Japan's famous mountain started charging climbers double the cash this summer after crowds caused major problems. Mount Fuji officials decided every single trail needs visitors to pay 4,000 yen before they can start hiking up the slopes. Last year only one path cost money at half that price but three other routes stayed free. Mountain bosses got tired of dangerous tourists who showed up without proper gear or experience. The new rules also block people from starting climbs after 2 pm each day.
Rescue teams have been pulling exhausted hikers off the mountain more often than ever before. Many visitors think climbing Japan's tallest peak will be easy because it looks simple from far away. Bad weather can hit fast and turn a nice day into a deadly nightmare for unprepared climbers. Officials worry about bullet climbers who try rushing to the top all night without stopping to rest. These risky hikers often cause traffic jams on narrow trails and hog bathroom facilities at mountain huts.
Police created special mountain rescue squads after 24 people died during a terrible storm back in 1972. That disaster taught authorities how quickly conditions can change and kill even experienced mountaineers. Modern rescue operations cost huge amounts of money when helicopters must fly dangerous missions to save stranded climbers. Some areas already charge people thousands of dollars for emergency helicopter rides down the mountain. Mountain safety experts tell hikers to call for help early before situations become completely hopeless.
Rescue teams have been pulling exhausted hikers off the mountain more often than ever before. Many visitors think climbing Japan's tallest peak will be easy because it looks simple from far away. Bad weather can hit fast and turn a nice day into a deadly nightmare for unprepared climbers. Officials worry about bullet climbers who try rushing to the top all night without stopping to rest. These risky hikers often cause traffic jams on narrow trails and hog bathroom facilities at mountain huts.
Police created special mountain rescue squads after 24 people died during a terrible storm back in 1972. That disaster taught authorities how quickly conditions can change and kill even experienced mountaineers. Modern rescue operations cost huge amounts of money when helicopters must fly dangerous missions to save stranded climbers. Some areas already charge people thousands of dollars for emergency helicopter rides down the mountain. Mountain safety experts tell hikers to call for help early before situations become completely hopeless.
