Mount Fuji, one of Japan's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has introduced new restrictions ahead of the 2025 climbing season to curb overtourism and environmental degradation. The updated regulations include a mandatory fee of 4,000 yen (£20) per climber and a daily cap of 4,000 visitors.

The decision, jointly made by the Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, comes as Mount Fuji struggles with overcrowding and the negative impacts of mass tourism. Officials have expressed concerns about excessive littering, safety hazards, and unprepared climbers attempting the trek in inappropriate footwear or without proper gear.

Previously, visitors were encouraged to make a voluntary donation of 1,000 yen, but in 2024, a mandatory fee of 2,000 yen was introduced. The 2025 regulations double this charge.

In addition to the climbing fee, visitors will be required to book their slots online in advance, ensuring a controlled number of climbers each day.

To further enhance safety, Shizuoka Prefecture, which manages three of the four main trails, will introduce a mandatory hiking safety class and test for prospective climbers.

Another key measure to improve climber safety and preserve the mountain environment includes a daily closure of Mount Fuji's trails between 2pm and 3am unless visitors are staying overnight in designated mountain huts.

The restriction aims to prevent risky "bullet climbing," where hikers attempt to ascend and descend the mountain in a single day, often leading to exhaustion and medical emergencies.

Mount Fuji is not the only Japanese destination that has implemented stricter tourism policies. The country has been grappling with the challenges of over-tourism, particularly as international travel has rebounded post-pandemic.

Hiroshima’s famous Itsukushima Shrine began charging an entry fee in 2023 to manage crowds, and the snowy onsen town of Otaru has had to hire security personnel to handle overwhelming tourist numbers in winter.

As Japan continues to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need for sustainability, officials hope that these measures will protect Mount Fuji for future generations while ensuring a safer and more respectful climbing experience for visitors.