Japan’s Mount Fuji implements tourist tax in response to overcrowding concerns

CNN —

Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an icon of Japan, has put new regulations in place for climbers amid concerns about overcrowding.

Beginning July 1, climbers must pay 2,000 yen ($12.40) per person, with a daily maximum of 4,000 climbers per day.

“By strongly promoting comprehensive safety measures for climbing Mount Fuji, we will ensure that Mount Fuji, a treasure of the world, is passed on to future generations,” said Koutaro Nagasaki, governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, when announcing the new regulations earlier this year.

“In order to revive traditional mountain climbing from the foot of Mount Fuji, we will gain a detailed understanding of the Fuji-ko and Oshi culture that supported Mount Fuji worship. We look to link these cultures to this mountain climbing, as it is rooted in the cultural values of the religion.”

Fuji-ko is a religion specific to the mountain.

Human traffic jams, foothills littered with garbage and inappropriately attired hikers – some attempting the ascent in sandals — are among the issues plaguing the popular Japanese site.

In addition, there will be new guides who manage safety on and around the trails. They will inform climbers when they’re violating etiquette on the mountain, such as sleeping by the side of the trail, starting a fire or wearing unsuitable clothing.

This 2023 photo shows a crowd of visitors beginning their Mount Fuji ascents.

According to prefectural data, five million people hiked Mount Fuji in 2019, a rise of three million from 2012.

“Overtourism – and all the subsequent consequences like rubbish, rising CO2 emissions and reckless hikers – is the biggest problem facing Mount Fuji,” Masatake Izumi, a Yamanashi prefectural government official, told CNN