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Japan introduces entry fees and a daily visitor cap for Mount Fuji’s Yoshida Trail starting July 1, 2024, to combat overtourism and preserve the environment at this UNESCO site.
In a significant move to curb overtourism and environmental degradation, the Japanese government has announced new restrictions and a ticketing system for visitors to Mount Fuji, one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks. This initiative, starting from July 1, 2024, marks a pivotal step in preserving the integrity of this World Heritage site.
Mount Fuji has experienced an explosion in visitor numbers, raising concerns about littering and hiker safety. In 2023, a staggering 221,322 climbers ascended the mountain, with more than half using the popular Yoshida Trail. This influx has led to an unprecedented accumulation of waste and increased traffic on the trails, resulting in accidents and injuries.
The Yoshida Trail, known for its accessibility from Tokyo and the frequency of mountain huts offering lodging and meals along the way, has been particularly affected. Last year, it saw an “unprecedented number” of hikers, and similar numbers are expected this year. This has necessitated immediate action to manage the environmental impact and ensure the safety of the hikers.
The Yamanashi Prefectural Government, overseeing hiking activities at this UNESCO World Heritage site, deemed it necessary to introduce a toll and implement a daily visitor cap of 4,000 along the Yoshida Trail. These measures aim to facilitate mountain clean-up efforts, preserve the environment, and reduce congestion. The 70-day summer climbing season, beginning on July 1, will serve as the initial phase of these new regulations.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
