When the summer climbing season begins, individuals seeking to climb the popular route of Mount Fuji will be required to pay ¥2,000 (£10.50, $13.35, A$20.50) in an effort by local officials to alleviate overcrowding caused by the increasing number of tourists in Japan.
The trails leading up Japan’s highest mountain – a Unesco world heritage site since 2013 – are becoming increasingly overcrowded, prompting concern over littering and “bullet ascents”, in which often inexperienced climbers try to scale the 3,776-metre peak without resting.
According to local guides, the mountain’s restroom facilities are facing extreme strain due to overcrowding. Additionally, the growing number of tourists on the mountain is heightening the risk of accidents for those who underestimate the physical demands of reaching the summit.
According to the Kyodo news agency, from July onwards, hikers on the Yoshida trail in Yamanashi will have to pay a fee and face restrictions on daily numbers and entry times. This measure applies to one of two prefectures that the mountain spans.
At the present time, climbers are requested to make a optional contribution of ¥1,000 for the maintenance of the mountain.
“After the lifting of Covid restrictions, there was an increase in the number of individuals visiting. It is important for visitors to dress appropriately and be adequately prepared for the mountain,” stated Toshiaki Kasai, a representative from the local government.
Hikers can still access three different routes, located in nearby Shizuoka prefecture, without any cost. Officials are certain that these measures will help control the total number of climbers, as the Yoshida trail is a popular choice for those coming from Tokyo, with 60% of climbers using it. On average, it takes five to six hours to get to the summit from the fifth stage, but this can vary depending on factors such as weather and the individual’s climbing skill.
According to the environment ministry, over 220,000 individuals completed the eighth leg of Fuji’s 10-stage climb during last year’s three-month season, which is similar to pre-pandemic levels.
The limits on operating hours aim to discourage people from arriving late in the day to start climbing from the fifth stage, with the goal of summitting in time to witness the sunrise.
Japanese news sources have covered instances of climbers with insufficient gear choosing to sleep on the trails rather than staying at mountain lodges. This can lead to injuries or altitude sickness.
According to Kyodo, Yamanashi governor Kotaro Nagasaki stated that it is crucial to control the number of climbers due to overcrowding.
With Agence France-Presse
Source: theguardian.com
