Addressing Overtourism on Mount Fuji
Japanese authorities have introduced an online booking system for Mount Fuji’s popular trail in an effort to combat overtourism on the active volcano. The move comes as concerns grow over safety and environmental damage caused by the increasing number of visitors during the summer hiking season.
Regulating Trail Access
To manage congestion on the Yoshida Trail, which is the preferred route for most hikers, the central Yamanashi region has decided to limit daily entries to 4,000 people. Each visitor will be charged $13 for access to the trail.
Introducing Online Bookings
To address climbers’ worries about being turned away once the daily limit is reached, online bookings will be introduced for the first time this year. This new system will guarantee entry through a designated gate, providing visitors with the opportunity to plan their hike in advance.
Online bookings for the July–September hiking season will open on May 20. Additionally, a minimum of 1,000 spots will be reserved each day for on-the-spot entry.
Challenges and Solutions
Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet), attracts over 220,000 visitors during the summer months. Some climbers, eager to reach the summit without breaks, risk falling ill or getting injured along the way.
Furthermore, the mountain’s popularity has led to an influx of tourists in surrounding areas, causing inconvenience to local residents. To address this, measures such as constructing barriers to limit views and restricting access to private alleys have been implemented.
It is essential to strike a balance between promoting tourism and preserving the natural beauty and safety of Mount Fuji and its surroundings.