Following a year of overtourism, pollution, and hiking accidents, Japan will introduce a new entrance toll and visitor cap for Mount Fuji – its famed Unesco World Heritage Site.
From July 1, Mount Fuji’s most popular hiking trail, Yoshida, will feature a tolled entrance gate to protect the surrounding environment and track and ensure the safety of hikers. Officials will announce the toll prices in February, reports euronews.com.
Visitors will be capped at 4 000 per day, and the gate will prevent hiking between 16h00 and 02h00.
In 2023, Mount Fuji accommodated 221 322 hikers and climbers, more than half of whom chose to ascend the mountain using the Yoshida trail. The rapid surge in visitors led to an excessive build-up of rubbish on the path. Moreover, after many inexperienced hikers attempted the trail, it resulted in numerous traffic jams, resulting in accidents and injuries.
Authorities say the toll will finance new shelters along the trails to house hikers in the event of a volcanic eruption and to maintain the hiking paths.
Although hikers have been encouraged to pay a voluntary fee of ¥1 000 (R128) per person to contribute towards the preservation of the site, however, from July, the new toll will be mandatory.
