Japan Introduces Universal Entry Fee for Mount Fuji Hiking Trails

A ¥4,000 fee will be charged on all four main trails starting this summer to address overcrowding and safety concerns.

The new ¥4,000 (approximately $27) entry fee applies to all four main Mount Fuji hiking trails, including three in Shizuoka prefecture that were previously free.
The fee for the Yoshida Trail in Yamanashi prefecture will double from ¥2,000 to ¥4,000 during the July-September climbing season.
The decision follows a surge in foreign tourism, raising concerns about overcrowding, environmental damage, and safety on Japan's iconic mountain.
Restrictions introduced last year, including fees and daily caps on the Yoshida Trail, led to a decline in climber numbers from 221,322 in 2023 to 204,316 in 2024.
Officials emphasize the need for these measures to manage over 200,000 climbers annually during the short summer hiking season.