Mount Fuji opened for climbing season Tuesday with major changes hitting all visitors. The famous Japanese mountain charges everyone 4,000 yen to climb any of its four paths. Last year only one trail cost money at 2,000 yen each climber paid. Officials want fewer crowds and safer conditions on the slopes.
All trails shut down from 2 pm until 3 am every single day. This stops people from starting dangerous late-night climbs without rest breaks. The popular Yoshida route limits daily climbers to just 4,000 people before closing its gates. Authorities call risky overnight climbs bullet climbing because hikers rush to the top without stopping.
Climbers can book spots online ahead of time or pay when they arrive at base stations. Everyone must reach the fifth station before 2 pm or face being turned away. People staying overnight at mountain huts can ignore these time limits. Rangers may block climbers who lack proper gear or experience.
About 204,000 people climbed Mount Fuji last year compared to 221,000 the year before. The 3,776-meter peak became a UNESCO World Heritage site back in 2013. Mount Everest charges much more at $11,000 per climber during busy season. The Fujinomiya trail offers the shortest but steepest route up the mountain. Gotemba trail stretches the longest distance with the biggest elevation gain to reach the summit.
All trails shut down from 2 pm until 3 am every single day. This stops people from starting dangerous late-night climbs without rest breaks. The popular Yoshida route limits daily climbers to just 4,000 people before closing its gates. Authorities call risky overnight climbs bullet climbing because hikers rush to the top without stopping.
Climbers can book spots online ahead of time or pay when they arrive at base stations. Everyone must reach the fifth station before 2 pm or face being turned away. People staying overnight at mountain huts can ignore these time limits. Rangers may block climbers who lack proper gear or experience.
About 204,000 people climbed Mount Fuji last year compared to 221,000 the year before. The 3,776-meter peak became a UNESCO World Heritage site back in 2013. Mount Everest charges much more at $11,000 per climber during busy season. The Fujinomiya trail offers the shortest but steepest route up the mountain. Gotemba trail stretches the longest distance with the biggest elevation gain to reach the summit.
