On June 17, a crucial crowd-control gate was installed halfway up Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, just ahead of the July 1 start of this year’s climbing season. This measure is a part of a broader set of rules introduced by Yamanashi Prefecture to tackle the increasing safety, environmental, and overcrowding issues on the mountain.
Addressing “Bullet Climbing” and Overcrowding
The newly installed gate will remain closed between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m. to prevent climbers without an overnight booking at a hut along the Yoshida trail from ascending. This move aims to curb the dangerous practice known as “bullet climbing,” where climbers rush to the summit without adequate rest, posing significant safety risks. A daily limit of 4,000 climbers will be enforced to manage the trail’s capacity.
Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki emphasized the importance of these measures during a news conference in Tokyo. “The restrictions that will take effect this year are measures to address the problems that are putting climbers’ lives at risk,” Nagasaki stated. He noted that the number of climbers this year is expected to exceed last year’s count of 137,236. “Overcrowding near the summit could lead to a major disaster, like people falling in a domino effect,” he added.
New Climbing System and Fees
Under the new regulations, climbers must book their hike in advance, choosing between a day hike or an overnight stay at one of the huts along the trail. Additionally, there is a mandatory hiking fee of 2,000 yen (about $12.70) and an optional conservation donation of 1,000 yen (about $6.35). Climbers will receive a QR code on their smartphones to be scanned at the gate located at the fifth station, where the Yoshida trail begins. Mount Fuji features a total of ten stations along its paths.
Governor Nagasaki expressed confidence that these new measures would alleviate overcrowding on Mount Fuji’s upper reaches. However, he acknowledged that issues persist at lower elevations and surrounding areas. To address this, he proposed the introduction of a mountain railway to the fifth station, currently accessible by cars and buses, while promoting traditional climbing routes from the mountain’s base.
Shizuoka Prefecture’s Approach
In contrast, Shizuoka Prefecture, which also encompasses part of Mount Fuji, has opted for a different strategy. As of June 10, Shizuoka implemented an online registration system where climbers submit their hiking plans and are advised against climbing after 4 p.m. This approach, however, does not include mandatory hiking restrictions.
Balancing Tourism and Conservation
Mount Fuji, a revered symbol of Japan and once a pilgrimage site, now attracts thousands of climbers eager to witness the sunrise from its summit. Unfortunately, this popularity has led to significant environmental concerns, particularly the accumulation of trash such as plastic bottles and food waste.
In response to the growing impact of overtourism, measures are being taken in other areas as well. For instance, Fujikawaguchiko town in Yamanashi recently installed a large black screen to block the view of Mount Fuji from a popular photo spot. This action was prompted by a social media trend known as “Mount Fuji Lawson,” where tourists crowded the area to capture the mountain appearing to sit atop a convenience store roof, disrupting local businesses and traffic.
A Broader Challenge
Overtourism is not limited to Mount Fuji. Other popular destinations like Kyoto are also grappling with the influx of visitors, driven in part by the weaker yen attracting more foreign tourists. The challenge lies in balancing the benefits of tourism with the need to protect and preserve these cherished sites.
Conclusion
The introduction of the crowd-control gate and other measures on Mount Fuji marks a significant step towards managing the mountain’s increasing popularity responsibly. While these steps aim to enhance climbers’ safety and protect the environment, ongoing efforts and innovative solutions will be essential to address the broader issues of overtourism across Japan.
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