Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki announced on Tuesday that the prefecture is contemplating raising entry fees for hikers on Mt. Fuji trails next summer. The aim is to alleviate the financial burden on local residents. During a session of the prefectural assembly, Nagasaki acknowledged that the current entrance fee of ¥2,000 per person will be reviewed. The possibility of an increase is being considered as part of a broader examination of future expenses, taking into account mountain climbing restrictions and safety measures implemented this year.
To address trail congestion, Yamanashi Prefecture introduced climbing restrictions for the first time in 2021. A temporary gate was set up at Yoshida Trail’s fifth station on the Yamanashi side, where climbers were required to pay ¥2,000 per person.
The entry fees and donations from climbers generated approximately ¥360 million this summer, resulting in a reduction of about ¥50 million in prefectural tax burden. However, to completely eliminate this remaining burden, discussions will be held regarding an appropriate entry fee structure based on the principle that hikers benefiting from new safety measures should bear some financial responsibility.
Considering that necessary costs are higher during weekends when there is more crowding on the mountain, Yamanashi Prefecture will also explore setting different entry fee amounts for weekends and weekdays.
Shizuoka Prefecture has expressed similar intentions to charge entry fees for Mt. Fuji climbers on its trails next summer.
Governor Nagasaki emphasized that decisions regarding next year’s entry fees will take into account input from the national government, Shizuoka Prefecture officials, and local residents.
