Changes for Climbing Mount Fuji in 2024

Every year, the goal of climbing Mount Fuji attracts thousands of tourists from all around the world. It’s Japan’s highest peak at 3,776 meters and an iconic symbol of the country, but things are changing starting in 2024.

The climbing season typically runs from July 1 to September 10 when the weather conditions are most favorable. During this period, the mountain is accessible via several trails, with the Yoshida Trail being the most popular. See tips for climbing Mt. Fuji.

Photo by Naoya Fujii / CC BY-NC

However, starting in 2024, there’ll be three significant changes for climbing Mount Fuji using the Yoshida Trail.

Changes for Climbing Mount Fuji in 2024

1. No More Bullet Climbing

In the past, it was very common for people climbing Mount Fuji to begin their ascent in the late afternoon or early evening to reach the summit in time for sunrise. Something referred to as bullet climbing.

To prevent the trail from being overcrowded with bullet climbers, Yamanashi Prefecture will install a gate and impose restrictions on the Yoshida Trail. The newly installed gates will now close at 4:00 pm and then reopen at 2:00 am the following day.

No climbers will be permitted to go on the trail between these times unless they have a confirmed reservation at a mountain hut.

Photo by Skyseeker / CC BY 2.0

2. Daily Climber Cap

Overcrowding on the trails and at the mountain huts has also led to an increase in accidents, and incidents of improper behavior.

Climbers have been seen sleeping on the trail because of overcrowded mountain huts and lighting fires in an attempt to stay warm.

As a remedy, prefecture officials will implement a daily climber cap of 4,000 people per day starting in 2024. Visitors will be turned away once the cap is met.

3. Pay to Climb

Climbers will also need to pay a 2,000 yen fee to climb Mt. Fuji starting in 2024. The fee will be enforced at the newly installed Yoshida Trail gate.

This fee is separate from the 1,000 yen voluntary contribution currently solicited to support mountain upkeep.

Why the New Changes?

The goal of all these measures is to cut down on the congestion of visitors climbing Mount Fuji and enhance safety measures on the mountain. The main concerns are the hazardous practices like bullet climbing, and the prevention of undesirable behavior of some climbers.

Revenue generated from the newly imposed fee will fund initiatives to deter bullet climbing and establish shelters in case of volcanic eruptions.