Mt. Fuji to Set Climbing Restrictions From Summer 2024
Mt. Fuji has four trails, and the most popular one is the Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi Prefecture side. In an effort to ensure the safety of those climbing Mt. Fuji and reduce overtourism, from 2024, entry restrictions and a hiking fee will be placed on all those climbing the Yoshida Trail. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
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Overview
From July 1 (the start of the Mt. Fuji climbing season), there will be a gate at the entrance of the fifth station of the Yoshida Trail, as shown in the photo below.
Up to 4,000 people will be allowed passage through the gate each day. They will need to pay a mandatory hiking fee of 2,000 yen/person on top of the voluntary donation of 1,000 yen/person.
Around 3,000 spots can be reserved online through the official Mt. Fuji Climbing website. The remaining 1,000 spots are reserved for people who have not made advance reservations online.
Once a reservation is made, you will receive a QR code by email. Scan that code at the gate to receive a wristband that will grant you passage through the gate.
The reservation system will open on May 20, 2024 at 10 AM JST. You can make a reservation up until 11:59 PM JST the day before your hike.
If you want guaranteed entry into the Yoshida Trail, we suggest making a reservation ASAP!
Official Mt. Fuji Climbing website
General Questions
How can I pay the hiking fee?
If you make a reservation online, you’ll have to pay the hiking fee (2,000 yen/person) online. Payments can be made through credit card or QR code. You can also pay the voluntary donation (1,000 yen/person) at the same time.
If you don’t make a reservation, on the day you wish to climb, you can pay by cash, credit card, cashless payment, or QR code at the gate.
Can I cancel my reservation and get a refund?
Once payment is completed, cancellations due to personal reasons (including wanting to change the date or public transport delays) are non-refundable. You don’t need to do anything to cancel the reservation – just don’t show up.
You can receive a refund if the cancellation is made by the prefecture – for example, if there’s a natural disaster or incredibly bad weather.
How can I make group reservations?
You can make a reservation for up to 100 people at a time online through the Mt. Fuji Climbing reservation system. There is no separate procedure.
Can I make a reservation by phone?
No. Reservations can only be made online. The reservation system is accessible on PCs, smartphones, and tablets.
Can I book in [insert name of language]?
While there is no official announcement of what languages the reservation system can accommodate, we assume you’ll be able to book in Japanese, English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Korean.
Does the gate have opening and closing times?
Yes. The gate will be closed from 4:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
This rule was implemented to ensure the safety of climbers, as many people used to make the climb at night to witness the sunrise at the summit. They would then descend the mountain without rest, causing altitude sickness and hypothermia.
There is one exception: if you have a reservation at a mountain hut, you can pass through the gates at any time. However, it is strongly recommended to pass through the gates before the closing times for your safety.
If I make a reservation for the mountain huts, do I have to pay the hiking fee?
Yes, as they’re two separate fees.
You can make a reservation to pass through the trail gate online or pay the hiking fee on the day you plan to climb Mt. Fuji.
Do you need to make a mountain hut reservation to climb Mt. Fuji?
No.
However, there will be a check past 4:00 PM to see if you’ve made a reservation if you’re climbing on the other trails (Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya).
Where can I make further inquiries about the reservation system?
055-225-3956
*Available 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM JST every day from May 13 till September 10
*Only English and Japanese supported
Useful Resources for Mt. Fuji Climbers
Mt. Fuji climbing guide
https://www.tsunagujapan.com/ultimate-guide-mt-fuji/
1 day sightseeing options around Mt. Fuji
https://www.tsunagujapan.com/fuji-hakone-one-day-bus-trip/
https://www.tsunagujapan.com/day-trip-around-lake-kawaguchi/
Other sightseeing options around Mt. Fuji
https://www.tsunagujapan.com/10-places-to-visit-near-mt-fuji-and-lake-kawaguchi/
Accommodation near Mt. Fuji
https://www.tsunagujapan.com/10-kawaguchiko-relax/
https://www.tsunagujapan.com/6-high-class-ryokan-around-lake-kawaguchi/
Buy the Mt. Fuji Pass online (get free entry to major sights and attractions)
Klook link with more details and booking option
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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