Latest news with #NatsukoSodeyama
USA Today
31-03-2025
- USA Today
If you want to climb Mount Fuji, you'll need a reservation, a safety test, and more money
If you want to climb Mount Fuji, you'll need a reservation, a safety test, and more money Show Caption Hide Caption Eighty-foot wall to block iconic view of Mt. Fuji to curb overtourism Tourists will no longer be able to see the breathtaking Mt. Fuji from the usual convenience store spot, as officials are building a blockade in the latest effort to fight overtourism. Mount Fuji is taking another step toward curbing overtourism by doubling its entry fee this summer. A bill passed last week set an entrance fee of ¥4,000 (about $26.66) for hikers wanting to traverse the UNESCO World Heritage Site's four main trails when open between July and September only, according to Japanese media outlet Japan Times. Visitors to Japan's tallest peak have to book one of the time slots in advance online, with numbers having been capped to 4,000 per day. Officials are also cracking down on bullet climbing, or attempting to summit the mountain in one day, by closing the gate from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m. every day except for those with overnight hut reservations. Tourists need to pay up: Many destinations are raising tourist taxes, but are they accomplishing their goal? "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," Natsuko Sodeyama, a Shizuoka prefecture official, told Japan Times. In 2024, officials implemented the first tourist tax of ¥2,000 (about $13.33) and a visitor limit for the iconic and sacred mountain due to an influx of human traffic jams and littering, USA TODAY previously reported. The restrictions led to a drop in visitor numbers from 221,322 in 2023 to 204,316 last year. Many hikers who underestimated the mountain's trails by wearing only sandals or not bringing enough water also caused a surge in rescues. Now people need to attend a short class with a video and pass a test on hiking safety, environmental protection and local rules. Mount Fuji isn't the only place in Japan that's been struggling with overtourism. Since the pandemic, the number of tourists to Japan has skyrocketed from 1.37 million to 3.49 million between Dec. 2022 and 2024. Last year, Kyoto's famous geisha district started fining misbehaving tourists and the small town of Fujikawaguchiko – which offers a stunning view of the mountain – put up a screen to stop people from overcrowding when trying to snap the perfect photo.
The Independent
18-03-2025
- The Independent
Japan set to charge Mount Fuji climbers entry fees on all trails to curb overtourism
Japan will introduce a ¥4,000 (or about £20 ) entry fee for all four main trails of Mount Fuji starting this summer to tackle overcrowding. Previously, only the Yoshida Trail in Yamanashi prefecture had a ¥2,000 (or about £10) fee. Now, Shizuoka prefecture will also charge for its three trails, which were previously free. Shizuoka is home to three of Mount Fuji's four main climbing trails – Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba. The entry fee will charged from this summer after local authorities passed a bill on Monday, The Japan Times reported. Yoshida Trail's entry fee will double. Japan's iconic mountain has seen a surge in tourists in recent years, sparking concerns over overcrowding, pollution, and disruptive behaviour by tourists. Last year, Japan started collecting entry fees of ¥2,000 (£10) per head from people climbing the famous volcano to limit the number of trekkers to Mount Fuji. A gate was installed at the entrance to the Yoshida Trail, also known as the fifth station, on the Yamanashi side of Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776m. The gate began collecting fees from climbers starting 1 July last year, marking the beginning of the year's climbing season. The implementation of this fee collection was aimed at managing overcrowding near the summit of the mountain, the Yamanashi prefectural assembly said at the time. Climbers were required to allocate as much as ¥3,000 (or £15.60) per person for their climb, which included a voluntary contribution of ¥1,000 (or £5) dedicated to the conservation efforts of the mountain, recognised as a Unesco World Heritage site. For the 2024 season, up until mid-September, the newly installed gate operated with limited hours also, closing at 4pm and reopening at 3am the next day. Due in part to the new restrictions implemented last year, the number of climbers on Mount Fuji dropped to 204,316 last year from 221,322 in 2023, according to environment ministry data. While this remains below pre-pandemic levels, officials note that '200,000 hikers is still huge', officials say. 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.' For centuries, Mount Fuji has been a sacred site for Shinto and Buddhist pilgrims, with a shrine at its summit dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, the mountain's Shinto goddess. Last year, to deter crowds from gathering for photos, the town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi installed a large black screen along a pavement, obstructing a popular view of Mount Fuji. The black mesh screen was installed after locals grew frustrated with foreign tourists littering, trespassing, and violating traffic rules in pursuit of the perfect social media photo. The official climbing season lasts from July to September, with over 200,000 hikers attempting the summit annually. Many make the overnight trek to witness the sunrise from the peak. According to the World History Encyclopedia, dreaming of Mount Fuji is considered a sign of good fortune in Japan. Beyond the shrines on the mountain itself, more than 13,000 shrines across Japan are reported to be dedicated to Mt Fuji. Many feature small-scale replicas of the mountain, allowing those unable to climb the real peak to make a symbolic pilgrimage.
