TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Japan's Yamanashi Prefecture plans to begin collecting around NT＄426 pass fee from climbing visitors this summer to tackle the problem of overcrowding by tourists at Mount Fuji, while the number of climbers will concurrently be restricted.
The Japan News on Wednesday (Jan. 31) cited sources claiming Yamanashi Prefecture intends to propose a bill at a February council meeting to implement the fee. The plan includes installing a tollgate at the Yoshida Trail fifth station.
Sources reveal Yamanashi plans to cap the daily Mount Fuji climbing figure at 4,000 individuals. Should the number exceed this, the toll gate will be closed. Furthermore, climbing will be prohibited between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m.
With approximately 140,000 visitors at the Yoshida Trail in 2023, the prefecture indicated the funds generated by the toll would be utilized for the construction of refuge facilities in the event of a volcanic eruption.
Sources added that as this trail falls under the county road category, about 600 meters of the road near the fifth station is not covered by highway regulations. The administration will thus impose the climber fees as usage charges.
