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 for the 2025 climbing season.

The climbing season typically runs from the beginning of July to the beginning of September, when the weather conditions are most favorable.

Yoshida Trail: July 1 to September 10
Fujinomiya, Gotemba, and Subashiri trails: July 10 to September 10

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 2025, there’ll be three significant changes for climbing Mount Fuji using the Yoshida Trail.

Changes for Climbing Mount Fuji in 2025

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 installed a gate and imposed restrictions on the Yoshida Trail in 2024. The gates for the 2025 climbing season will close at 2:00 pm and then reopen at 3:00 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 implemented a daily climber cap of 4,000 people per day. Visitors will be turned away once the cap is met.

3. Pay to Climb

Starting in 2025, you’ll need to pay a 4,000 yen fee to climb Mount Fuji. The fee will be enforced at all four of the climbing trails. The Yoshida trail has set up an online system for advance reservations.

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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.