The Independent
17-03-2025
- The Independent
Japan set to introduce entry fee for all Mount Fuji hiking trails to curb overtourism
Japan will introduce a ¥4,000 (or about £20 ) entry fee for all four main trails of Mount Fuji starting this summer to tackle overcrowding. Previously, only the Yoshida Trail in Yamanashi prefecture had a ¥2,000 (or about £10) fee. Now, Shizuoka prefecture will also charge for its three trails, which were previously free. Shizuoka is home to three of Mount Fuji's four main climbing trails – Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba. The entry fee will charged from this summer after local authorities passed a bill on Monday, The Japan Times reported. Yoshida Trail's entry fee will double. Japan's iconic mountain has seen a surge in tourists in recent years, sparking concerns over overcrowding, pollution, and disruptive behaviour by tourists. Last year, Japan started collecting entry fees of ¥2,000 (£10) per head from people climbing the famous volcano to limit the number of trekkers to Mount Fuji. A gate was installed at the entrance to the Yoshida Trail, also known as the fifth station, on the Yamanashi side of Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776m. The gate began collecting fees from climbers starting 1 July last year, marking the beginning of the year's climbing season. The implementation of this fee collection was aimed at managing overcrowding near the summit of the mountain, the Yamanashi prefectural assembly said at the time. Climbers were required to allocate as much as ¥3,000 (or £15.60) per person for their climb, which included a voluntary contribution of ¥1,000 (or £5) dedicated to the conservation efforts of the mountain, recognised as a Unesco World Heritage site. For the 2024 season, up until mid-September, the newly installed gate operated with limited hours also, closing at 4pm and reopening at 3am the next day. Due in part to the new restrictions implemented last year, the number of climbers on Mount Fuji dropped to 204,316 last year from 221,322 in 2023, according to environment ministry data. While this remains below pre-pandemic levels, officials note that '200,000 hikers is still huge', officials say. 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.' For centuries, Mount Fuji has been a sacred site for Shinto and Buddhist pilgrims, with a shrine at its summit dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, the mountain's Shinto goddess. Last year, to deter crowds from gathering for photos, the town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi installed a large black screen along a pavement, obstructing a popular view of Mount Fuji. The black mesh screen was installed after locals grew frustrated with foreign tourists littering, trespassing, and violating traffic rules in pursuit of the perfect social media photo. The official climbing season lasts from July to September, with over 200,000 hikers attempting the summit annually. Many make the overnight trek to witness the sunrise from the peak. According to the World History Encyclopedia, dreaming of Mount Fuji is considered a sign of good fortune in Japan. Beyond the shrines on the mountain itself, more than 13,000 shrines across Japan are reported to be dedicated to Mt Fuji. Many feature small-scale replicas of the mountain, allowing those unable to climb the real peak to make a symbolic pilgrimage.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Yahoo
Mount Fuji tax to hit hiking tourists
Hikers attempting any of Mount Fuji's four main trails will be charged an entry fee of 4,000 yen (£21) from this summer, after local authorities passed a bill on Monday. A record influx of foreign tourists to Japan has raised concerns about overcrowding on the country's highest mountain, once a tranquil pilgrimage destination. A number of regions in Japan are exploring measures to address overtourism, including Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture, which has proposed raising the entrance fee for non-residents to visit its historic castle. The Telegraph revealed last month that Kyoto is considering a dual-pricing system on buses that would see tourists pay higher fares. Last year, the Yamanashi region - home to Mount Fuji - introduced a 2,000 yen entry fee, along with an optional donation, for the popular Yoshida Trail, which leads to the active volcano. In addition, daily entry caps and online reservations were implemented for the trail due to concerns about safety and environmental impact on Mount Fuji's majestic slopes. This year, the Yoshida Trail fee will be doubled for the July-September climbing season, while the neighbouring Shizuoka region passed a bill on Monday to also charge 4,000 yen for its three trails, which were previously free. Thanks, in part, to the new restrictions, the number of climbers on Mount Fuji decreased to 204,316 last year, down from 221,322 in 2023, environment ministry data shows. Although climber numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels, '200,000 hikers is still huge', Natsuko Sodeyama, an official from Shizuoka Prefecture, told AFP. '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, however during the summer hiking season, many trekkers ascend its steep, rocky slopes through the night to see the sunrise. The symmetrical mountain has been immortalised in countless artworks, including Hokusai's Great Wave. It last erupted abound 300 years ago. Koji Matsui, the mayor of Kyoto, told The Telegraph in February: 'We are considering changing bus fares between residents and non-residents, asking non-residents to pay a slightly higher fare. The purpose of this would be to use it as a financial resource to help ease congestion and preserve Kyoto's beautiful cultural cityscape.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
17-03-2025
- Telegraph
Mount Fuji tax to hit hiking tourists
Hikers attempting any of Mount Fuji's four main trails will be charged an entry fee of 4,000 yen (£21) from this summer, after local authorities passed a bill on Monday. A record influx of foreign tourists to Japan has raised concerns about overcrowding on the country's highest mountain, once a tranquil pilgrimage destination. A number of regions in Japan are exploring measures to address overtourism, including Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture, which has proposed raising the entrance fee for non-residents to visit its historic castle. The Telegraph revealed last month that Kyoto is considering a dual-pricing system on buses that would see tourists pay higher fares. Last year, the Yamanashi region - home to Mount Fuji - introduced a 2,000 yen entry fee, along with an optional donation, for the popular Yoshida Trail, which leads to the active volcano. In addition, daily entry caps and online reservations were implemented for the trail due to concerns about safety and environmental impact on Mount Fuji's majestic slopes. This year, the Yoshida Trail fee will be doubled for the July-September climbing season, while the neighbouring Shizuoka region passed a bill on Monday to also charge 4,000 yen for its three trails, which were previously free. Thanks, in part, to the new restrictions, the number of climbers on Mount Fuji decreased to 204,316 last year, down from 221,322 in 2023, environment ministry data shows. Although climber numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels, '200,000 hikers is still huge', Natsuko Sodeyama, an official from Shizuoka Prefecture, told AFP. '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, however during the summer hiking season, many trekkers ascend its steep, rocky slopes through the night to see the sunrise. The symmetrical mountain has been immortalised in countless artworks, including Hokusai's Great Wave. It last erupted abound 300 years ago. Koji Matsui, the mayor of Kyoto, told The Telegraph in February: 'We are considering changing bus fares between residents and non-residents, asking non-residents to pay a slightly higher fare. The purpose of this would be to use it as a financial resource to help ease congestion and preserve Kyoto's beautiful cultural cityscape.'
