Scaling Mount Fuji May Get More Expensive In 2025
In light of overtourism and environmental concerns, authorities want to introduce a new fee.
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If scaling the majestic Mount Fuji is on your bucket list, you may need to pay more starting next year
Shizuoka Prefecture, one of the two gateways to Mount Fuji, is planning to introduce a new fee structure ranging between 3,000 yen (approximately RM88) and 5,000 yen (approximately RM146) per climber, as reported by the Japan Times.
Currently, climbers voluntarily donate 1,000 yen (approximately RM29) to support conservation and maintenance efforts. However, with surging overtourism and concerns about environmental impact, authorities are considering incorporating the current voluntary donation into the new mandatory fees for climbing Mount Fuji.
Authorities are also planning to restrict access to the summit of Mount Fuji from both Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures
Yamanashi Prefecture already has a mandatory fee system in place, charging 2,000 yen (approximately RM58) per climber, in addition to the voluntary contribution. This route also restricts access after 4pm to manage crowds and prevent bullet climbing.
Shizuoka Prefecture, with its three climbing routes — Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba — accounts for 40% of the total number of Mount Fuji climbers. After observing Yamanashi's success with reducing overnight ascents, Shizuoka plans to limit the number of climbers after certain times on its three routes: 1pm on the Gotemba Route, 3pm on the Subashiri Route, and 4pm on the Fujinomiya Route.
The new fees are expected to be implemented in mid-2025.