Soon you’ll have to pay to climb Japan’s highest mountain.
Hiking to the top of Mount Fuji, or “Fujisan” as it’s known in Japanese, is high up on the bucket-list for many locals and international tourists in Japan. As the country’s highest mountain, this active volcano (which last erupted in 1707-1708) has inspired painters and filmmakers over the centuries, standing tall as one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a proud symbol of the nation.
During the summer months, when the trails are clear from snow, thousands of people come to climb to its peak elevation of 3,776.24 metres (12,389 feet). With approximately 300,000 people climbing the mountain every year, the Fujisan World Cultural Heritage Council has been struggling to cover costs connected to the renovation of restrooms in mountain huts, the operation of aid stations along the trails, and the cleanup of trash left by visitors.
In order to help alleviate the problem, the Council implemented a donation system in 2014, asking climbers to pay a non-mandatory fee of 1,000 yen (US$9.11). However, only an average of around 50 percent of hikers on both the Yamanashi and Shizuoka sides of the mountain (Mount Fuji straddles the two prefectures) typically make the donation each year.
Last year, however, the number of climbers voluntarily paying the donation rose to 67.2 percent on the Yamanashi side and 67.4 percent on the Shizuoka side, providing the Council with promising evidence that more and more people are willing to help out with costs for the upkeep of the mountain and its facilities.
A special committee of the Council responsible for overseeing climbing costs convened yesterday in Tokyo to discuss the issue, formally agreeing to consider making entry fees mandatory.
The Committee, which advises the working group of the Fujisan World Cultural Heritage Council, consists of experts on mountain climbing and environmental issues, as well as representatives from both Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures.
The group expects to receive formal approval for the new compulsory payment system at their next meeting with the Council in March.
Following approval, the committee says they aim to finalise details regarding the fee amount and the method of collection by the end of the 2020 fiscal year, with a view to have the system in operation by the summer of 2022 at the earliest.
Source: Otakomu
Top image: Pakutaso
Insert image: Flickr/mas_to
Related Articles
- Area
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
The Imperial Palace
Other Architecture
Tokyo Station
-
The Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building
Landmarks
Tokyo Station
-
Events
Tokyo Tower
Landmarks
Roppongi
-
TOKYO SKYTREE®
Landmarks
Ryogoku / TOKYO SKYTREE(R)
-
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Landmarks
Shinjuku
-
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Gardens
Shinjuku
-
From Plant-Based and Gluten-Free to Meat and Cheese, bills Omotesando is The Tokyo Hotspot for ALL Diets
by: Cassandra Lord
-
Visiting Japan in November: The Best Things to Do and Reasons to Visit
by: James Davies
-
What’s Tokyo’s Bathhouse Culture Like? Guide Shares Quirky Traditional Edo-Era Sento and Modern Spa Experience
-
Experience the Vibrant Autumn Blooms at Hitachi Seaside Park: Kochia and Cosmos Now in Full Color
-
Take Home the Essence of Japan with YUBUNE Fragrances from Tokyo
-
Enjoy Japanese Culture When Traveling to Tokyo With These Specially Curated Experiences
by: James Davies
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Top Ranked Hakone Hotels with Mt. Fuji View: Enjoy Stunning Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Tokyo Hotels with Airport Shuttle: Ideal for Families and Heavy Luggage
-
Stunning Tokyo Tower View Hotels: Enjoy Spectacular Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Family-Friendly Hotels with Free Shuttle to Disneyland: Convenient Access for a Magical Stay
-
Convenient Asakusa Hotels with Kitchens: Ideal for Extended Family Visits
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves! Top Hotels Near the Popular Autumn Leaves Corridor
-
Experience Hakone Fall Foliage from Your Room with Stunning Views
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji from the Comfort of Your Room! Recommended Ryokan with Mt. Fuji View
-
Experience Luxury at Mt. Fuji Resort Hotels! Best Extended Stay Options for Families
-
Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Tokyo National Museum: Both in Galleries and the Garden (From Representations to the Real Deal)
-
Top 3 Photo Spots at Tokyo Station
-
JR Edition: Visit all of Tokyo in one Day with the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass!
-
Visiting Ikebukuro, Tokyo's Other Anime Town! 10 Quirky & Unique Spots You'll Want to Add to Your Tokyo Bucket List!
-
Complete Shinjuku Guide: All Drug Stores & Electronic Retail Stores in the Area!
-
Secrets to Shopping in Japan: Guide to Annual Sales in Japan & Where to Shop
by: Miyu Shimada
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks