Japan has doubled the hiking fee for Mount Fuji's popular Yoshida trail from ¥2,000 to ¥4,000 (£10 to £20).
The price hike was approved on Monday, 17 March, when local authorities passed a bill affecting one of the iconic mountain's most accessible routes.
The fee increase comes just a year after the initial charge was introduced in early 2024.
The new fee will be in effect during the mountain's climbing season from July to September.
The increased charge will also apply to the three hiking trails in neighbouring Shizuoka Prefecture.
This represents a significant price jump for tourists and locals hoping to experience one of Japan's most iconic natural landmarks.
The Yoshida trail stretches 14.5km and is considered one of the safer ways to experience Mount Fuji.
Its proximity to Tokyo and accessibility for less experienced climbers has made it particularly popular.
This popularity has led to significant overcrowding issues, with instances of congestion and logjams raising safety concerns.
This has put a strain on local rescue teams on what Time Out described as "one of the most iconic mountains on the planet".
The fee helps fund crucial rescue operations for inexperienced hikers who find themselves in difficulty on the mountain.
It also contributes to the construction of shelters designed to protect visitors in case of a volcanic eruption, as Mount Fuji is technically an active volcano.
Additionally, the money supports essential maintenance work required to preserve the mountain's trails and facilities.
The implementation of restrictions in 2024, including a daily cap of 4,000 visitors, has already shown results.
Visitor numbers dropped from 221,322 in 2023 to 204,316 after the initial measures were put in place.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The fee increase is expected to further manage the flow of tourists whilst generating additional funds for mountain infrastructure.
The fee increase is part of broader tourism management efforts in Japan, which announced new measures in October 2023.
These initiatives aim to address over-tourism concerns across the country.
In January, the country's 'Spirited Away' spa-town also introduced caps on daily visitor numbers.
Japan continues to balance its popularity as a tourist destination with the need to protect its natural and cultural sites.
Find Out More...
The price hike was approved on Monday, 17 March, when local authorities passed a bill affecting one of the iconic mountain's most accessible routes.
The fee increase comes just a year after the initial charge was introduced in early 2024.
The new fee will be in effect during the mountain's climbing season from July to September.
The increased charge will also apply to the three hiking trails in neighbouring Shizuoka Prefecture.
This represents a significant price jump for tourists and locals hoping to experience one of Japan's most iconic natural landmarks.
The Yoshida trail stretches 14.5km and is considered one of the safer ways to experience Mount Fuji.
Its proximity to Tokyo and accessibility for less experienced climbers has made it particularly popular.
This popularity has led to significant overcrowding issues, with instances of congestion and logjams raising safety concerns.
This has put a strain on local rescue teams on what Time Out described as "one of the most iconic mountains on the planet".
The fee helps fund crucial rescue operations for inexperienced hikers who find themselves in difficulty on the mountain.
It also contributes to the construction of shelters designed to protect visitors in case of a volcanic eruption, as Mount Fuji is technically an active volcano.
Additionally, the money supports essential maintenance work required to preserve the mountain's trails and facilities.
The implementation of restrictions in 2024, including a daily cap of 4,000 visitors, has already shown results.
Visitor numbers dropped from 221,322 in 2023 to 204,316 after the initial measures were put in place.
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The fee increase is expected to further manage the flow of tourists whilst generating additional funds for mountain infrastructure.
The fee increase is part of broader tourism management efforts in Japan, which announced new measures in October 2023.
These initiatives aim to address over-tourism concerns across the country.
In January, the country's 'Spirited Away' spa-town also introduced caps on daily visitor numbers.
Japan continues to balance its popularity as a tourist destination with the need to protect its natural and cultural sites.
Find Out More...