Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan — Starting this summer, climbers planning to ascend Mount Fuji via the Yoshida Trail will be required to wear appropriate clothing and gear, according to an announcement from the Yamanashi prefectural government. The new regulation, set to take effect as the climbing season begins in July, aims to enhance safety amid rising concerns about unprepared hikers on Japan’s iconic peak.
The mandate comes as part of an updated reservation system for the Yoshida Trail, the most popular route to Mount Fuji’s summit, which will open for bookings on Thursday. Climbers must agree to terms that include wearing proper attire, such as warm clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and rain gear, to tackle the mountain’s challenging conditions. The local government emphasized that these measures address incidents where climbers, often tourists lacking outdoor experience, have required medical attention due to inadequate gear, such as sandals or flip-flops.
Related: Japan Expands Muslim-Friendly Tourism for Indonesian and Malaysian Travelers
“We’ve seen too many cases of climbers underestimating Mount Fuji’s environment,” said a Yamanashi prefectural official. “Proper clothing is essential to prevent hypothermia, injuries, and other risks, especially at higher altitudes where weather can change rapidly.”
In addition to the clothing requirement, climbers will face a new fee of 4,000 yen (approximately $27) to access any of the four trails leading to Mount Fuji’s summit, including the Yoshida Trail. This fee, approved by the Shizuoka prefectural assembly in March, aims to manage overcrowding and fund trail maintenance. The 2025 climbing season, running from July to September, will also feature a mandatory safety briefing and, in some cases, guided tours to ensure compliance with local rules.
The decision follows reports of increasing safety issues on Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction drawing thousands annually. A 2024 study noted that global warming has shortened winter conditions at the mountain’s base, potentially leading to unpredictable weather during the climbing season. Authorities in Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, which share jurisdiction over the mountain, have introduced these measures to balance tourism with safety and environmental preservation.
Public sentiment on social media reflects support for the new rules. One user on X commented, “It’s cold up there. The more tourists come, the more people without outdoors experience will climb Mt. Fuji. It makes sense to enforce safety rules like proper hiking shoes and warm layers.”
The Yamanashi government hopes these regulations will ensure a safer and more sustainable climbing experience, preserving Mount Fuji’s natural beauty and cultural significance for future generations. Climbers are advised to check the official reservation website for detailed guidelines and to prepare adequately before embarking on their ascent.
Japan Steadily Attracting Muslims From Around The World
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.