Japan charges fees to climb Mount Fuji for first time

The measures are aimed at easing congestion and ensuring safety on the most popular route, the Yoshida trail from Yamanashi Prefecture, used by about 60 percent of climbers to reach Japan's highest peak.

Visitor numbers are capped at 4,000 per day, not including those who book a place at one of the huts along the winding trail leading to the 3,776m summit, where climbers can buy refreshments and spend the night.

Mount Fuji, the symbol of the country, is the most popular tourist destination in Japan.

While reservations can be made for up to 3,000 climbers, the remaining 1,000 spots will be reserved for those who show up without pre-registration.

The current entrance fee is 2,000 yen ($12.43) per climber. The revenue will be used to cover the costs of security staff and maintaining the climbing route.

Visitors will be allowed through the wooden entrance gate installed at the fifth station, roughly halfway up the mountain, only between 3am and 4pm, unless they have booked a place at a mountain hut.

Yamanashi prefecture officials said the fee is the first of its kind to be imposed on a mountain in Japan. Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki said the measures are aimed at helping combat overtourism, according to Asahi .

Mount Fuji climbing season lasts until September 10.

The number of foreign tourists to Japan is expected to increase sharply this year, partly due to the weak yen.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhat-ban-lan-dau-thu-phi-leo-nui-phu-si-185240701083833351.htm