Tackling Overtourism: Mount Fuji in Japan Introduces Entrance Fees to Manage Crowds

Mount Fuji, a famous landmark in Japan, is now charging an entrance fee of ¥2,000 (INR 1033) to help control the large number of visitors. This new rule, set by Yamanashi Prefecture, aims to address the problems caused by too many tourists. The fee is now in effect as the climbing season starts, and it applies to all climbers using the popular Yoshida trail.

The main goals of this fee are to reduce crowding and improve safety on the mountain. Mount Fuji has been dealing with issues like too many people near the summit, littering, and poor management of climbing activities. Governor Kotaro Nagasaki emphasized the need to manage the high number of visitors, which has increased since Mount Fuji became a World Heritage Site in 2013. He mentioned that this new fee is important for protecting the mountain’s natural beauty and cultural importance.

Climbers will pay the fee at a booth near the trail entrance, with options to pay in cash or by credit card. After paying, they will get a wristband that allows them to pass through a temporary gate set up for this climbing season. Staff will monitor this gate from 3 AM to 4 PM to control the number of climbers.

To further manage the number of visitors, only 4,000 climbers will be allowed to start their climb each day. This daily limit, along with the restricted entry times, aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure a safer experience for everyone. Updates on the number of climbers will be shared through the mountain’s official channels to help climbers plan their visit and avoid being turned away at the 5th Station.

Governor Nagasaki is hopeful that these measures will help protect Mount Fuji’s World Heritage status by reducing environmental damage and improving facilities with the money collected from the entrance fees. This initiative is similar to efforts in other tourist spots, like Venice, where entry fees have been introduced to manage visitor numbers and protect local resources.

These changes show a commitment to sustainable tourism, ensuring that Mount Fuji remains a beloved destination for future generations to enjoy responsibly.