Mount Fuji Hiking Restrictions 2025: New Daily Limits, Fees, and Entry Rules to Know Before You Climb
Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, stands at an impressive height of 3,776 meters and is widely recognized as a symbol of Japan. More than 200,000 climbers visit Mount Fuji annually, and many tourists combine their climbing experience with visits to the numerous tourist attractions in the surrounding area.
Since being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013, Mount Fuji has seen a steady increase in climbers, leading to issues with deteriorating visitor behavior. As the mountain is located within a national park, environmental conservation remains a significant challenge. In 2024, new rules were established to maintain a quality climbing environment. This article will explain these newly implemented rules in detail.
New Rules Established for Mount Fuji Climbing in 2024
The number of climbers on Mount Fuji continues to increase yearly. In 2024, more than 200,000 climbers visited the mountain. With the growing number of international climbers in recent years, new rules were established in 2024.
Purpose of Additional Restrictions
The main objectives of the new restrictions are to enhance climbing safety, protect the environment, and reduce congestion. As the number of climbers has increased yearly, various issues have emerged, including improper garbage disposal, deteriorating toilet conditions, and trail congestion.
The newly added rules include the collection of access fees and limitations on the number of daily climbers. The access fees will be used for maintaining and repairing trails and toilets that have deteriorated from heavy use. Additionally, setting daily climbing limits aims to prevent dangerous congestion on the trails.
These new rules are also intended to ensure climbers can enjoy a more pleasant hiking experience, so please observe them for a safe Mount Fuji climb.
Different Rules for Yamanashi and Shizuoka Sides
Mount Fuji straddles two prefectures: Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture. The rules differ depending on the prefecture, so please make sure to check the specific rules for your chosen route's prefecture before attempting the climb.
New Regulations and Rules Explained by Each Climbing Entrance
Mt. Fuji has four routes. These four different entrances serve as starting points for climbing Mt. Fuji. More than half of climbers use Fujisan Yoshida in Yamanashi Prefecture, while the others use Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotenba in Shizuoka Prefecture, making a total of four entrances. Here, we will explain the newly added regulations and rules for each climbing entrance.
New Regulations and Rules for Yamanashi Side (Fujisan Yoshida)
The Fujisan Yoshida entrance in Yamanashi Prefecture is used by more than half of Mt. Fuji climbers. Located at an altitude of 2,300m, it's also popular as a tourist destination with restaurants and souvenir shops. Four main new rules have been established for the heavily trafficked Fujisan Yoshida entrance.
Access Fee Implementation
Starting in 2024, climbers are required to pay a mandatory access fee of 2,000 yen to climb Mt. Fuji. While voluntary environmental conservation donations existed before, the access fee is now mandatory.
The access fee primarily goes toward maintaining facilities such as climbing paths and restrooms, as well as covering rescue operation costs in case of accidents. Please pay both the access fee and conservation donation to help maintain a pleasant climbing environment.
The access fee can be paid in cash on-site or in advance through the online reservation system. Making advance payments through the reservation system is recommended for smoother mountain entry.
Climber Number Restrictions
To prevent extreme crowding, the daily limit of climbers has been restricted to 4,000 people. In 2017, the Fujisan Yoshida entrance had 17 days where climber numbers exceeded 4,000 people. Large numbers of climbers can cause trail congestion, potentially leading to accidents. Additionally, facilities like restrooms become overcrowded, making for an uncomfortable climbing experience.
From 2024 onwards, if the number of climbers exceeds 4,000, the trail entrance will be closed, and no further entry will be permitted. With the addition of climber restrictions, a reservation system has been introduced, so be sure to make reservations before climbing.
Introduction of Reservation System
With the daily climber limit set at 4,000 people, a reservation system has been implemented. You can make climbing reservations in advance through this system. While climbing without a reservation is possible, entry will be denied once the daily limit of 4,000 climbers is reached, so making a reservation is essential.
When making a reservation through the system, you'll need to pay the access fee online simultaneously. Please note that date changes or personal cancellations are non-refundable, so make reservations only after your plans are confirmed.
Entrance Gate Time Restrictions
From 2024, the climbing entrance will be closed to traffic between 16:00 and 3:00 the following morning, and passage through the gate will not be permitted.
The main reason for this is to prevent "bullet climbing" (弾丸登山) - climbing Mt. Fuji at night to view the sunrise without staying at a mountain hut. Bullet climbing is extremely dangerous as it can lead to accidents due to lack of sleep and poor physical condition. Additionally, temperatures drop significantly at night, sometimes reaching winter-like conditions even in summer. If you plan to climb Mt. Fuji to view the sunrise, please make sure to reserve a mountain hut before attempting the climb.
While those with mountain hut reservations can pass through the gate during restricted hours, it's recommended to pass through before 16:00 to reach your mountain hut early.
New Regulations and Rules for Shizuoka Side (Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya)
There are three trailheads in Shizuoka Prefecture: "Subashiri," "Gotemba," and "Fujinomiya." The Shizuoka Prefecture rules apply regardless of which trailhead you use. Since these rules differ from those of Yamanashi Prefecture, please review them carefully.
Introduction of Pre-registration System
Similar to Yamanashi Prefecture, pre-registration is now required when climbing from Shizuoka routes. When pre-registering, you must provide your climbing schedule, mountain hut accommodation information, and transportation details. Additionally, you must watch an educational video about essential rules and etiquette for climbing Mt. Fuji.
Upon completing the pre-learning session, you'll receive a QR code that must be verified at the trailhead entrance. Since mobile reception can be unstable around Mt. Fuji, it's recommended to save a screenshot of the QR code in advance.
Checkpoint Authentication
QR code verification takes place at the 5th station of each trailhead with staff members. Upon verification, you'll receive a wristband serving as proof of pre-registration.
If you arrive without pre-registering, you'll need to complete the registration and pre-learning on-site, which can result in significant time loss. Therefore, please complete pre-registration at home.
Additionally, if you attempt to start climbing after 4 PM, you'll be asked about mountain hut reservations. Since bullet climbing (climbing without staying at a mountain hut) is dangerous, please ensure you use mountain hut accommodations for night climbing.
Pre-learning of Climbing Rules and Etiquette
Please complete the pre-learning of climbing rules and etiquette. The pre-registration system website features a 7-minute educational video covering essential manners and information, including Mt. Fuji's climate, climbing methods, appropriate clothing, necessary equipment, and handling bad weather and emergencies.
The pre-learning video is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai. It's highly informative, so even those planning to climb via the Yoshida route should watch it.
Pre-learning video site: https://www.kkday.com/en-au/product/173225
Introduction of Mt. Fuji Conservation Cooperation Fee (Optional)
While there's no mandatory passage fee for Shizuoka routes, a 1,000 yen conservation cooperation fee is requested. This fee supports trail maintenance and cleanup efforts. Contributors receive a wooden plaque featuring Mt. Fuji's design as a commemorative item.
Note that if you descend via the Yamanashi Yoshida route after climbing from the Shizuoka side, you'll need to pay a separate 2,000 yen passage fee.
While Shizuoka Prefecture won't implement mandatory cooperation fees in 2024, discussions are underway for potential implementation in 2025 and beyond, so please follow the rules accordingly.
Summary
We've explained the newly implemented rules. Although regulations have become stricter compared to 2023, we hope these additions will help maintain an even more pleasant environment.
Mt. Fuji is located within a national park, and besides the climbing rules mentioned above, collecting plants, removing stones, and setting up tents are prohibited.
When climbing Mt. Fuji, please observe basic etiquette such as giving way to others and carrying out your trash. Enjoy your climb while showing respect for nature and fellow climbers.
