevator to the dual observation decks. Clear skies offer excellent views of the Shonan Coast and, if you're lucky, Mt. Fuji. On the far end of the island lies the Iwaya Caves. These twisting tunnels reach into the island's bedrock, historically used for religious training. On calm days when the tide is low, head to the island's rocky perimeter near the caves to explore natural tide pools. You'll find small crabs, fish, and sea plants along the shore—just watch your step, as the rocks can be slippery. There are food stalls and restaurants throughout the island, especially along Nakamise Street and near the caves on Oiwayamichi. One standout is Enoshimatei, which serves shirasudon—tiny sardines over rice—alongside sashimi and tempura set meals. Another great spot is Tousha Coffee & Teishoku, a cozy and modern cafe serving seasonal teishoku (set meals), specialty coffee and homemade desserts. In the summer, they also offer handmade kakigori (shaved ice) with seasonal fruit syrups. It's tucked away on the quieter side of the island and makes a perfect stop for a relaxed lunch or afternoon break. There are plenty of street foods as well: Ika-yaki – Grilled whole squid on a stick, brushed with a sweet-savory soy-based glaze. Ebi-senbei – Pressed shrimp crackers made from whole shrimp, flattened and cooked between hot iron plates until crispy and slightly chewy. Tako-senbei – Similar to ebi-senbei, but using whole octopus flattened between iron plates. Chewy, crunchy and highly photogenic. Tako-tamago – Quail egg stuffed inside a tiny whole octopus, skewered and grilled or boiled. Sweet and savory with a fun texture contrast. Matcha Soft Cream – Smooth green tea-flavored soft serve, often sold at local shops near the shrine and garden area. Ika-yaki on Enoshima Island. Located just before the bridge to the island, Enoshima Aquarium is a popular stop for families and marine life lovers. It showcases native sea life from Sagami Bay, including a jellyfish fantasy hall and dolphin performances. The aquarium also features displays about the area's unique coastal environment and seasonal exhibits. The Enoshima 1-day pass for ¥1,100 offers access to the island's escalators, the Sea Candle observatory, Samuel Cocking Garden and Iwaya Caves. The Odakyu Limited-Express Romancecar train connects Tokyo with Enoshima, Kamakura and Hakone. From Shinjuku it's only 65 minutes to Enoshima. For more day trip ideas from Tokyo, check out our other guides: Tokyo Neighborhood Guide: A Day Trip to Okutama
Japan Times
28-04-2025
- Japan Times
Man rescued from Mount Fuji twice in one week, local media reports
A man in his 20s was airlifted from Mount Fuji, then rescued again from its steep slopes just days later after he returned to find his phone, according to media reports. Police said the Chinese university student, who lives in Japan, was found Saturday by another off-season hiker on a trail more than 3,000 meters above sea level. "He was suspected of having altitude sickness and was taken to the hospital," a police spokesperson in Shizuoka Prefecture said on Monday. Later, officers discovered the man was the same one who had been rescued on Mount Fuji four days previously, broadcaster TBS and other media outlets reported. Police could not immediately confirm the reports, which said the man — having been rescued by helicopter on Tuesday — returned on Friday to retrieve his mobile phone, which he forgot to bring with him during the first rescue. It was not known whether he was able to find his phone in the end, said the reports, citing unnamed sources. Mount Fuji, an active volcano and Japan's highest peak, is covered in snow for most of the year. Its hiking trails are open from early July to early September, a period when crowds trudge up the steep, rocky slopes through the night to see the sunrise. People are dissuaded from hiking outside of the summer season because conditions can be treacherous. The symmetrical 3,776-meter mountain has been immortalized in countless artworks, including Hokusai's "The Great Wave." It last erupted around 300 years ago. In a bid to prevent overcrowding on Mount Fuji, authorities last year brought in an entry fee and cap on numbers for the most popular Yoshida Trail. Starting this summer, hikers on any of Mount Fuji's four main trails will be charged an entry fee of ¥4,000 ($27).
Japan Times
17-03-2025
- Japan Times
Mount Fuji hikers to be charged ¥4,000 on all trails
Hikers attempting any of Mount Fuji's four main trails will be charged an entry fee of ¥4,000 ($27) from this summer after local authorities passed a bill on Monday. A record influx of foreign tourists to Japan has sparked alarm about overcrowding on the nation's highest mountain, a once-peaceful pilgrimage site. Last year, Yamanashi Prefecture — home to Mount Fuji — introduced a ¥2,000 ($14) entry fee plus an optional donation for the active volcano's most popular hiking route, the Yoshida Trail. A cap on daily entries and online reservations were also brought in on that trail by officials concerned about safety and environmental damage on Mount Fuji's majestic slopes. The Yoshida Trail fee will be doubled for this year's July-September climbing season, while neighboring Shizuoka Prefecture passed a bill on Monday to also charge ¥4,000 for its three trails, which were previously free. Thanks in part to the new restrictions, the number of climbers who tackled Mount Fuji declined to 204,316 last year, from 221,322 in 2023, Environment Ministry data shows. Although climber numbers continue to be eclipsed by prepandemic levels, "200,000 hikers is still huge," Natsuko Sodeyama, a Shizuoka prefecture official, said. "There is no other mountain in Japan that attracts that many people in the span of just over two months. So some restrictions are necessary to ensure their safety." Mount Fuji is covered in snow for most of the year, but during the summer hiking season many trudge up its steep, rocky slopes through the night to see the sunrise. The symmetrical mountain has been immortalized in countless artworks, including Hokusai's "Great Wave off Kanagawa." It last erupted around 300 years ago.
