In Japan, due to overcrowding during the summer months, it will now be necessary to pay 2,000 yen (12 euros) per person and make a reservation if you wish to reach Mount Fuji (3,776 m) via the Yoshida trail, one of the four main access routes to the summit of Japan’s highest volcano. These new measures come into effect at the beginning of July. We can easily draw parallels with the overcrowding of Mont Blanc or Everest
Every year, no less than 220 000 visitors climb Mount Fuji between July and September. Among the various access routes to the summit, the Yoshida trail is undoubtedly the most popular way to climb the volcano. It is estimated that 60% of all climbers use this path.
The overused Yoshida trail. ©Wikicommons
This situation raises a variety of issues in terms of the preservation of the area – classified as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013. Congestion, an increased risk of accidents – 61 accident calls were recorded in 2023 – and an explosion in littering are just some of the symptoms of overcrowding. For the authorities, the situation could no longer be allowed to continue.
In March 2024, Yamanashi Prefecture announced that from July 1 to September 10, only 4,000 climbers per day will be allowed on the trail. To do so, they must pay an access fee of 2,000 yen (approx. 12 euros). Of the 4,000 access permits issued each day, 3,000 will be bookable online. The remaining