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The climbing season on the majestic Mount Fuji, a sacred symbol of Japan, is always a highly anticipated annual event. Lasting from July to early September, the climbing season offers a unique opportunity for visitors from around the world to admire the breathtaking beauty of this mountain and challenge themselves to conquer its 3,776-meter peak.
2025 marks a new era in tourism management at Mount Fuji, with stricter regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of climbers, protecting the environment, and preserving the mountain's heritage value.
This year, the Yamanashi prefectural government limited the maximum number of hikers on the Yoshida Trail to 4,000 per day and doubled the entrance fee to 4,000 yen (US$28).
The routes to the summit of Mount Fuji are divided into four main paths. This year, the Yoshida route, located in Yamanashi Prefecture, officially opened earliest on July 1st. The other three routes—Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba, located in Shizuoka Prefecture—opened later on July 10th.
According to data from the Yamanashi Prefectural Government, on the very first day of its opening, 1,009 people booked climbing spots on the Yoshida Trail, notably with approximately 60% being international tourists. This demonstrates the strong appeal of Mount Fuji to the global tourism community.
Those planning to ascend the mountain via the Yoshida Trail must also agree to conditions set by the local government when booking online, including bringing warm clothing and appropriate footwear.
One of the most notable changes this year's climbing season is the standardization of a 4,000 yen (approximately $25) fee per climber across all four routes. Previously, only the Yoshida route charged 2,000 yen, while the other three routes were completely free. According to The Independent, this decision aims to distribute visitors more evenly and generate funds for the maintenance and protection of the mountain.
In addition to charging fees, the governments of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures have implemented a series of new measures to enhance safety and protect the heritage site's environment. Specifically, Yamanashi Prefecture has invested 15 million yen to construct a permanent steel gate at the 5th station of the Yoshida Line, replacing the temporary wooden gate. This gate will be closed from 2 PM to 3 AM the following day, two hours earlier than last year. The main purpose is to prevent late-night climbing and "bullet climbing"—a type of overnight, non-stop climbing that poses significant health and safety risks.
Yamanashi Prefecture has tightened safety measures amid a surge in foreign visitors and growing concerns about many people being unprepared when climbing the mountain.
The Yoshida route, the busiest, will impose a limit of 4,000 people per day at the fifth stop. While the other three routes don't have specific quotas, they are subject to similar curfew regulations to maintain order. Those who don't reach the fifth stop before 2 PM will not be allowed to continue their journey unless they have booked overnight accommodation at the mountain stops. Additionally, inexperienced hikers are advised to go with a guide, and those without adequate specialized climbing equipment may be refused entry to ensure their own safety and the safety of others.
These stricter control measures were implemented after Mount Fuji recorded over 204,000 climbs in 2024, a nearly 8% decrease from the previous year. Overcrowding, littering, and inconsiderate behavior from some tourists in recent years have become a major concern for local authorities, prompting them to seek solutions to protect the mountain.
The Shizuoka Prefectural government also plans to implement similar restrictions this summer, prohibiting mountaineers from 2 PM the previous day to 3 AM the following day.
Mount Fuji is not the only mountain that applies fees to manage tourism. For example, the Nepalese government charges up to $11,000 for permits to climb Everest during peak season and plans to increase it to $15,000 from September onwards, according to the BBC. This shows that charging fees and tightening regulations is a common trend among many famous natural tourist destinations worldwide to ensure sustainability.
At 3,776 meters high, Mount Fuji is not only a national symbol but also a spiritual destination for Shinto and Buddhist followers in Japan for hundreds of years. In 2013, the mountain was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site, affirming its outstanding value in both natural and cultural aspects.
Each route to Mount Fuji has its own unique characteristics. The Fujinomiya route is the shortest but steepest, requiring good physical fitness. The Gotemba route is the longest and has the greatest elevation difference, offering a challenging climbing experience. Subashiri is famous for its spectacular sunrise views and merges with the Yoshida route near the summit, forming a convenient route favored by many beginners. This diversity allows visitors to choose a route that suits their experience and preferences.
