How Will Japan's Mount Fuji Deal With The Negative Impact of Overtourism?
Overtourism, the overwhelming influx of visitors to a destination, can cast a shadow on the very things that make a place special. While tourism can bring economic benefits, too many tourists can strain local resources, damage natural environments, and erode the cultural identity of a place. One such spot that is currently facing the adverse effects of overtourism is Mount Fuji in Japan.
To address this issue, new rules have been implemented for tourists who want to climb one of the most popular trails on the iconic mountain. These rules apply to the Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi side of Mount Fuji.
Starting from July 1 to 10, climbers have to book a slot and a fee due to concerns over safety and conservation. Only 4,000 climbers will be allowed to enter the trail per day, with a hiking fee of 2,000 yen (about $18). Out of these slots, 3,000 can be booked online, while the remaining 1,000 can be booked in person on the day of the climb. There is also an option to donate an additional 1,000 yen (about $9) for conservation efforts.
Climbers can book their slots through the Mount Fuji Climbing website, which is jointly run by the Environment Ministry and the mountain's two home prefectures, Yamanashi and Shizuoka. The new system requires climbers to choose between a day hike or an overnight stay at available huts along the trail. On the day of their climb, climbers are given a QR code to be scanned at the 5th station. Those without a booking for an overnight hut will be sent back down and not allowed to climb between 4 pm and 3 am to prevent rushing to the summit without adequate rest, which can put lives at risk.
The implementation of these new rules aims to control the number of climbers and address the issues caused by overtourism. Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, has been a symbol of Japan and attracts hikers who climb to the summit to witness the sunrise. However, the increasing number of tourists has led to tons of trash being left behind, including plastic bottles, food, and clothing, posing a significant concern.
Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki expressed gratitude to the public for their understanding and cooperation in helping conserve Mount Fuji. Shizuoka prefecture, located southwest of Mount Fuji, has been collecting a voluntary 1,000-yen ($6.40) fee per climber since 2014 and is considering additional measures to balance tourism and environmental protection.The number of climbers on Mount Fuji during the 2023 season reached 221,322, close to pre-pandemic levels, and officials expect even more visitors this year. Overtourism has become a growing issue at other popular tourist destinations in Japan, such as Kyoto and Kamakura, as foreign visitors have flocked to the country since the lifting of coronavirus pandemic restrictions.
These new rules and measures are crucial in managing the impact of overtourism on Mount Fuji. By limiting the number of climbers and promoting responsible tourism practices, the preservation of the mountain's natural beauty and cultural significance can be ensured for future generations. The efforts to strike a balance between tourism and environmental protection are necessary to protect Japan's iconic cultural and natural sites.
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