Mount Fuji hikers will have to pay €24 for all trails this summer

Mount Fuji Introduces Hiking Fee to Combat Overtourism

Starting this summer, hikers planning to climb Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic and highest mountain, will have to pay a fee of ¥4,000 (approximately €24.70) to use any of its four main trails. This decision, made by Yamanashi prefecture, aims to address the growing issue of overtourism, which has plagued the UNESCO World Heritage site in recent years. The fee will be mandatory during the peak climbing season, which runs from July to September. authorities hope this measure will not only reduce the number of visitors but also generate funds to preserve the environment and improve infrastructure for hikers.

The introduction of the fee comes after years of unchecked tourism growth, which has led to significant environmental degradation and safety concerns. The Yoshida trail, the most popular route due to its proximity to Tokyo and the availability of mountain huts, has been particularly affected. In 2023, the trail saw 221,322 climbers, a number that authorities deemed unsustainable. Last year, a trial fee of ¥2,000 (€12.35) was introduced for the Yoshida trail, along with a daily visitor cap of 4,000 people. These measures proved effective, reducing the number of climbers to 204,316 in 2024. Now, the fee is being extended to three other routes, which were previously free to use, and doubled to ¥4,000 to further deter overcrowding.

Environmental and Safety Concerns Drive New Regulations

The dramatic increase in visitors to Mount Fuji has placed immense pressure on its delicate ecosystem. Pollution, littering, and erosion have become significant issues, threatening the natural beauty and UNESCO-designated status of the site. Additionally, the sheer number of climbers has raised safety concerns, particularly in the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. To address these challenges, authorities have committed the revenue generated from the hiking fees to essential projects. For example, the funds will be used to construct shelters along the trails and maintain the hiking routes themselves.

Furthermore, since 2014, climbers have been encouraged to voluntarily pay ¥1,000 (€6.20) per person toward the preservation of the site. While this initiative has contributed to conservation efforts, the new mandatory fee is expected to provide a more stable source of funding. By investing in infrastructure and environmental protection, authorities aim to ensure that Mount Fuji remains a sustainable destination for future generations.

Innovative Measures to Tackle Overtourism

In addition to the hiking fee, other innovative measures have been implemented in the region to curb the impact of mass tourism. One notable example is the town of Fujikawaguchiko, which has struggled with crowds of tourists drawn to its scenic views of Mount Fuji. In response to issues such as littering, traffic violations, and trespassing, the town constructed a large fence to block the view of the mountain. The 20-meter-long, 2.5-meter-high barrier, covered in black mesh, prevented tourists from taking selfies with the landmark. While the fence was initially met with criticism, it proved effective in deterring visitors. It was temporarily removed in August due to a typhoon warning but has not been reinstalled, as the town has seen a significant reduction in tourist numbers. However, authorities have cautioned that the fence could be reintroduced if overcrowding returns.

Balancing Tourism and Conservation

The introduction of the hiking fee and other measures reflects a broader shift in how Japan is approaching tourism. As one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, the country has struggled to manage the influx of visitors while protecting its landmarks and natural wonders. Mount Fuji, in particular, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, and its preservation is seen as a national priority. By implementing these regulations, authorities are sending a clear message: tourism must be sustainable and respectful of the environment and local communities.

While some travelers may be deterred by the new fees, many hikers have expressed support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of preserving Mount Fuji for future generations. The success of these measures will not only determine the fate of this iconic mountain but also serve as a model for other destinations grappling with overtourism. As Japan continues to balance the benefits of tourism with the need for conservation, Mount Fuji stands as a powerful symbol of the challenges and opportunities facing sustainable travel in the modern world.