Climbers using the four trails on Mount Fuji will be charged a fee of 4,000 yen (US$27) from this summer after a plan by the Shizuoka prefectural government was approved this week by the local assembly.
The move by Shizuoka prefecture comes after neighbouring Yamanashi prefecture, which manages the most widely used trail, said it would double the fee to 4,000 yen for climbers of the 3,776-metre (12,400ft) peak from this summer amid concern about overcrowding and its impact on the environment.
The Shizuoka prefectural assembly also approved an ordinance to restrict access of its three trails from 2pm to 3am to discourage overnight “bullet climbing”, or trying to reach the summit of Japan’s tallest mountain without resting.
The ordinance is set to take effect on May 9, before the climbing season starts in July. Shizuoka manages the Fujinomiya, Gotemba and Subashiri trails, while Yamanashi hosts the Yoshida trail.
Access to the trails after 2pm is allowed only for those who have reserved a stay at a mountain lodge. Staff will be stationed at the trails’ 5th station to confirm payment has been made.